Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-02
TAKES HIS OWN LIFE
WIN. J. BOLWAY SENDS BULLET
INTO HIS HEAD.
Was Clerk in Treasury Department of
$1,000 Grade-Leaves Letter
for His Mother.

William j. Boiway. 81 .6G0 clerk in the
office of the auditor for the Treasury De-
partment. committed suicide this morning
by shooting himself in the head The deed
was committed in his room in the house of
Mrs. Fields. III 18th street northwest. In
n letter to his mother Mrs. Thomas G.
Hensey the young man said that his in
ability to refrain from the use of liquor
had caused him to believe there was no use
for him 20 try to prolong the struggle any
longer. He also suggested that his mother
collect his life insurance and pay certain
bills he had contracted.
His mother lives at 400 NJ street north
west. She was notified of the death of her
son shortly after his body was found. His
stepfather was also notified, and after
Coroner hewitt had given a certificate of
death arrangements were made for the re-
moval of the body to the M street home.
His friends believe he had thought over
the matter for some days. 1t is also be-
lieved that the young man had love at
fair He had spoken of his sweetheart hav-
ing gone back on him.
Popular With His Friends.
Bolway was popular with his friends and
had many of them.
Two months ago he rented room in the
house on 18th street and spent much time
there at night.
In Nervous Condition.
He had not been at work for several
days, and last night about o'clock, when
he returned to his room, he was in a nerv-
condition. Previous to last tight he
had destroyed number of letters he had
received from young ladies, and, it is
stated. he also destroyed some photographs
Mr. f. T. Gibbons. friend, called on him
last night and found him so nervous that
he remained some time. striving to compose
him. Shortly before . o'clock he sent the
colored janitor out to get him some Mexi-
can dishes. He ate some of the food ana
said he felt better Mr.. Gibbons wanted to
remain with him, but he said he felt all
right and declined his offer Mr.. Gibbons
70 left him about o'clock
1t is believed that Bolway wrote the let
ter to his mother shortly after Mr.. Gibbons
left him and then retired for the night.
Roomers in the house had become very
much attached to him during the short time
he had been there and We're constantly look
ing after his interests. Knowing of his
condition. Mrs. Fields went to his room
door about 10 o'clock TO see if she could be
of any assistance to him. He had retired,
but gave evidence of being uncomfortable.
Nothing more was thought of him until
this morning. when the colored chamber
maid. Maggie Hebron, went to the room to
do her morning work, and discovered the
mans body on the bed in q pool of blood
and a small pistol at his side. Hurryins
told her of what she had discovered. The
latter went to the room and found that the
body was still warm.
Hospital Notified.
Thinking there might be life left in the
body Mrs Fields had a message sent to the
Emergency Hospital for assistance. The
ambulance appeared at the house in few
minutes, and the surgeons accompanying it
found that life was extinct.
HE was a lovely fellow said Mrs
Fields. He had made arrangements TO
spend some time with his mother during
the inauguration in order that 1 might rent
his room TO advantage"
Coroner hewitt reached the house shortly
before II o'clock and made an investigation
There was nothing in the nature of d note
left by Bolway except the message to his
mother. The deceased was thrty-four
years old and was a native of this city
He was a member of the ambulance corps
of the District militia for one month in
1890. Arrangements for his funeral have
not yet been made.