Martinsburg journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1920-1977, 1921-04-02
BLAINE JACK SHOOTS HIMSELF DEAD while
MENTALLY DEPRESSED IN AN CLUBHOUSE ON
THE FARM or JOHN WHITM0RE, AT MARLOWE
Tragedy Took Place Friday Afternoon And Body First DScov
cred BY Sister And Mrs. Whtmore Who Thought Man Asleep
-Deput. Sheriff Jack Called And PrononceS Jack Dead

Albert Blaine Jack, aged Sc, of
Marlowe. son OF the late John
Jack. and q member of widely
known and prominent Berkeley
county family. took his own life at
the farm of Mr.. John l.. Whitmore,
that place, Thursday afternoon. The
horrifyinE discovery was first made
by Mrs. w. S. Bane. 4 sister of the
deceased, and Mrs. Whitmore. who.
however. were first unconvinced.
hoping against hope that the young
man was merely sleeping. but the
fact was verified later in the day
when Deputy Sheriff Charles Jack,
cousin, was called in by MIR.
Whitmore. and examined the body.
declaring him dead.
Young Jack was found seated in
an clubhouse at the Whitmoro place,
with the muzzle OF shotgun rest
ing against his left breast and the
barrel retained in position by the
crook of his left arm. There was
no evidence OF blood and the wo-
men, who first discovered him,
thought perhaps he was asleep. How
ever. lack had threatened 10 Kill
himself, and Mrs. Bane, who had
been called by Mrs Whitmorc, re-
moved the gun and hid II, under the
impression that her brother was
still alive. and fearing if he were
alive he would carry out his pur-
pose He was found by them soon
after ) o'clock and officially pro
nounced dead by Deputy Sheriff
Jack about s O'Clock. Sheriff Will
liam Dean aud Coroner Jacob Sites,
accompanied by Funeral Director II.
NJ. Cole, at once went to the scene.
After investigating the incident, ii
was deemed unnecessary to hold an
inquest and tho body was removed
by Mr. Cole to this city and prepar'
ed for burial This will take place
tomorrow and the funeral service
viii be held at . O'Clock from the
home OF another sister. Mrs. d. S.
1 Nicely, al Nipetown, and Rev. Mr.
/ Wilson. OF the Hedgesville Metho
/ dist Episcopal church, Is to Off
/ ciate
The deceased was highly esteem
cd and an efficient employe in
whatever capacity engaged He was
connected with the construction com
panv that installed the new work u
+ tho Melville plant of The Northern
Virginia Power Co, and only recent
/ Il returned from Marion, O.. where
he was similarly employed. Had liz
! lived until the 2Sth OF This month
he would have accepted a position
/ with the L. s. Burcau Of Fisheries
/ possibly being detailed to service IN
Italian waters
He was unmarried and Is survived
by the following sisters Mrs. Annie
Mix. Failing Waters; Mrs. H. b
Davis, Failing Waters; Mrs. Katie
Niceley, Nipetown. and Mrs w. S
Bane. Marlowc, who have the sym
pathy Of all in the hour of their sad
/ bereavement.
A year or so ago he had cleared
up and put in fine shape the farm
owned by Mr. Whitmore at Narlowe
F.. and on returning home this week
he first went to Mr. Whitmore's
having been there but short time
until deciding upon sclfdestruction
/ II is understood that his mind was
unbalanced from the effects Of drink
ing essence of lemon. a number oil
small hotties that had contained this
fluid being found.