New-York tribune., 1909-02-03
JOHN G. SPEED SUICIDE
author Shoots Himself, Supposedly
on account of III Health.
rBy Telegraph to The Tribune. ]

Morrfstown N j. Feb. 2-Presumabiy because OF
I'll health John Giimer Speed. the author and jour
ualist killed himself this morning in his rooms at
the Phoenix House. hotel at Mendham The sound
Of the revolver shot heard about 10 O'Clock.
and employees of the hotel rushing TO his room.
found Mr.. Speed stretched out his bed with his
temple shattered by bullet which had poughed
through his head and then through the door.
Mr. Speed died nearly hour and half after
firing the shot During this time he did not once
regain consciousness and SO was unable to make
any statement. The Coroner. DR.. George L. john
son. said that II clear case of suicide and
deemed no fnauest necessary The revolver was
found gripped in his hand.
For the last twenty years he had lived In the
neighborhood OF Mendham- year ago he sold his
house and went to the Phoenix House 10 live. Oc-
casionaIly he visited his daughter Mrs Dudley
Gray ot this city. but OF late he had kept close
his rooms, pleading i'll health Mrs Gray
reached Mendham this morning just as her father
died.
three years ago. but lived with his wife barely
month His first wife. who died in 1sSS. Mary
Pointdexter. Of Louisville In 1905 he married
Mrs. Emma stutz Daley. the widow OF wealthy
Indiana banker. A month later they separated,
and Mrs Speed sued for divorce in Indiana. Be
fore the proceedings had been brought to a head
she died in a hospital here. Mr. Speed refused 10
touch any part OF $1,000 estate, and turned Il
over voluntarily TO her relatives.
John Gfrner Speed was the nephew OF Keats, the
poet He was born In Louisville. September a 1883
being the son OF Philip and Emma (Keats) Speed.
He was graduated from the University OF Louis
VILE in 1853 with the degrees of of and
civil engineer. time chief engineer OF Louis
VILE, he was also employed by several railroads
In 1876 ne was connected with the United States
Board OF transportation at the centennial cele-
bration in Philadelphia in 1876.
His journalist began in 1877 when he
csme to this city member OF the staff OF The
World" Two years later he became managing edI-
tor and remained such until 1883. when Joseph
Pulitzer assumed control. Then he engaged in
magazine and other literary work. until physical
intrmities caused him to cease active work. several
years ago.
He travelled abroad from 1Ss3 to 1885 and from
1888 10 1sSs. He was secretary OF the American
Exhibition in London in 1857 He edited THE
American Magazine from 1887 TO 1889 and was
for two years editor OF "Lsslies Weekly" He edit
ed "Keats's Letters and POems," and wrote a life
OF the pOe.. Among his works were "A Fall River
Incident" The GilIners in America. "A Deal in
Denver The Horse in America" 1905 M-16"
and number Of similar works He was a contrib
utor TO the Century " 'Earper's." Forum" North
American Review" 'McCure's" "Ainslee's" out
look and other magazines.
louisville Feb John Glluer Speed was closely
tinguished families. He has two sisters here Mrs
Enos Tuley and Mrs. Harry Macdonald. Another
sister Mrs Rogers, lives In Washington. snd an
other sister. Mrs. Connors. lives in Chicago he
was a cousin OF Charles B. Speed OF the Louisville
Trust Company
Mr.. Speeds fathers brother James Speed was
General in President TIncolnss Cabinet