Writes Letter to Wife; Kills Self

The Lifeless Body of John Meyer Found in Office by Intimate Friend

Military Funeral

Past Commander of Local Camp of Spanish WarVeterans; Mystery.

Just before swallowing the contents of a two-ounce bottle of carbolic acid, John Meyer, Spanish War veteran, wrote a letter to his wife. He made the simple requst that he have a military funeral. It is understood he said nothing to her about the causes leading up to the rash act which was committed in a rear room of his office at 9 South Robinson street some time Monday night. The body found cold and stiff by the police shortly after 3 o'clock Tuesday morning.  

News of her husband's death reached her before the letter which was sent to her unopened by Justice W. P. Hawkins who acted in the capicity of coroner and returned a verdict to the effect that Mr. Meyer came to his death by means of carbolic acid poisoning at his own hands. The death is said to have had a terrifying effect upon both Mrs. Meyer and her only daughter, Miss Mamie Meyer, who reside at 815 East Eight Street, and sight of the handwriting of th husband and father is said to have added to their sorrow. Both were prostrated.

Ill health is given as the only known cause of Mr. Meyer's act and the last known man to have seen him, Dr. T. A. Myers, a dentist, told the coroner that he seemed depressed when he left him Mondasy night at Broadway an Grand avenue.

In addition to the letter addressed to Mrs. Meyer, the dead man had written several local business firms. The letters were left on th desk by the coroner, who said last night that the whole thin seemed to have been carefull planned and carried out. An overcoat of Mr. Meyer had been rolled up as a sort of pillow and his head was resting on that. Near him was the empty carbolic acid bottle and on the desk were the letters, writing material, spectacles, etc. In addition to makin the dying request to his wife that he have a military funeral, it is understood the he also addressed a letter to an office of the Spanish War Veterans, making a similar reques.

Born at Bernburg, Germany, August 24, 1868, Mr. Meyer was 44 years of age. He came to this country twenty-five years ago, coming direct to Oklahoma City as an eight-nine. His widow an one daughter, about 21 yedars old, are the only immediate relatives. In addition to being past commander of the local Spanish War Veterans he was a member of the Modern Woodmen and carried a $3,000 policy. He was a successful business man, his parter being W. M. Smith of 420 East Park Place.

In accordance with the expressed wishes of th deceased, Frank D. Northrup, camp commander Oklahoma City No. 3 United Spanish War Veterans, together with the comrades of Oklahoma City Camp No. 3, have assumed charge of the body.

The funeral services will be conducted at the National guard amory, 1110 1/2 North Broaday at 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon. Interment will be at Fairlawn cemetery.

National Aide de Camp William H. Merchant of this city, a omrade of Oklahoma City Camp No. 3, United Spanish War Veterans will act as the official representative of the national body of Spanish War Veterans and take charge of the funeral arrangements outside of the camp and burial services.

Govenor Lee Cruce, as commander in chief of the National Guard of Oklahoma, has directed that an escort of honor and firing party be detailed from the national guard of Oklahoma, Company M and Adjutant General F. M. anton has issued the necessary orders to that effect.

At a special meeting the following honorary pall bearers were designated: Alva J. Niles, Sentinel, Okla; Past Department Commnder Charles E. Hunter, Oklahoma City ;  [article ends]

Source: The Oklahoman.

Contributed by Marti Graham, February 2007. Information posted as courtesy to researchers. The contributor is not related to nor researching any of the above.