The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-03-07
He Had Often lntimated That
He Contemplated Suicide,
But His Wife Did Not Take
Him Seriously.
HE DRINKS MURIATIC ACID
At MIDNIGHT, AFTER PACING
RESTIESSlY ABOUT HOUSE,
HE TAKES FATAL DOSE AND
DIED At $50.

Despondent over i'll health, poor
business investments and the lack Of
confidence which he believed was
placed in him by others, Doland Plum
er Armer, formerly a we'll known jew
eler, but more recently engaged in the
real estate and loan business. and
proprietor of the Armer House. %
North Seventh street, took muriatic
acid last midnight at his home, and
died this morning about $3.50 O'Clock.
That he had contemplated suicide,
is evident from the numerous occas-
ions he referred to death. in discuss
ing matters with his wife. Mrs. Bet
tie Armer. During the past week, he
seemed more Respondent than ever
and on Monday night, prayed God that
Ihis sins be forgiven. after asking his
wife whether she thought he would
go to heaven. But on these occasions,
his wife never thought that he would
take such rash action
Was in III Health.
Mr.. Armer has had several attacks
of sickness this winter and his nights
have been spent in a restless manner.
Last evening, he was induced to re-
tire rather early by his wife, both of
whom were very tired, having been
up almost all of Saturday night. His
wife stated this morning that he seem
ed to find no comfort last evening
and laid down in almost all of the un-
occupied beds in the house. only to
arise Immediately afterwards.
About midnight he went to the bath
room and secured the muriatic acid
bottle, taking considerable quantity.
He left the room almost Immediately
and called to his wife that the end
would soon be near, asking her to no
tify Burt Stockton, Of Richmond, KY,
one of his closest friends. He ling
cred until $50 o'clock this morning
and during most of the time was at
tended by three physicians. Shortly
before his death, he rallied and it was
first thought that he would recover.
Not Externally Burned.
Mr.. Armer Is not known. He spilled
considerable on the floor. His mouth
and stomach were burned rather Sc
verely. However, there were no exter
nal burns. On several occasions. be
fore his death he tried to speak but
those present were unable to under
stand what he said.
Mrs. Armer stated this mornins
that her husband had cautioned her te
put the bottle of acid where no one
could secure 1t. or where it's contents
might be taken by mistake, when she
purchased it. Numerous other re
marks, which she now believes indi
Gated that he was contemplating sui
eide. were made and were such as
Lets jump in the lake together.
His complaints about missing OLE
friends: his despondency over bust
ness matters, and his desire to &
back to Richmond, KY, where h,
formerly resided. but his refusal tt
do So because of his pride. were prin
cipal causes for the tragedy.
Served In the Navy.
Mr.. Armer was born in Findlay, O.
May IA. sixty seven years ago. HI
was left an orphan early in life an,
was raised by friend. When a yer,
young man he learned the jeweler'
trade and later joined the navy. sery
ing about one year during the civi
war. He was married and to his frs
wife was born two children. His chill
dren and his first wife died in 1891, b.
was married to Mrs. Bette Brown, tn
surviving widow.
After leaving the navy he opened u
jewelry store in Richmond, KY
where he engaged in business unit
about eight years ago. when he move
to this city. While resident of Ker
lucky, he served for number of year
as magistrate of the county court
which Is q very important position
and he also assisted the circuit. judg
in many cases, when the regular judg
was unable to attend court. Severa
years ago, he ran for mayor of Rict
mond, KY, and lost by but fe,
votes. He acquired much property i
that city. some Of which he still own