Morris Co., TX - Obits: W. E. Newland ***************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb by: John Wardlow USGenWeb Archives. Copyright. All rights reserved http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************** Sad Tragedy Enacted Monday County Attorney W. E. Newland Takes Own Life By Drinking Carbolic Acid 1930 A gloom of sadness was cast over Daingerfield Monday afternoon when it was learned, that W. E. Newland, aged about 32 years, County attorney of Morris County, had taken his own life by drinking an ounce of carbolic acid. The suicide occured about 6 o'clock in the afternoon in Mr. Newland's office at the county courthouse. Officials at the courthouse, and other citizens nearby, heard groans and peculiar noises about his office and upon investigation found that Mr. Newland had committed the sad tragedy. Upon being questioned by those who reached him first, Mr. Newland stated that it had to be done, and gave financial affairs as his reason for taking his own life, although it is said that his financial affairs were not in such condition as would justify the act. He was immediately carried to Drs. Baberr and Britain's office where a stomach pump was used to relieve him of the carbolic acid but to no avail. He died in the doctor's office about 15 minutes after taking the fluid. The poison was secured at a local drug store about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, after which Mr. Newland listened to a baseball game, by radio, at Irvin Bros. store. He seemed to be in good spirits and in his usual friendly mood with his friends and associates up until the rash deed was committed. Shortly before taking his life, Mr. Newland wrote a letter to his wife, and left it on his desk in which he also revealed to her that financial difficulties was the cause of his act, and directing her as to the welfare of their two children. Mr. Newland had been County attorney for the county for about 6 years, coming here from Naples, were he also resided, and practiced law in that city. He also resided at Cason many years ago, where he practically grew to manhood. Deceased is survived by his wife and two small children - a boy and a girl, also his mother, who resides at Pittsburg, a brother Czerny Newland of Linden and another brother of Pittsburg, and a number of other relatives. Funeral services were conducted at the Daingerfield Baptist Church, of which deceased was a member, Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock, with the pastor, Rev. O. F. Smith officiating, after which the interment took place in the Daingerfield cemetery. ---