Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 2:
HALLEY - In San Francisco, Joseph J. Halley, aged 21 years, 9 months and 12 days.
Toronto, Canada papers please copy.
_______________________________
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 3:
ANOTHER TRAGEDY
Suicide of Joseph J. Halley of Oakland.
One More Victim of the Vagaries of Spiritualism and Modern Reform.
One of the most painful cases of suicide we have ever been called upon to record took place at the Commercial Hotel, on Montgomery avenue, San Francisco, Monday night. Joseph J. Halley, son of Wm. H. Halley, late publisher of the Home Journal, of this city, and recently connected with the Tribune in a business capacity, was found dead in his bed at the hotel named, about 11 o'clock yesterday. In a pocket of an overcoat hanging within a foot or so of the bed was an empty phial labeled, "Morphia Sulphas." In another pocket was a letter sealed and directed to his mother, who resides at No. 171 Eighth street, in this city. The body was removed to the morgue, and from there the remains were brought to Oakland, last evening. A representative of the Tribune called at the residence of the unfortunate young man's parents, this morning, and learned the following facts: Joseph was born in Toronto, Canada, April 7, 1854. He learned the printer's trade with Hawes & Kelly, at Buffalo, New York, where his father was then carrying on business. The family removed to this state about six years ago, the subject of the sketch following some months later. During boyhood he was an unusually bright, ambitious lad, invariably standing high in his classes, was fond of taking part in amateur theatricals and wrote several little plays. In 1869, while his father was in England, Joseph was attacked with nervous dispepsia, a malady which generally produces depression of spirits. In his case the effect was very marked, and developed into chronic melancholy. He submitted to the treatment of several San Francisco physicians, but without permanent benefit. He went to Los Angeles, twice, for treatments, returning the last time, after a severe course of typhoid fever which had reduced him ninety pounds in weight. He made his condition and its alleviation his principal study, and paid constant, careful, and self-denying attention to diet and all his habits of life. He was not, however, an unhealthy looking person, and few, even his intimate acquaintances, ever dreamed of the suffering, physically and mentally, the afflicted man underwent. Since 1873, he had suffered, in addition to his other infirmities, from epileptic fits. After his last return from Los Angeles he thought he was all right, but the old symptoms returned, and he could work but a few days at a stretch, when he would have to return home for rest.
Last Spring he made at home an attempt to destroy his life, but it was saved by the timely interference of his mother, and he was persuaded to forego the effort. His father states that Joseph had become imbued with the doctrines of Spiritualism, and the teachings of so-called modern reformers, and here is, without doubt, the key to this solemn and unnatural event. We can speak with personal knowledge of young Halley's character, as he was at one time for several months employed by the Tribune proprietors as solicitor and collector, and we always found him not only a willing, honest and reliable man in business, but a man of good principles who possessed some very noble traits of character. He was self-possessed, open and affable, always pleasant and agreeable towards friends or strangers, very industrious, energetic, self-denying, and in fact in every way manly. Such men do not in their normal condition seek refuge in oblivion from the ills of life, however terrible. Naturally, he was rather one of "the wise, the brave, who,/When the terrific storms of fortune round 'em roar,/Combat the bellows with redoubled force."
Imbued, however, with the unrational ideas of Spiritualism, his mind had become perverted in this direction, and he had grown to be, although clear on all other questions, a monomaniac on the subject of suicide, until it was the theme of his constant thought - a favorite topic of his conversation. Father Serda, of St Patrick's Church, San Jose, states that young Halley had held several conversations with him on the subject, endeavoring to prove that he had a right to commit suicide. It can be understood how a criminal, conscious-stricken and self-despised, should feel an irresistable impulse to destroy himself; but it is not possible to believe that a man like Halley - who, even if life had for himself no future hopes and attractions, had still a dear father, a beloved and devoted mother, and fond brothers and sisters to live for - could in his "right mind" have allowed himself to bring such an awful sorrow upon them, merely to escape the pangs of disease. Monstrous - impossible! It was the act of a perverted mind - of a madman. In his letter to his mother, he said: "***This desperate act that I have done I am sure will not surprise you very much, for you know that I have been inclined this way for the past two years.***I know you will grieve, but you will have the grand consolation of knowing that I am happy in the other world. So, good-bye, dear mother; we will meet again hereafter, and in a place where a soul will not be crushed down into utter misery, in spite of the most persistent good intentions, and the most earnest efforts. If I were to say one special word to you it would be this: 'Spare no effort to secure by all possible means, sound bodies for the other children.'
