Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-18
WON FAME AS MARINE
UnacCountabIe Suicide OF
Policeman Hunt.
GOT MEDAL FOR BRAVERY
Held Mckinley When Shot at
Buffalo.
HIS CALAMITY AT TIENTSIN
Bore Harry Leonard Off the Battle
field-Dissatisfied With
Local Work.

Policeman Edward Hunt of the second
precinct police. and formerly gallant
sergeant of the Marine Corps. into whose
arms President Mckinley fell after he
was shot at Buffalo. and who carried
Maj Harry Leonard of the Marine Corps
from the field of Tientsin after he had
been severely wounded during the Boxer
troubles in China. ended his life at the
early age of thirty at the station house
last night by shooting himself in the head.
A few minutes before shooting himself
Hunt was laughing and joking with his
brother officers. He reported at j
o'clock yesterday afternoon, and for some
time afterward played cards with several
other policemen in the squad room.
Hunt Found Dead.
After a short time he left the squad
room, saying he was going upstairs to
the dormitory for few moments. He
had been there but a few minutes when
the policemen heard a revolver shot, and,
rushing to the second floor, found Hunt
lying across a cot with a bullet hole in
the roof of his mouth, and revolver
lying beside him.
Hunt was carried downstairs apparent
ly in a dying condition and sent to the
Homeopathic Hospital in the patrol
the physicians pronounced him dead. Cor
oner hewitt was notified and viewed the
remains later. giving certificate OF
death by suicide.
The remains were taken to the under
taking establishment of j. William Lee at
3332 Pennsylvania avenue northwest late
last night, and prepared for burial. Hunt
had boarded with friends at 1925 9th street
northwest. Police of the second precinct
notified Sergt. Patrick Hunt. stationed at
Portland, Me-. a brother of the dead ofn-
Ger. of the suicide, and asked for his wish
es as to when the funeral should be held.
Suicide Unaccountable.
The deceased had u wide circle Of friends
and they are all at loss to account for
his reason to end his life. 1t Is re-
called that several weeks ago his name
was connected with a minor charge. but
after a complete investigation 1t was
found that he was in no way connected
with the matter.
Hunt had been a member Of the police
force for the past two years, having Deen
appointed a member of the department
after his return to this country, following
service in the Marine Corps for a number
of years. Some time after being ap-
pointed to the force Hunt protested q
dislike for police work, and told number
of his friends recently that he would
probably resign shortly and re-enter the
Marine Corps. Hunt was once stationed
at the White House.
Maj. Sylvester, superintendent OF police.
this morning declared that Hunt was one
of the most efficient men on the force.
He said that Hunt came to the force highly
recommended by the officers under whom
he served. and that he had lived up to
those recommendations in every detail.
Hunt asked for transfers from several
precincts during his service, and in every
instance the superintendent allowed his
requests.
Capt. Strains Tribute.
John ]. Strain. captain of the watch of
the District building. and Policeman
Michael DOnnelly of the first precinct sta
ton both served with Hunt in Cuba, the
Philippines and China. Prior to entering
the Marine Corps Hunt was in the army.
He was a modest soldier. whom every
one liked" said Capt Strain this MORN
ing. Every man in the army with whom
he came in contact loved Hunt. / served
with him in China and in other places,
and / knew him WE'LL
Capt Strain then said that President
Mckinley fell In Hunts arms at Buffalo
after he had been shot. He also said
that after Harry Leonard of the Marine
Corps had been wounded upon the Tfen-
tsin field, in China Hunt carried him
from danger. After that time there was
nothing that Leonard could do for Hunt
that he would not cheerfully do For
this gallant service Hunt was given a
gold medal for bravery in action.