Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-10-23
SUICIDE OF JAMES YOUNGER.



notorious James band OF outlaws,
which infested the western country
quarter of century ago, commit
ted suicide yesterday by shooting
He left a letter to the press in which
he gives as a reason for his act de-
spondency over continued i'll health
and separation from his friends.
Younger occupied room in a down
town block and when he did not
make his appearance as usual search
was made for him. About flve
o'clock in the afternoon the door OF
his room was broken in and his dead
body found, stretched on the floor
beside the bed, a revolver clutched
in his right hand. lie had shot him
self through the head and evidently
had been dead for several hours.
Younger, since his parole from the
state penitentiary in July Of last
year, had led an exemplary life. his
first employment was a travelling
agent for tombstone dealer, and on
one of the trips he made about the
state he was quite seriously hurt
by fall from wagon. Old wounds
he had received earlier in life also
gave him much trouble and, al
though he soon obtained lighter en-
ployment, his health was extremely
precarious and this caused him much
worriment. He was "a years OF age.
On bureau in the room was found
a long Manila envelope, one side OF
which was written: ITO oil that Is
good and true love and bid fare
weH.-Jim Younger" On the other
side Of the envelope were these
words: "Oh, lassie, good-by. All
relatives, just stay away from me.
No crocodile tears wanted. Report
ers: Be my friends. Burn me up
Jim Younger"
The envelope contained a package
Of letters that had passed between
Younger and lady with whom he
is said to have been much in love.
The lady, who is prominently con-
a
nected, is said to have reciprocated
his affection and 1t was reported at
one time that they were to be mar
ried. The lady's relatives raised
strenuous objections to the wedding
and q further obstacle was the fact
that IL was pointed out that pa
rolled missioner could not legally Coz
tract a marriage. The couple" deter
mined to disregard the objections
Of relatives and an effort was made
TO overcome the other obstacle to
their marriage by securing from the
state board of pardons a full pardon
and restoration to citizenship. This
effort failed and this, 1t is thought,
had much to do with Younger's deter
mination to end his life. It is also
said that relations between Jim and
Cole Younger were very much
strained-in fact that the brothers
had not been on speaking terms for
the past six months
On another sheet Of paper Younger
had written this message, evidently
his last word before committing sui
eide:
October 1s.-Last night on earth
so good-by, lassie, for l still think
Of the A, U. G. Forgive me, for this
is my only chance. have done moth
ing wrong. But politics that Van
SAINT, Wolfer and Others of their
stripe care for Let the people judge.
Treat me right and fair, reporters,
for | am a square man. A socialist
and decidedly in woman's rights.
Bryan is the brightest man these
United States has ever produced.
His one mistake was in not coming
out for all the people and absolute
socialism. Come out Bryan. There
Is no such thing as n personal God.
God is universal and know Him
well and am not afraid. have pity
for the psrdoning board; they do not
stop to consider their wives or to
think of the man who knows how to
love and appreciate friend in truth.
Good-by, sweet lassie."