Washoe County NV Archives Obituaries.....Kirk, Thomas J. April 28, 1913 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/nv/nvfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Kathy Grace http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00011.html#0002598 November 6, 2010, 3:02 pm Reno Evening Gazette April 29, 1913 Young Bride Prostrated By Tragedy Mrs. Thomas J. Kirk, Jr., Overcome by Shock of Husband's Suicide Married Only 4 Months Belief Is that Real Estate Dealer Ended Life While Despondent Lying at the home of friends, Mrs. Thomas J. Kirk, Jr., a bride of four months, is prostrated today as the result of finding the body of her husband in their apartments last night after he had committed suicide by shooting himself with a rifle. The shock was all the greater because he had left her but a short time ago with a promise to go to bed and rest. The tragedy occurred on the eve of their departure to Sacramento, where they were to make their home. Indications are that Kirk went direct from the brightly lighted cafe where his bride was dining with friends, to their apartments on Liberty street and took his life. He placed the muzzle of a 30-30 rifle under his chin and literally blew his head away. The deed must have been committed about 11 o'clock, for it was but a short time later that his body was found. His friends are unable to give any reason for the deed, other than that perhaps he was despondent because he had been drinking heavily for the few days. Kirk was real estate and mining dealer, and had been located in Reno for several months. Although here only a short time, he had made many friends and was very popular. Married Last January Last January Kirk, who was 28 years old, journeyed to Memphis, Tenn., where he married the daughter of a prominent lumber dealer. Kirk came here some time ago from Sacramento to accept a place with the Morey-Turner Real Estate company, but in the last few months had been in business for himself as a dealer in real estate and mining properties. Lately the young couple began making plans to return to Sacramento, the husband's former home, to live. Yesterday they decided upon the move and yesterday afternoon Mrs. Kirk entertained several of her friends in this city at a farewell luncheon. Last night three married couples, all friends of the Kirks, invited them and a Sacramento man to be their guests at a small dinner party at a downtown cafe. The invitation was accepted, but after the party had arrived at the cafe Kirk, who had been drinking, declared he had an engagement to meet some friends at another cafe for a minutes, and left. Later he returned to the first cafe, but refused to enter, declaring that he was showing the effects of liquor and did not wish his friends to see him. He then declared he would go home, and a friend accompanied him there. As the friend was leaving Kirk promised to go to bed. Tragedy Is Discovered It was but a short time later that the dinner party at the cafe broke up and the guests entered an automobile and were driven to their homes. It was then that the body was discovered, and Mrs. Kirk, overcome by the awfulness of the situation, was taken to the home of one of the party with whom she had so happily lined a hour before. Kirk was the son of the late Thomas J. Kirk, Sr., of Sacramento, formerly superintendent of public instruction in the state of California. His mother lives in Alameda. She was immediately notified of the tragedy and will arrive here this evening. In addition. there will be several prominent Sacramento people, friends of the family. who will arrive this evening to take charge of the arrangements for the funeral and help the stricken family. Died Kirk- In this city, April 28, 1913, Thomas J. Kirk, Jr., beloved husband of Mrs. Eoline and son of Mrs. Thomas J. Kirk, St., of Alameda Cal. Aged 28 years. Native of Illinois Funeral services will be announced later. Remains at the parlors of Groesbeck and O'Brien. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/nv/washoe/obits/kirk820gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/nvfiles/ File size: 4.3 Kb