St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1905-04-19
A BOSTON SUICIDE.
Clarence WI. Merriman, formerly of 81.
JOhnsbury, Ends His Life i'm Boston
Hotel.

Johnsbury, Ends His Life i'm Boston
Hotel.
Last Wednesdays Boston papers re-
corded the suicide OF Clarence M. Merri-
am, who formerly lived here and whose
family is well remembered by many, his
father having been at one time member
of the wholesale grain firm of Spencer,
Pearl & Merriam. The news OF his sud-
den death came as great shock to his
friends and acquaintance. He was
student in St. Johnsbury Academy in
1897. The following report is taken from
the Boston papers;
After sending word to three OF his bust
ness acquaintance to surely call on him
in the afternoon at his room at Clark's
hotel, as he would be there to show them
something of Importance, Clarence Mes
ser Merriam, aged 80, of Newton Center,
an investment broker, with Offices at 159
Devonshire street, lay back on the bed
in his room Wednesday afternoon, and
fred shot into his right temple, and
took his life instantly. AS far as is known,
his health was good at least his general
demeanor gave that impression to those
who were with him most. Up to the
morning of the day he had planned to
die he was apparently cheerful.
Saturday evening he registered at
| ClarA's hotel, telling his wife that he
was Obliged to stay in town few nights
owing to the pressure of business.
Since that day he has preserved his usual
| i'll baE I,oo 10, sc
side many friends, both in the business
and social world, and several men called
on him during the days he stopped at the
hotel.
For nearly six years he had been resi-
deut OF Newton Centre, and had made a
host OF warm friends. By his associates
he was looked upon as an exceptionally
able and leveheaded business man, and
socially he was extremely popular. He.
came to Newton Center from the west. He
, was native of Waterbury, Conn, where
he received his early education, later
graduating from Williams college. His
home on Ridge av. while modest and un-
pretentious, was furnished in a manner
denoting refinement and taste. With
him lived his wife, to whom he was wed.
ded before coming to this city, and their
two daughters, aged 8 and 8 years. The
young couple soon became very popular
} and quickly widened their circle of friends
The husband was a member OF the First
Congregational church. Among his as.
sociates in the numerous social organi-
cations Of which Merriam was member
he was regarded as an all.round good
fellow, and was always among the first
to enter into any entertainment or festi-
witty which was being planned. He was
an expert golfer and took part in all the
! tournaments OF the Newton Center club.
t 1t is said that his business was largely
confined to placing western mortgages,
. and as far as can be learned his affairs
b were in sound and prosperous con
n ditiou.
e Matt B. Jones, lawyer at 101 Mill
=. street also well known in st. Iohnsbury
Il has acted as attorney for Merriman il
II the few instances when the latter ha
e had occasion to need legal services
j. but when Mr.. Jones was asked if h
could give reason for the suicide
he took up morning paper, pointed t.
It the article on the suicide, and said
n There's the whole story. The news
IS papers have already got the whole story
:. There is nothing more to be said. don
% know what the reason is for the suicide
r, suppose there is reason, because
n man doesn't commit such an act with
90 out reason, but what that reason is
don't know, and l don't believe there
g. a man living who knows. This is all
~ have to say about it.
~ Mr.. Merriam leaves a twin brothe
i. Carroll NJ, sister, the wife of Re-
Charles M. Sheldon, one other broth,
II and his father and mother in Topeka
lis Kansas.