Dover Enquirer
Friday, March 31, 1899

TAKES HIS LIFE
A Somersworth Man Shoots Himself
Desperate Deed Took Place At His Home
DESPONDENCY THE CAUSE ASSIGNED FOR THE RASH ACT
The City of Somersworth which has long since had a widely established reputation for all sorts of occurrences of a sensational character, was thrown into a state of great excitement again this mornign when it became known that Almon H. James, of the firm of Samuel James and Sons, grocers, and a prominent citizen, had committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
So far as is known, Mr. James was successful in business, had a beautiful home at the corner of South and High streets and had everything to live for. He went his daily rounds yesterday, calling upon his customers as usual and nothign strange was noticed in his disposition and manner, although he is said to have stated to a few of his customers that he was not feeling quite so well physically as usual.
At an early hour this morning he went down cellar to attend to the furnace as had been his custom and a few minutes later the report of a pistol was heard from that direction. Mrs. James upon investigation found her husband unconscious upon the floor and bleeding from a bullet wound in the head and before medical aid could be summoned, he expired. His rash act is attributed to despondency.
The deceased is aged about 45 years and is survived by his parents, one brother, Lauren M.< a wife and a daughter, Miss Hattie, student at Robinson Female Seminary, all of whom have the sympathy of the community and their said affliction.
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A Second Paralytic Shock
William H. Palmer of Clifton, N.J. who had a paralytic shock at Newton, N.J., two years ago, had a second on Monday last and now lies seriously ill at his home in Clifton. Mr. Palmer was for a number of years a shoe manufacturer on Orchard street in this city, and his numerous friends wil be sorry to learn of his precarious condition.
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Old Board Reappointed
The supreme court, full bench, has reappointed as members of the state board of equalization John M. Parker of Goffstown, Charles A. Dole of Lebanon, John M. Hill, of Concord, Edwin Snow of Eaton, and Charles McDaniel of Springfield.
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Passed Away
Mrs. Ruth Etta Smith, widow of the late John Smith, died at her home on Rutland street at 2.20 o'clock this morning, March 29, after a weeks' illness, aged 67 years, 4 months and 15 days. The deceased was a highly esteemed lady who leaves a large circle of friends and acquaintences who sincerely mourn her loss. She was a native of East Alton, a mother, Mrs. Mehitable Seavey, of Alton who is now 92 years old, and a brother, J. Frank Seavey of Charleston, Mass.
The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon from her late home at 2 o'clock. Relatives and friends invited without further notice.
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Mrs. Eliza A., widow of Oliver B. Jenness, passed away at her home, No. 27 Hanson street, this morning, March 29, after a month's serious illness, aged 82 years, 4 months. The deceased was a well known and much respected lady. Death was due to pneumonia. The deceased is survived by a son Charles, now of Florida, and a daughter, Miss Abbie Jenness of this city. The funeral will be held Friday afternoon, from her late home at 2 o'clock.
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Fireman's Relief Association
The Dover Fireman's Relief association held a largely attended and enthusiastic meeting last evening at the Central station to further perfect arrangements for its annual concert and ball to be given in City Opera House, Wednsday evening, April 12 (East eve) in aid of the association. The following commitee of arrangements were appointed:
Printing committee -- Capt. Samuel Abbott, Capt. Nelson U. Drew, Capt. John McDonough.
Committee on music -- Lieut. John Hull, Capt. Joseph Heeney, Lieut. Eleazer L. Jones.
Supper committee -- Newell H. Young, Charles B. Shapleigh, George Richardson.
Invitation committee -- Capt. Samuel Abbott, Capt. Nelson U. Drew, Capt John McDonough, and George Richardson
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The funeral of Ezra Hayes was held this afternoon from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Charles E. Stevens, No. 33 Lexington street, and the house was filled with mourning relatives and friends, many being present from out of town. Rev. George E. Hall, pastor of the First Church, conducted the services. The bearers were James H. Southwick, Frederick B. Tibbetts, Burnham Hanson, and George H. Emerson
The remains were placed in the receiving tomb at Pine Hill cemetery.
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MAINE NEWS
The small pox quarantine at Riley's has been raised.
C. L. Beedy of Lewiston has been appointed local inspector of the United States fish commission for Lake Auburn and neighboring ponds.
E. F. Woodbury of Portland will manage the cafe at the Velvet Hotel at Old Orchard this summer. R. O. Hammond of Boston will manage the hotel.
The engagement is announced of Miss Caddie Cayford of Skowhegan and Dr. Burrill of Boston. Miss Cayford is the Red Cross nurse who had charge of the nurses on board of the Bay State, which made trips between Boston and Santiago during the war. Dr. Burrill was the head physician.
Accoding to the Bangor Commercial, Charles T. Haskell of Deer Isle was tarred and feathered last week by a dozen or more men for alleged marital misconduct.
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Burned to Death
Windsor, Conn, March 29 -- Abraham Thompson, colored, aged 72 years, was burned to death in his home yesterday. Neighbors found Thompson lying on teh floor of his kitchen, but in such a position that he could not be rescued. The cause of the fire is unknown.
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News in Brief
Amos J. Beers, wholesale fruit and produce dealer at New Haven, has filed an assignment.
George Phelps aged 73, one of the best known merchants of Nashua, N.H., is dead.
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ALTON
The personal property of the late Jonathan B. Mooney will be sold at auction Thursday April 6. Horses, cows, young stock, farming tools and household furniture will be sold at the time.
of Bates College is visiting her sister, Mrs. O. J. M. Gilman
Miss Mary Avery is confined to her home by illness.
Miss Nellie Place of Pinkerton Academy, Derry, and MIss Annie Wheeler of Tilton Seminary have arrived home for the spring vacation.
Mrs. George Place went to Derry last week to attend the funeral of her father.
Miss Ellen Tash of Dover is visiting her sister, Mrs. O. J. M. Gilman
Mrs. Leah Evans, who has been very ill with nervous prostration, is improving slowly.
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