New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-07-16
TRIPLE BUFFALO TRAGEDY
Grain Merchant Kills Wife, Daugh-
ter and Himself.

Buffalo. July 15.-Edgar T. Washburn. a MEM
Der OF the firm Of Heathfeld s. Washburn, grain
dealers, murdered his wife, Janela Pomeroy Wash
burn. and their daughter. Gladys fifteen years
old. and then committed suicide some time be-
tween midnight and day break to-day. The tragedy
was discovered by relative who called at the
Nashburn house at No. 50 PItnam-st.. about
noon to-day Business troubles are said to have
been the cause OF the tragedy.
When the police arrived they found Mrs Wash
burn and her daughter lying dead. side by side IN
bed. Washburn lying dead on tho floor at the
foot of the bed Evidently Washburn shot the girl
first she lay in bed in n position OF repose and
apparently did move after tho bullet crashed
into i.er brain. When Mrs Washburn aroused by
the shot that ended the life of her daughter, partly
raised herself in the bed. Washburn fired the
second shot the bullet entering Mrs. Washburns
left temple and causing instant death. Washburn
apparently then picked up a mirror ami. taking
careful aim shot himself in the head the bullet
entering the right temple and coming out just
above the left The news of the tragedy had
the effect of practically closing the Grain Ex-
change for the remainder of the day.
William G. Heathfeld. Washburn's partner, said
that he had been around among the different firms
and had made what inquiry he could as to the
condition OF business deals in which Mr.. Washburn
was interested. He said that he was satisfied that
the was the result Of business trouble and
anxiety but he had not been able to ascertain the
condition Of his contracts. He added that he had
not been able TO look over any of Mr.. Washburn s
papers his accounts to ascertain what his exact
financial standing was He did not know whether
Mr. Washburn carried any life insurance: in fact
he able to give any idea Of the condition
that tempted Mr.. Washburn to commit this deed
Mr.. Washburn and 1 have been in business
since January l, 1900" he continued. Il never saw
anything yesterday. at any time. that would
cause me to imagine such a terrible act on his
part Mr.. Washburn forty-nine years old. and
his wife l believe, was some two years younger
He has one SON DR.. +. T. WashbUrn who was
married a week days ago. Mr.. Washburn's
mother who lives with them. visiting another
son somewhere in Pennsylvania"
letter to Mr.. Heathheld, written by Washburn,
was received at Mr.. Heathhelds house in the
course of the day. In this letter. which was
written on two closely typewriter sheets, one
reference made to his wife or daughter. 1t
said in part:
My Dear Brother Billy: I am about 10 take a
all who have ever held me in regard and esteem
| have striven hard TO make success OF life
upsets my plans. l have hoped that might sue
coed in business, not SO much that I crayed tho
good work in the world. Do not think that
/ feel that l getting of easily Ny belief IN
a future life teaches that | must suffer untold
agony. but am a blight upon those whom
love, and upon those who love me, and II seems
best that should drop out OF the lives OF all OF
eafth IS children and perhaps some time, some
where in the future. l may be permitted TO work
myself into a niche in life where l may be able
TO atone for my errors
Be lenient with me. for l love you as a brother
and II had ten thousand lives 1 would give them
you must suffer through me II grieves me TO
lose the esteem OF my associates and II there is
any one whom | have wronged It has not been
as they would be forgiven. for I am Sincerely
repehtant FOR any wrong that have done.