The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1919-12-22
MAJOR ORCHARD
FOUND DEAD IN
M'KENZIE HOTEL
Popular Military Man Died in
Uniform That He Wore
Overseas
KNOW NO CAUSE FOR DEED
The Deceased Was Last Seen
Alive Thursday
Evening
KNOW NO CAUSE FOR DEED

The body of Major L. R.,.Orchard
fully clothed in the uniform which he
wore during two years service wit,
the American cXpcditionary forces and
the army of occupations was found at
noon Sunday in the bathroom of his
apartment at the Mckenzie hotel by
Russell Lewis, boOkkccpcr of the estab
lishmcnt, who had gone to Orchards
room TO seek his advice on an account
ing problem. There was a bullet hole
through Orchards head and at his side
lay Il 3S army revolver and an exploded
cartridge. Death apparently had oc-
Cured forty-cight hours before. ana il
seemed evident that it was self-inilict-
cd Orchard was last seen alive last
Thursday evening. when he ordered a
dinner sent to his room and apparently
was in excellent health and spirits.
The deceased was Il son of John Or
cllard of Dickinson, pioneer Congrcga
tional minister, and for years proni-
nent in civic life of the Queen city
Major Orchard prior to America s en-
try in the worlds war was deputy
state bank examiner. When the Sc.
Ond North Dakota National guard was
proclaimed in 1917, Orchard was made
battalion adjutant, and he was in
strumcntal in recruiting the regiment
up to its required strength. He mldc
rapid advancement after the arrival OF
his command i'll France, progressing to
Il majorship, which he held when he
was released from service, after spend
ing several months with the army of
occupation in Germany. He then re-
turned to Bismarck. where he acted
during tho summer :ls accountant fos
the Haggart Construction Co., which i.'
engaged in large paving project in
the capital city.
Major orchard was universally pop
nlar, successful, and talented musi-
elan. A brother of the deceased. Cap
tain Wclland Orchard, who served
with the machine gun company of the
Second in France. arrived Sunday to
take charge Of the remains.
Enlisting in the Second North DakO
TIA Infantry in June, 1917. when that
regiment was modified. Major Orchard
was soon commissioned a first lieutcn-
ant and was appointed battalion adiu.
tant. The regiment was broken zip and
Orchard was transferred to the 147th
machine gun battalion with which he
went to France in December 1917. La.
ter he was assigned to the personnel
adjutant's office of the third army
corps, where he remained until his re.
turn to this country. He arrived in
Bismarck the early part of September
1913! He was made captain in Nav
1918.
Major Orchard was prominent in the
Elks' lodge having been secretary Of
the Fargo branch of the organization
before coming to Bismarck. He took
an active part in the American Legion
III this city. He was also member of
the Masonic order
The deceased was born in England
AZ years ago and came to this country
with his parents when he was seven
years of age. He was married and had
son who is living with his mother in
California. ~.
The remains were taken to Dickin-
son last night and the funeral will be
held there this afternoon. PallbcarerS
representing the local post of the
American legion escorted the body,to
the train. The pallbearers' were Ma.
jor f. S. Henry. Major G. II. Russ, Jr..
Capt. A. A. Jones. Capt. II. II. Murphy.
Capt. a. T.. Wclch, Lieut.. D. +. Cord
ncr