TOWNSEND, Dee

Newspaper Unknown February 1912 SHROUDED IN MYSTERY (From Sunday's Daily) Further particulars of the death of D. Townsend were learned yesterday, and show that he committed suicide, after a carefully prearranged plan. He was in a business house at McCabe on Thursday night until about 10:30 o'clock, and appeared to be in a happy mood, conversing freely with several companions. Leaving the store at that hour he turned around at the door while going out and said to his friends, "Good bye, boys." Ordinarily on leaving company in the night time, he would depart without any other than the usual manner of leave-taking. Going to his cabin a few hundred yards distant it is the belief that as soon as he entered the room he placed the pistol to his head and was instantly killed, a shot being heard a few minutes later. An examination of the body showed the forehead to be powder-burned, while the left hand also had powder marks. It is the supposition that he guided the barrel by holding it with his left hand and the trigger was pulled with the forefinger of the right hand. The body was not discovered until the next afternoon at 5 o'clock, when the hand of the deceased still tightly grasped the pistol. The suicide of this well known pioneer, is still clothed in mystery. It is said, however, that he was burdened with trouble and about two months before confided to a few friends that unless something occurred soon "life was not worth the game." His most intimate friends have not the slightest clew to the cause of his troubles. ---------------------- Newspaper Unknown February 1912 TOWNSEND LAID TO REST WITH PARENTS (From Tuesday's Daily) The funeral yesterday of D. Townsend was expressive of the splendid name he enjoyed in life, and was a fitting tribute to his memory, bringing the few remaining pioneers and the many of later date friends together to pay their last respects to a man who was universally beloved. The occasion was a sad one, and the many kind words heard of the deceased, but feebly reflected the splendid name he enjoyed among all. McCabe and surrounding mining camps were depopulated, and Ruffner's chapel was inadequate to accommodate those who had come to the city. Religious services were conducted by Rev. H.E Marshall of the Baptist church, and interment was given in the Masonic cemetery. The body was placed beside the remains of the father and mother of the deceased. The former, John Townsend, having been killed by Indians over two score years ago and in life enjoyed the name of being the greatest Indian fighter that ever lived. Many floral tributes were donated by friends, and the cortege was a long one. The western Federation of Miners conducted the funeral and were present in large numbers. The Pall bearers were J. N. Rodenburg, Sidney Birch, H. D. Stuthman, A. W. Clevenger, Ernest Childers and H. B. Peterson.