"Tender adieux to father, brother William, sisters Mary and Jennie, aunts Maggie and Catherine and other friends." Then,
"I shrink from this fate, but I feel that, all things considered, it is the best I can do. One more, dear mother, good-bye. Your fondest, Joseph."
A post-script gave careful directions in regard to the payment of a few debts and the disposal of the body. This dark shadow that has fallen on the little household of Mr. Halley elicits the heartfelt commiseration, not only of the brethren of his craft, but of the entire city. It is terrible.
The funeral took place from the residence of Mr. Halley, at 2 o'clock, to-day.
HALLEY - In San Francisco, Joseph J. Halley, aged 21 years, 9 months and 12 days.
Toronto, Canada papers please copy.
_______________________________
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 3:
ANOTHER TRAGEDY
Suicide of Joseph J. Halley of Oakland.
One More Victim of the Vagaries of Spiritualism and Modern Reform.
One of the most painful cases of suicide we have ever been called upon to record took place at the Commercial Hotel, on Montgomery avenue, San Francisco, Monday night. Joseph J. Halley, son of Wm. H. Halley, late publisher of the Home Journal, of this city, and recently connected with the Tribune in a business capacity, was found dead in his bed at the hotel named, about 11 o'clock yesterday. In a pocket of an overcoat hanging within a foot or so of the bed was an empty phial labeled, "Morphia Sulphas." In another pocket was a letter sealed and directed to his mother, who resides at No. 171 Eighth street, in this city. The body was removed to the morgue, and from there the remains were brought to Oakland, last evening. A representative of the Tribune called at the residence of the unfortunate young man's parents, this morning, and learned the following facts: Joseph was born in Toronto, Canada, April 7, 1854. He learned the printer's trade with Hawes & Kelly, at Buffalo, New York, where his father was then carrying on business. The family removed to this state about six years ago, the subject of the sketch following some months later. During boyhood he was an unusually bright, ambitious lad, invariably standing high in his classes, was fond of taking part in amateur theatricals and wrote several little plays. In 1869, while his father was in England, Joseph was attacked with nervous dispepsia, a malady which generally produces depression of spirits. In his case the effect was very marked, and developed into chronic melancholy. He submitted to the treatment of several San Francisco physicians, but without permanent benefit. He went to Los Angeles, twice, for treatments, returning the last time, after a severe course of typhoid fever which had reduced him ninety pounds in weight. He made his condition and its alleviation his principal study, and paid constant, careful, and self-denying attention to diet and all his habits of life. He was not, however, an unhealthy looking person, and few, even his intimate acquaintances, ever dreamed of the suffering, physically and mentally, the afflicted man underwent. Since 1873, he had suffered, in addition to his other infirmities, from epileptic fits. After his last return from Los Angeles he thought he was all right, but the old symptoms returned, and he could work but a few days at a stretch, when he would have to return home for rest.
Last Spring he made at home an attempt to destroy his life, but it was saved by the timely interference of his mother, and he was persuaded to forego the effort. His father states that Joseph had become imbued with the doctrines of Spiritualism, and the teachings of so-called modern reformers, and here is, without doubt, the key to this solemn and unnatural event. We can speak with personal knowledge of young Halley's character, as he was at one time for several months employed by the Tribune proprietors as solicitor and collector, and we always found him not only a willing, honest and reliable man in business, but a man of good principles who possessed some very noble traits of character. He was self-possessed, open and affable, always pleasant and agreeable towards friends or strangers, very industrious, energetic, self-denying, and in fact in every way manly. Such men do not in their normal condition seek refuge in oblivion from the ills of life, however terrible. Naturally, he was rather one of "the wise, the brave, who,/When the terrific storms of fortune round 'em roar,/Combat the bellows with redoubled force."
