W. J. Carnine Suicided This Morning by Jumping From Main Street Bridge; His Mind Was Affected.
W. J. Carnine, 74 years of age and a veteran of the Civil war, suicided this morning by jumping into the Colorado river from the Main street bridge. At an early hour this afternoon the body had not been recovered though members of the police and fire departments are dragging the bed of the river for some distance below the bridge. It is believed that the aged man ended his own life while temporarily demented as a result of a continued illness which dated back for a number of years. For some time past he had not been normal mentally, although it was not thought at any time that he contemplated his act of this morning. Recently he had appeared to be in better health and spirits. Mr. Carnine resided with his wife at 1350 Colorado and appeared to be in his usual state of health this morning. He arose as usual and during the morning remarked to his aged wife that he would take a short walk. It is believed that he went directly to the river. Mr. Carnine was seen to jump from the bridge by a woman residing in the neighborhood, who at once called the police station. Chief of Police, William C. Hedermann responded to the call and found the old gentleman's hat and cane lying on the bridge where he had placed them before taking the fatal leap. The suicide was reported about 11 o'clock. Soon after dragging equipment kept at the fire station was taken to the bridge to be used in recovering the body. Mr. Carnine had been a resident of Grand Junction for some three years, coming here form near Paonia where he had made his home for a number of year. He had been a resident of Colorado for the past 18 years. He is survived by his aged wife and two children, A. O. Carnine who resides six miles north and east of this city, and Mrs. Effie Cutbirth, who also resides in that section of the valley.
--The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction, CO) Sept. 30, 1921
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Yesterday at 12:30, after a continuous search by the relatives which had lasted since Friday afternoon, the body of the late W. J. Carnine, veteran of the Civil war who suicided Friday afternoon by jumping into the river from the Main street bridge, was recovered some 200 yards below the bridge, almost exactly in the same spot where women residing near the bridge reported they had seen him sink for the last time. The body was recovered with the aid of a long rope, along which hooks had been placed at frequent intervals. Mr. Carnine had been in ill health for months past, and his mind had become affected. Recently he had appeared improved mentaly and physically. Friday morning he left his home at 1350 Colorado avenue, announcing that he was going for a short walk. Shortly before noon the aged man was seen to leap from the east end of the Main street bridge, after removing his hat and placing it with his cane on the floor of the bridge. A hurried call for the police was sent in by women residing in the neighborhood. They responded and began a search for the body. Relatives were called as soon as possible, they reaching the river early Friday afternoon. They took up the search, continuing it over Saturday and Sunday morning. In the meanwhile they had offered a reward of $100 for the recovery of the body. Following its recovery yesterday afternoon, the body was removed to the Krohn funeral parlors, from where the funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Forrester, pastor of the Methodist church, and will be attended by the members of the G. A. R. and the W. R. C., a number of old soldiers acting as pallbearers. Burial will be made in Orchard Mesa cemetery. Mr. Carnine is survived by his aged wife and ten children, Mrs. Joseph Cutbirth residing five miles east and north of this city, A. O. Carnine, residing two miles west of Clifton, A. A. Carnine of Denver, who arrived in the city yesterday, Stanley Carnine of Walla Walla, Wash., Mrs. Luis Painter of Gerber, Calif., John Carnine of Paonia, Frank Carnine of Loveland, Colo., Mrs. Lillian Marshall of Norton, Kansas, Mrs. Ruth James of Helper, Utah, and Fred Carnine of Los Angeles.
--The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction, CO) Oct. 3, 1921
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Wm. J. Carnine was born in Des Moines, Iowa, May 31, 1847. In the years of his early manhood he heard the call "to arms" and enlisted in the Union army. On July 4, 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Hagler of Iowa. Out of this union 10 children were born, six boys and four girls. All living and to manhood and womanhood, grown; also 22 grandchildren. Besides the wife and children the deceased has four brothers and three sisters living. In 1905 the family moved to this state. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Carnine moved among us; among whom the family have many friends, that are in most profound sympathy with them in this hour of overwhelming sorrow. In the years long gone it was the good pleasure of the writer to serve as pastor of some of the family relatives. My esteem for the Carnine families abides. It will also be remembered that 16 years ago a brother of our departed friend was district superintendent in the Colorado conference of the western slope. Wm J. Carnine, when a young man, gave his heart and life to Christ from whom he had the assurance of Divine acceptance. Later on, and for many years he lived an absolutely apostate life. To the later regret of himself and all of his loved ones. Some months ago, we were passing on Main street when he stopped the writer and said, "I have renewed my covenant with Christ, and he has accepted me." The earnestness with which he expressed himself, the serene expression on his face, gave faith and assurance, that he was speaking out of heart sincerity. Of the absolute Christian barrenness of the major portion of his threescore and ten years of life; there can nothing be said but regret. Let us all hope and trust that the patient, the long suffering, the loving and piteous Christ met him at the river's threshold and took him unto Himself, "Empty Handed Though he went." The sermon was preached from St. Mark, 13:37--E. H. Fleisher
--The Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction, CO) Oct. 6, 1921
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