New-York tribune., 1908-04-11
LAWYER PANIC SUICIDE
Charles H. Murphey Shoots Himself
IN 4stOr House.

Another name was added yesterday 10 the al
ready long list suicides due the financial
uation. when Charles \. Murphey. formerly OF tbs
law firm Of Murphey & Metcalf. No. Is Wall street.
was found dead in the Astor House. with bullet
in his brain. The suicide not unexpected.
the dead had been morose for some weeks.
following a disastrous financial deal The only
word left by Mr. Murphey a note to his wife.
in which he said that the he took was tbs
best pursue
Mr.. Murphey went TO the Astor House shortly
after midnight yesterday morning. and upon regis
tering his right name and his home. Brooklyn was
assigned Room No. 1sS. He carried a small griu
and Immediately to his room Nothing nor.
heard from him until his body was found BY
maid shortly after noon. He had purchased chesu
revolver and placed one cartridge in il. although
he had a box of ffty in his pocket. A maid at her
work entered the room with a pass key and.
ticing the body the bed thought the occupaus
of the room was asleep, and about TO leavs
when she blood stains the bed linen. She
from the room screaming and told Manager
Underwood, who 10 the police ot this
Church station Coroner AcriteIH. who in
vestigated the case, said that Mr.. Murphey had
been dead about six hours.
letter which had been torn into little pieces
was found in the basket in the room, and
when put together read:
When this letter reaches YOU nv body will -
aoatins down the river. | think that win be the
husband. TAC!t ~
The body identified by Arthur Shaw. man
ager in Mr. Murpheys office and word was sent to
No 27s Henry street. Brooklyn. where the dead
man lived There little surprise there when tn,
rews was received and the first words spoken by
Mrs Frank Bailey, sister of Mrs. Murphey and
wife Of the vicepresident of the Title Csuarante.
and Trust Company, was. Has Mr.. Murphey shot
himself? Mr. Bailey. who summoned BY tho
Murphey family when Mr.. Murphey did not return
his home last night. when asked for a cause for
the suicide said: He ruined. He had los.
everything"
Mr.. Murphey, although member % the law firm,
had spent of mis- time in the last few years in
the real estate and promoting business He was
prominent the Brooklyn Heights Improvement
Company. and a few years ago went into the elec-
panic last fan he made engagement TO dispose OF
his holdings there TO A syndicate. On the strength
Of the money that he expected 10 receive he went
into other enterprises. and negotiated note for
large sum which would have come due in June
When the panic the syndicate repudiated il.
agreement, and left Mr. Murphey with the note on
his hands and no funds with which to meet il A
number of his friends had offered to tide him over
his difficulties but ne worried constantly over the
condition Of his property
Mr. Murphey born in Lancaster Wis and
Brooklyn when about twenty-five years
old. lie studied Law at Columbia. was admitted TO
the har. and shortly aftervard married Miss Maris
Louise Lambert daughter OF ex-Mayor Lambert OF
Brooklyn About eighteen years ago he became as
socated with Samuel c. Metcalf. The partnership
was continued until eight years ago Mr.. Murphsy
retained his office with the firm
He was prominent member OF the First Presoy-
terian Church of Brooklyn, and for a time was
superintendent of the Sunday school He leaves
besides his wife five children. three girls and twin
boys. He hfty-one years old.