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Story
March 30, 1872
Gold Hill Daily News
Gold Hill, Storey County, Nevada
What is this article about?
Body of James Douglas, a ruined San Francisco lumber surveyor due to rum addiction, found drowned in bay near Goat Island on March 27, 187? He had planned suicide after a final spree.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
RUM, RUIN AND DEATH.
[From the S. F. Chronicle, March 28.]
Yesterday morning the body of a man was found floating in the bay near Goat Island, and was picked up and brought to this city. The body was identified as that of James Douglas, a lumber surveyor, well known in San Francisco, where he had resided for many years. About three years ago he was in good circumstances and owned valuable property in this city. But a fatal fondness for rum proved ruinous to his fortunes, and latterly he has been compelled to rely on the sweat of his brow for subsistence. Last Saturday evening he was at the house of a friend on Treat avenue, at the Mission, and then stated that he intended to drown himself. He left there that night, leaving a note stating that his friends would see him no more. On reaching this city he met a friend, who provided him with some money, and he postponed the suicidal intent for the purpose of enjoying one more spree. On Monday he again appeared at his friend's house at the Mission, and slept there that night. On Tuesday morning he left the house, telling his friends he was going over to Oakland to go to work. That was the last they saw or heard of him till he was brought to the Morgue. It is supposed he crossed the bay and deliberately drowned himself. Deceased was a native of Scotland, aged about fifty-eight years, well educated, and a man of fine appearance.
[From the S. F. Chronicle, March 28.]
Yesterday morning the body of a man was found floating in the bay near Goat Island, and was picked up and brought to this city. The body was identified as that of James Douglas, a lumber surveyor, well known in San Francisco, where he had resided for many years. About three years ago he was in good circumstances and owned valuable property in this city. But a fatal fondness for rum proved ruinous to his fortunes, and latterly he has been compelled to rely on the sweat of his brow for subsistence. Last Saturday evening he was at the house of a friend on Treat avenue, at the Mission, and then stated that he intended to drown himself. He left there that night, leaving a note stating that his friends would see him no more. On reaching this city he met a friend, who provided him with some money, and he postponed the suicidal intent for the purpose of enjoying one more spree. On Monday he again appeared at his friend's house at the Mission, and slept there that night. On Tuesday morning he left the house, telling his friends he was going over to Oakland to go to work. That was the last they saw or heard of him till he was brought to the Morgue. It is supposed he crossed the bay and deliberately drowned himself. Deceased was a native of Scotland, aged about fifty-eight years, well educated, and a man of fine appearance.
What sub-type of article is it?
Tragedy
Biography
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Tragedy
What keywords are associated?
Suicide
Drowning
Alcoholism
Ruin
San Francisco
What entities or persons were involved?
James Douglas
Where did it happen?
San Francisco Bay Near Goat Island, Treat Avenue At The Mission, Oakland
Story Details
Key Persons
James Douglas
Location
San Francisco Bay Near Goat Island, Treat Avenue At The Mission, Oakland
Event Date
March 28 [Article Date]; Body Found Yesterday Morning; Last Saturday Evening; About Three Years Ago
Story Details
James Douglas, a well-known lumber surveyor in San Francisco, lost his property due to alcoholism and lived in poverty. He expressed suicidal intent, went on a spree, then drowned himself in the bay near Goat Island.