Los Angeles herald., 1905-09-03
BODY OF THORPE
FOUND NEAR ROAD
DIES SUDDENLY WITH HEART
DISEASE
ONCE MEMBER POLICE BOARD
Served With Distinction Throughout
Civil War, In Which He Was
Thrice Wounded--Deseendant
of Patrick Henry
ONCE MEMBER POLICE BOARD

The body Of Colonel Spencer Roane
Thorpe, former police commissioner OF
Los Angeles, was found by the road
side near Moor park in Ventura county
early yesterday morning.
Colonel Thorpe left his home Friday
afternoon to drive to Simi valley and
his horse returned to the home alone
q few hours later. Searching parties
we're organized and resulted in find
iEg the body by the roadside.
The absence OF evidences of violent
death causes the family to believe that
nc died during an acute attack of heart
disease. to which he was subject.
Word was at once telephoned to the
family in Los Angeles. Mrs. Thorpe
and son, Spencer G. Thorpe. left at
once to accompany the remains. which
will arrive on the 11:30 o'clock train
this morning. No plans have been
made for the funeral, but it is ex-
pected it will be held from the family
residence, 333 South Bunker Hill ave-
nue., Monday or Tuesday.
Colonel Thorpe had been in i'll health
for some time. Shortly before his last
drive, he had planned with q friend
TO go to New Mexico. hoping to bene.
fit his health.
His Military Record
Colonel Thorpe had varied exper-
fences, having been wounded three
times during the civil war. and left
on the field for dead In an engagement
at Corydon, Indiana, where he was
taken prisoner and held at Johnston's
Island. He served four years in the
Confederate army as captain Of a Ken
lucky regiment under General Morgan,
and took part in the battles Of Manas-
sas, Shiloh, Bull Run and Murfrees-
boro. He was born in Kentucky, jan
uary 20. 1912.
After the war, in straitened cir
cumstances and i'll health, he COM
menced the practice Of law at Marks
vile, Louisiana, where he accumulated
fortune. He removed to California
in 1888, where he engaged in ranching
on a large scale.
He owned a 150-acre walnut orchard
in Ventura county which is said to be
had several ranches devoted to the
raising Of lima beans and a large tract
planted to apricots. He also owned
several valuable pieces of property in
Los Angeles.
Relative Of Patrick Henry
Colonel Thorpe was a member of the
Sons of the Revolution and Colonial
Wars, being a direct descendant of
Patrick Henry. He was also mem
Der of the Confederate Veterans and
was late commander of the Pacific di-
vision of that organization.
Deceased was active up to his death
and was distinctly representative OF
the old-time southern type. He was
twice appointed a member of the board
of police commissioners during the ad-
ministration of Mayor Snyder.
The Society of Colonial Wars has
appointed the following members to
attend the funeral of Colonel Thorpe,
who was lieutenant governor of the so
ciety, and vice president OF the So
ciety of the Sons Of Revolution: Cap
tain Cameron E. Thorn, Charles S.
Walton, Edward T. Harden. Bradner
w. Lee and Harrison p. Alexander.
The deceased leaves widow, Helena
Barbin Thorpe and five children, An
drew Roane Thorpe Of Eureka, Cal,
Mrs. Edwin 3. Richie, Mrs. Harry L.
Dunnigan, Spencer G. Thorpe and Car
lyle Thorpe OF Los Angeles.