The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-08-11
TRAGIC DEATH
OF C. W. PLUNKETT
He Sends a Bullet Crashing
Through His Own Brain.
The Funeral Here.
Special to The rimes-Dlspatch.)

NEWPORT NEWS, VA, Aug. 10
with his mind disordered by brood Of
unhappy vagaries. that followed in the
train Of dissipation. Charles Wesley
Plunkett foreman Of the Times Herald
ended his life at sunset yesterday after
noon. on the Casino grounds. It was
shortly after o'clock when Mr.. Plunkett
left his horne and walked down leisurely
to the Casino grounds. He had Just been
talking TO his wife and two little boys.
and what passed between them Is not
known, although they were shown
pistol by him. and he refused to sur
render 1t to his wife.
Mrs. Punkett had no thought that he
would do himself harm, as often before
he had threatened to END 1t all. as he
said but neither his family nor his
this subject. Mr.. Plunkett walked down
to the Casino grounds and across it near
to cump of trees covering the ravine
and the right OF the base-ba park, at
the foot q! Twenty ninth Street. Just
before he reached the grove he threw
himself upon the grass, With his head
resting upon his left hand. Several peo-
pie at distance saw him draw the pistol
from his pocket and hold 1t for a seco!Al
high above his head. The sunlight gilt
tered second on the steel, and then the
weapon was turned to his right temple
and the bullet passed completely through
his head. He had used 3s-calbre wea-
pom and his death was instantaneous
Mr. Plunkett was born at KernersVille.
n. c., and was thirty-three years or age.
He was married and had two little boys
ebout eight and six years OF n|,. He was
a printer by trade, and two years ago
came to the foremanship OF the Times
Herald composing-ro from the Rich
mond Leader. He had severed his con-
nection with this paper about ten days
ago and was preparing to go to Baltl-
more.
Friday evening he went to Old Point
to take the Baltimore steamer. but he
failed to take 1t. and from one OF the
hotels there he wrote lfster to an as
ISOLATE on this paper. saying that he was
going to end his life that night, On
Saturday, however, he was In Newport
News. and on Sunday afternoon talked
with his friends. and when the letter
was referred to Mr.. Plunkett laughed
and said, "wouldn't it be funny II did
kill myself This friend persuaded Mr..
Plunkett to go home. and he left him
there talking with Mrs. Plunkett halt
an hour before the shooting,
The remains OF Mr.. Punkett were taken
to Rouse's undertaking establishment, ana
this afternoon AT 0:Go Cipch WEI 'nHoH
IA Richmond, accompanied by represent
atives of the Heptasophs and Typograph-
ical Union, to which orders he belonged
He carried a policy of $4,000 In the former
order. Two brothers of Mr., Plunkett
arrived this morning from Richmond and
remained with the gref-stricken widow
and children until the remains were taken
to Richmond,
The remains of Mr. G. w. Plunkett ar
rived in this city yesterday afternoon and
were taken to the home Of his brother,
Mr.. W, M. Plunkett No 412 North
Twelfth Street, from whence the funeral
will take place this afternoon at 5 O'Clock
and the interment will be In Hollywood
Besides his own immediate family, Mr.
Plunkett leaves an aged father and
mother and two brothers, Messrs. w. NJ
md L. C. Plunkett, both we'll known
railway postal clerks. all living IN this
city,
The untlmely end OF Mr., C. w, Plunkett
is deplored by host of friends In this
city. Flo was of an exceedingly pleasant
personality. and attracted to himself
Who will sorrou n his sad end.