Imbued, however, with the unrational ideas of Spiritualism, his mind had become perverted in this direction, and he had grown to be, although clear on all other questions, a monomaniac on the subject of suicide, until it was the theme of his constant thought - a favorite topic of his conversation. Father Serda, of St Patrick's Church, San Jose, states that young Halley had held several conversations with him on the subject, endeavoring to prove that he had a right to commit suicide. It can be understood how a criminal, conscious-stricken and self-despised, should feel an irresistable impulse to destroy himself; but it is not possible to believe that a man like Halley - who, even if life had for himself no future hopes and attractions, had still a dear father, a beloved and devoted mother, and fond brothers and sisters to live for - could in his "right mind" have allowed himself to bring such an awful sorrow upon them, merely to escape the pangs of disease. Monstrous - impossible! It was the act of a perverted mind - of a madman. In his letter to his mother, he said: "***This desperate act that I have done I am sure will not surprise you very much, for you know that I have been inclined this way for the past two years.***I know you will grieve, but you will have the grand consolation of knowing that I am happy in the other world. So, good-bye, dear mother; we will meet again hereafter, and in a place where a soul will not be crushed down into utter misery, in spite of the most persistent good intentions, and the most earnest efforts. If I were to say one special word to you it would be this: 'Spare no effort to secure by all possible means, sound bodies for the other children.'
"Tender adieux to father, brother William, sisters Mary and Jennie, aunts Maggie and Catherine and other friends." Then,
"I shrink from this fate, but I feel that, all things considered, it is the best I can do. One more, dear mother, good-bye. Your fondest, Joseph."
A post-script gave careful directions in regard to the payment of a few debts and the disposal of the body. This dark shadow that has fallen on the little household of Mr. Halley elicits the heartfelt commiseration, not only of the brethren of his craft, but of the entire city. It is terrible.
The funeral took place from the residence of Mr. Halley, at 2 o'clock, to-day.
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 2:
HALLEY - In San Francisco, Joseph J. Halley, aged 21 years, 9 months and 12 days.
Toronto, Canada papers please copy.
_______________________________
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 3:
ANOTHER TRAGEDY
Suicide of Joseph J. Halley of Oakland.
One More Victim of the Vagaries of Spiritualism and Modern Reform.
One of the most painful cases of suicide we have ever been called upon to record took place at the Commercial Hotel, on Montgomery avenue, San Francisco, Monday night. Joseph J. Halley, son of Wm. H. Halley, late publisher of the Home Journal, of this city, and recently connected with the Tribune in a business capacity, was found dead in his bed at the hotel named, about 11 o'clock yesterday. In a pocket of an overcoat hanging within a foot or so of the bed was an empty phial labeled, "Morphia Sulphas." In another pocket was a letter sealed and directed to his mother, who resides at No. 171 Eighth street, in this city. The body was removed to the morgue, and from there the remains were brought to Oakland, last evening. A representative of the Tribune called at the residence of the unfortunate young man's parents, this morning, and learned the following facts: Joseph was born in Toronto, Canada, April 7, 1854. He learned the printer's trade with Hawes & Kelly, at Buffalo, New York, where his father was then carrying on business. The family removed to this state about six years ago, the subject of the sketch following some months later. During boyhood he was an unusually bright, ambitious lad, invariably standing high in his classes, was fond of taking part in amateur theatricals and wrote several little plays. In 1869, while his father was in England, Joseph was attacked with nervous dispepsia, a malady which generally produces depression of spirits. In his case the effect was very marked, and developed into chronic melancholy. He submitted to the treatment of several San Francisco physicians, but without permanent benefit. He went to Los Angeles, twice, for treatments, returning the last time, after a severe course of typhoid fever which had reduced him ninety pounds in weight. He made his condition and its alleviation his principal study, and paid constant, careful, and self-denying attention to diet and all his habits of life. He was not, however, an unhealthy looking person, and few, even his intimate acquaintances, ever dreamed of the suffering, physically and mentally, the afflicted man underwent. Since 1873, he had suffered, in addition to his other infirmities, from epileptic fits. After his last return from Los Angeles he thought he was all right, but the old symptoms returned, and he could work but a few days at a stretch, when he would have to return home for rest.
