The Ouachita Telegraph - Dr. A. Demmler Commits Suicide Date: Oct 2000 Submitted by: Lora Peppers ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** The Ouachita Telegraph Saturday, July 28, 1888 Page 3, Column 2 Dr. A. DEMMLER COMMITS SUICIDE. A Long Standing Threat to End His Life Finally Carried into Effect. He Leaps from the Railroad Bridge into The Ouachita River. Thursday evening a short while after four o’clock, Dr. a. Demmler committed suicide by jumping from the railroad bridge into the river and drowning. As the word was passed along the streets some were struck with horror and amazement while not a few where incredulous for Dr. Demmler had often before threatened to end his life and no one believed that he would do it. In fact it had become a standing joke among his friends and may had proffered him gratuitous advice as to the most approved methods of committing suicide and a leap from the bridge to the cool and silent waters of the Ouachita below was recommended as the most daring as well as expeditious manner. Dr. Demmler was addicted to occasional sprees usually lasting about a week, and it was only on these occasions that he became morose and contemplated the rash act by which he finally put an end to his checkered career. These dated back for several years, however, and it is supposed that commenced in fun, frequently repeated, the idea gained such a hold upon his mind that it finally forced him to commit the rash act, for no good reason can be assigned why he should have desired to kill himself. He frequently said, however, in talking of suicide, that life to him was not worth the battle. He had no family or responsibilities, save his own maintenance for which h was brilliantly endowed, but it may be that after mature deliberation, he preferred to explore the great unknown to longer remaining in this world, the most of which, in a somewhat checkered and eventful life of about fifty years, he had seen. About a week ago Dr. Demmler got on a spree during the absence of his employer, Capt. L.D. McLain, manager of the Monroe Oil Mills, and told several of his friends good-bye saying that he was going to commit suicide. To others, more intimate friends and for whom he ever manifested the warmest affection, he wrote touching letters of farewell. He appointed last Wednesday at four o’clock, the day on which he expected Capt. McLain to arrive home as the time for jumping from the bridge but Capt. McLain did not arrive that day and he gained a respite of twenty-four hours. Capt. McLain arrived Thursday, however, and the poor man made his final preparations. He met Capt. McLain at the train, walked down town with him, and after a short conversation about business matters went over to the oil mill to await the arrival of Capt. McLain who told him he would be over in the evening shortly after dinner. After remaining at the oil mill to within a short time when Capt. McLain was expected he came back to the bridge and took a stand near the centre of the middle span to await Capt. McLain. A negro employed at the mill had accompanied him and endeavored to persuade him to return to the mill but he would not do so and he left him telling Mr. Dick Boutz, one of the bridge keepers, to watch him as he thought he would commit suicide. Mr. Boutz had heard of his frequent threats and paid no attention to him. Within a short while, a little after four o’clock, the appointed time for the fearful leap into the river, Capt. McLain came along on his way to the mill and when in a short distance of where the suicide stood on the outside of the rail, Dr. Demmler raised up and taking off his hat he said "“good-bye Captain,” and jumped, feet foremost, into the waters below. Capt. McLain, horror stricken, did not have time to say a word. He saw poor Demmler rise, make a few struggles, and sink to rise no more. All was over with him and the battle of life was ended. Where he jumped from the bridge his walking stick and umbrella and a small empty bottle labeled strychnine was found, but it is not known at this writing, (Friday morning,) whether he took the strychnine or not. He had, however, evidently contemplated that horrible means of accomplishing his death, and if he did take it he no doubt took it for the purpose of making sure of death, thinking perhaps he would be rescued from drowning. His body was recovered with a drag net by Mr. J.W. Goss about two hours after the fatal leap. Dr. Demmler, as we have said, had a checkered career and had traveled extensively. He first came to Monroe about ten years ago from Farmerville where he had resided for several years. He went to Farmerville from New Orleans where he first landed when he came to the United States. He is said to have been assistant coroner at that place but this is not authentic. He came to Monroe to take a position with the then large mercantile establishment of H. Gerson as book-keeper, which position he held for a number of years. Afterwards he kept books of the Star Clothing store and subsequently went to Mayersville, Miss. Where he acted in the same capacity for a firm at that place. He returned here about a year ago and took charge of the books of the Monroe Oil Company and was a short while ago elected secretary of the company. It is doubtful if he had a superior anywhere as an accountant and Capt. McLain, who has been long engaged in large business interests, says he was the most valuable man he ever had in his employ. He was one of the very few men who could read figures and to whom the multiplication and addition tables were entirely unnecessary. It is also said of him, in his palmy days while keeping books for Leon Gerson, that he could dispense with an index book and only keep it for the use of the head of the house. When called upon for the amount of John Smith’s account he would say, (by way of illustration,) “$87.55, p. 103,” and reference would invariably prove his correctness. Dr. Demmler was of German parentage and was born in Africa under the protection of the British flag and he was puzzled up to the time of his naturalization as a citizen of the United States as to what nationality he owed allegience (sic). He was a well educated and cultivated gentleman and besides English spoke both French and German fluently. He also graduated in medicine but we do not know that he ever followed that profession. The funeral took place yesterday morning at 10 o’clock from the residence of Capt. L.D. McLain, the remains being interred in the Monroe cemetery. Rev. Mr. Moore of Grace Episcopal church officiated. The following letter, assigning the cause of his suicide and giving directions for the disposal of his effects, was addressed to Capt. McLain and found at the office of the oil mill Thursday evening; MONROE, La., July 26, 1888 CAPT. L.D. McLAIN, President Monroe Oil Co. Dear Sir – This is my last communication to you, since before it reaches you I will have ceased to exist. There is very little to say for me, but that I cannot face you again after once more having succumbed to the temptation of liquor. I feel that I cannot resist it, and find it better to end a life in which I sink from step to step. You will find the books all written up to date. The amount paid to J.C. Moore on 24th inst., $10.00 I charged to him direct, as W.S. Whitfield was not charged with the amounts previously paid during this month to colored watchman. There is in all coming to J.C. Moore up to this morning 21 nights – these include an envelope with $2 in the vault, which were on the pay roll ending July 6th; you will also find a credit in cash under date of yesterday for $15.05 to J.F. Wangler, which constitutes the over charge of the V.S. & P.R.R. on tank. Vouchers, cash as well as journal are all O.K. – you will find them in the draw. The little which I leave behind me, will be easily disposed of, and I trust that you think it not too much trouble to distribute it. Let Charley Selinger have all my books in the armoire and let Marion and Norris Willis divide themselves in my clothes. As for yourself, please to accept my sincerest thanks for the kind treatment which you have shown me, and pardon me that I have not proved worthy of your trust. For the last time in this life, Yours Truly, A. DEMMLER. # # #