The Richmond palladium. (Richmond, Ind.) 1906-1907, 1907-01-18
Edward Townsend Suicided
i'm Cell Where Brother Com
mitted Similar Deed.
HIS ENDING TRAGIC ONE
HAD BEEN DRINKING AND WAS
CONFINED AT OWN REQUEST
WIFE AND TWO BABIES SUR
VIvE HIM.

While in a state of mind bordering
ton superinduced by the excessive use
of alcoholic 1iquor-Edward Townsend
ended his life in one of the cells at the
city prison by hanging, between ) and
6 O'Clock last evening.
1t was about two hours previous to
that time when Townsend approached
Patrolman Scott Winters at the cor
ner of Main and Eighth streets, with
the remark: I've been drinking a
good deal, and | guess you had better
lock me up before | do something that
] ought not to-"
His Request Was Granted.
There was wild light in his eyes,
his hands trembled violently, and he
had all the appearances of a man verg-
ing on the delirium tremens. Real
izing that his condition was such that
warranted his being placed under re-
straint, the officer at once took him to
police headquarters where he was
booked on charge of drunke mess.
sion that he was only to be detained
temporarily, was evidenced by re-
mark on the way to the station, that
he would be able to sleep off the
drunk in couple of hours"
Was Literally choked to Death.
He was placed in a cell, and no fur
ther attention was paid to him until
about $50 o'clock, when Patrolman
Vogelsong went back to ascertain if
he wanted supper. 1t was then that
he found the unfortunate hanging to
the bars of the cage by his suspend
ers. the rear portion of them being at
tached to the grating while one part
of the front section of these articles
was tightly fastened about his throat.
He had literally choked to death with
his knees swinging just above the
floor.
Coroner Bramkamp was hastily no
titled, and soon appeared upon the
scene. He began an investigation at
once, examining all those who had any
knowledge of the affair.
Strong Drink His Failing.
Townsend was about 81 years of
age, and painter by trade. He was
married and had two children, one of
which was year old, while the other
came into existence but five weeks
ago. He and his wife had been 1iv-
ing on South Eighth street near E,
until this week, when they moved to
cottage on North G street. He W.
a good workman, and man of peace
able disposition, even when in his
cups. His one stumbling block was
strong drink, and he has been indulg-
ing to excess for some time past, his
erratic actions causing more or less
comment among his friends and rela-
tives. The police were at one time
called to Main street saloon to take |
charge of him on information that he
was throwing his money away. His |
father. who is a photographer, resides |
at ST Paris, o. At the request of the /
relatives of the dead man, the firm of
II. c. Downing & Son. of North |!
Eighth street, took charge of the re-
mains.
Brother Suicided in Same Cell.
IL is a singular fact that a brother /
IF the suicide, Will Townsend, took |
his life in the same way and at the
same place about two years ago. Ec- /
centric conduct on his part while un- |
der the influence of liquor, caused the /
police to lock him up. and short time I
after he had been placed in cell he
choked himself to death, using hand |
kerchief to accomplish his purpose.