The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-22
DESPONDENT MAN
ENDS HIS LIFE
Robert M. Stp,der, of South
Richmond, Commits Suicide
in Room at Meals Cafe.
ILL WITH HEART DISEASE
Specialist Had Advised Him That
Death Might Occur at
Any Moment.
ILL WITH HEART DISEASE

Sitting upright In a chair with an
arm resting lightly on n small table,
the lifeless body of Robert M. Strader,
thirty years old, of 1913 McDon-
ough Street, was found yesterday af-
ternoon at $3.50 O'clock in a private
room connected with Meals Cafe,
Eighth and Hull Streets, South
Richmond a bullet hole through
the right temple and tight
ly clutchcd revolver in the dead mans
hand bore mute testimony OF the cause
OF the death. The brain had been pen-
etrated. and life had evidently been
extinct for some time before the BODY
was discovered.
Dependency is said to have been
the cause of the act. For several
months Mr.. Strader had been suffer-
ing from chronic heart disease. He
recently consulted a specialist and
was advised that death might result
at any minute. He is said to have
brooded over his ill-health and was
continually referring to his approach
ing death. 1t is thought that his
mind became temporarily deranred
from his trouble
Had to BrcnIS Into Room.
The discovery of the body was made
py w. a. Neal proprietor of the place.
He was unaware that the room was
occupied until notified by a guest that
both doors were locked He received
no reply when he raped. and after
looking over the transom broke into
tne room. He at once notified the no
lice. officer J. " Wescott responded
lie saw that the man was beyond help
ana called In Coroner John w Brod-
max. An examination OF the body and
the premises was made at once No
suspicious circumstances were found
and DR.. BrodnaX decided that an in
quest would be unnecessary
MI. Strader was not seen to enter
.ne room III which his body was found
ne was seen on the street by friends
ABOUT o'clock, and cashed check
az local bank just before that time
1T Is thought that lie slipped into the
care by the back door and then locked
himself In the room. Although sew
eral persons were in the building all
afternoon, none heard the shot fred.
Death WINS instantaneous
The body was found with the head
resting against the shoulder The re-
VolVer. a 80 calibre Smith & Wesson.
was In the right hand. which was
hanging between the knees. The bul-
let had entered the temple and inflicted
n small wound. the powder marks
showing plainly against the head
Death was instantaneous. After MAX
ing his examination, Coroner Brodnay
granted permission to relatives to have
.he BODY removed to a nearby under
taking csta blishment
Mr.. Strader was one OF the most
popular men on the Southside, being a
member OF several fraternal orders
ana having taken an active interest in
politics. He was member of Man
chester Lodge. No. II, A, f. & A. NJ.
and Indianola Tribe. No. 80. Improved
Order OF Red Men. and was also con
nected with the South Richmond Dem
ocratic Club and South Richmond and
Chesterfield Business Mems Associa-
ton.
For number OF years he had been
employed at the American Locomotive
Works. Hc was machinist by trade,
ana until recent years was a contrac-
tor. When this grade was abolished
several years ago, Mr.. Strader was re-
tanned and assigned to the chief esti-
majors department.. He was unmar-
RED and is survived by his mother
eight sisters and two brothers. The
funeral arrangements have not been
-