Last Spring he made at home an attempt to destroy his life, but it was saved by the timely interference of his mother, and he was persuaded to forego the effort. His father states that Joseph had become imbued with the doctrines of Spiritualism, and the teachings of so-called modern reformers, and here is, without doubt, the key to this solemn and unnatural event. We can speak with personal knowledge of young Halley's character, as he was at one time for several months employed by the Tribune proprietors as solicitor and collector, and we always found him not only a willing, honest and reliable man in business, but a man of good principles who possessed some very noble traits of character. He was self-possessed, open and affable, always pleasant and agreeable towards friends or strangers, very industrious, energetic, self-denying, and in fact in every way manly. Such men do not in their normal condition seek refuge in oblivion from the ills of life, however terrible. Naturally, he was rather one of "the wise, the brave, who,/When the terrific storms of fortune round 'em roar,/Combat the bellows with redoubled force."
Imbued, however, with the unrational ideas of Spiritualism, his mind had become perverted in this direction, and he had grown to be, although clear on all other questions, a monomaniac on the subject of suicide, until it was the theme of his constant thought - a favorite topic of his conversation. Father Serda, of St Patrick's Church, San Jose, states that young Halley had held several conversations with him on the subject, endeavoring to prove that he had a right to commit suicide. It can be understood how a criminal, conscious-stricken and self-despised, should feel an irresistable impulse to destroy himself; but it is not possible to believe that a man like Halley - who, even if life had for himself no future hopes and attractions, had still a dear father, a beloved and devoted mother, and fond brothers and sisters to live for - could in his "right mind" have allowed himself to bring such an awful sorrow upon them, merely to escape the pangs of disease. Monstrous - impossible! It was the act of a perverted mind - of a madman. In his letter to his mother, he said: "***This desperate act that I have done I am sure will not surprise you very much, for you know that I have been inclined this way for the past two years.***I know you will grieve, but you will have the grand consolation of knowing that I am happy in the other world. So, good-bye, dear mother; we will meet again hereafter, and in a place where a soul will not be crushed down into utter misery, in spite of the most persistent good intentions, and the most earnest efforts. If I were to say one special word to you it would be this: 'Spare no effort to secure by all possible means, sound bodies for the other children.'
"Tender adieux to father, brother William, sisters Mary and Jennie, aunts Maggie and Catherine and other friends." Then,
"I shrink from this fate, but I feel that, all things considered, it is the best I can do. One more, dear mother, good-bye. Your fondest, Joseph."
A post-script gave careful directions in regard to the payment of a few debts and the disposal of the body. This dark shadow that has fallen on the little household of Mr. Halley elicits the heartfelt commiseration, not only of the brethren of his craft, but of the entire city. It is terrible.
The funeral took place from the residence of Mr. Halley, at 2 o'clock, to-day.
HALLEY - In San Francisco, Joseph J. Halley, aged 21 years, 9 months and 12 days.
Toronto, Canada papers please copy.
_______________________________
Oakland Daily Evening Tribune, January 26, 1876, pg. 3:
ANOTHER TRAGEDY
Suicide of Joseph J. Halley of Oakland.
One More Victim of the Vagaries of Spiritualism and Modern Reform.
One of the most painful cases of suicide we have ever been called upon to record took place at the Commercial Hotel, on Montgomery avenue, San Francisco, Monday night. Joseph J. Halley, son of Wm. H. Halley, late publisher of the Home Journal, of this city, and recently connected with the Tribune in a business capacity, was found dead in his bed at the hotel named, about 11 o'clock yesterday. In a pocket of an overcoat hanging within a foot or so of the bed was an empty phial labeled, "Morphia Sulphas." In another pocket was a letter sealed and directed to his mother, who resides at No. 171 Eighth street, in this city. The body was removed to the morgue, and from there the remains were brought to Oakland, last evening. A representative of the Tribune called at the residence of the unfortunate young man's parents, this morning, and learned the following facts: Joseph was born in Toronto, Canada, April 7, 1854. He learned the printer's trade with Hawes & Kelly, at Buffalo, New York, where his father was then carrying on business. The family removed to this state about six years ago, the subject of the sketch following some months later. During boyhood he was an unusually bright, ambitious lad, invariably standing high in his classes, was fond of taking part in amateur theatricals and wrote several little plays. In 1869, while his father was in England, Joseph was attacked with nervous dispepsia, a malady which generally produces depression of spirits. In his case the effect was very marked, and developed into chronic melancholy. He submitted to the treatment of several San Francisco physicians, but without permanent benefit. He went to Los Angeles, twice, for treatments, returning the last time, after a severe course of typhoid fever which had reduced him ninety pounds in weight. He made his condition and its alleviation his principal study, and paid constant, careful, and self-denying attention to diet and all his habits of life. He was not, however, an unhealthy looking person, and few, even his intimate acquaintances, ever dreamed of the suffering, physically and mentally, the afflicted man underwent. Since 1873, he had suffered, in addition to his other infirmities, from epileptic fits. After his last return from Los Angeles he thought he was all right, but the old symptoms returned, and he could work but a few days at a stretch, when he would have to return home for rest.
Last Spring he made at home an attempt to destroy his life, but it was saved by the timely interference of his mother, and he was persuaded to forego the effort. His father states that Joseph had become imbued with the doctrines of Spiritualism, and the teachings of so-called modern reformers, and here is, without doubt, the key to this solemn and unnatural event. We can speak with personal knowledge of young Halley's character, as he was at one time for several months employed by the Tribune proprietors as solicitor and collector, and we always found him not only a willing, honest and reliable man in business, but a man of good principles who possessed some very noble traits of character. He was self-possessed, open and affable, always pleasant and agreeable towards friends or strangers, very industrious, energetic, self-denying, and in fact in every way manly. Such men do not in their normal condition seek refuge in oblivion from the ills of life, however terrible. Naturally, he was rather one of "the wise, the brave, who,/When the terrific storms of fortune round 'em roar,/Combat the bellows with redoubled force."
Imbued, however, with the unrational ideas of Spiritualism, his mind had become perverted in this direction, and he had grown to be, although clear on all other questions, a monomaniac on the subject of suicide, until it was the theme of his constant thought - a favorite topic of his conversation. Father Serda, of St Patrick's Church, San Jose, states that young Halley had held several conversations with him on the subject, endeavoring to prove that he had a right to commit suicide. It can be understood how a criminal, conscious-stricken and self-despised, should feel an irresistable impulse to destroy himself; but it is not possible to believe that a man like Halley - who, even if life had for himself no future hopes and attractions, had still a dear father, a beloved and devoted mother, and fond brothers and sisters to live for - could in his "right mind" have allowed himself to bring such an awful sorrow upon them, merely to escape the pangs of disease. Monstrous - impossible! It was the act of a perverted mind - of a madman. In his letter to his mother, he said: "***This desperate act that I have done I am sure will not surprise you very much, for you know that I have been inclined this way for the past two years.***I know you will grieve, but you will have the grand consolation of knowing that I am happy in the other world. So, good-bye, dear mother; we will meet again hereafter, and in a place where a soul will not be crushed down into utter misery, in spite of the most persistent good intentions, and the most earnest efforts. If I were to say one special word to you it would be this: 'Spare no effort to secure by all possible means, sound bodies for the other children.'
"Tender adieux to father, brother William, sisters Mary and Jennie, aunts Maggie and Catherine and other friends." Then,
"I shrink from this fate, but I feel that, all things considered, it is the best I can do. One more, dear mother, good-bye. Your fondest, Joseph."
A post-script gave careful directions in regard to the payment of a few debts and the disposal of the body. This dark shadow that has fallen on the little household of Mr. Halley elicits the heartfelt commiseration, not only of the brethren of his craft, but of the entire city. It is terrible.
The funeral took place from the residence of Mr. Halley, at 2 o'clock, to-day.
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