Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2023 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Nashville American Monday, 1 January 1900 CUTS HIS THROAT FROM EAR TO EAR While Temporarily Insane, WILLIAM G. FURMAN Takes His Own Life TRAGEDY CAUSES A SENSATION FURMAN Slashes His Throat With a Razor While in Bed, Death Re- sulting Immediately While temporarity insane WILLIAM G. FURMAN committed suicide yesterday morning by cut- ting his throat with a razor. Owing to the wealth and prominence of the deceased, the tragedy created a profound sen- sation throughout the city. FURMAN had been slightly deranged since the death of his father, FRANCIS FURMAN, a little over a week ago. He has been under constant surveillance ever since. Yesterday morning, however, he eluded the watchfulness of his keeper and ended his life. His throat was cut from ear to ear, the head being almost severed from the body. The oespha- gus carotid arteries, jugular vein and trochea were all severed, death resulting instantan- eously. The tragedy occurred at 6 o'clock yesterday morning at the family residence, 129 North Spruce street. That the deed was premeditated there is not the slightest doubt. FURMAN was 43 years old, an only child, and heir to a very large estate. Mrs. FURMAN has been an invalid for three years and during that time the son has been as attentive as could have been the most lov- ing and devoted daughter. He was passionately fond of his mother, and her illness evidently preyed upon his mind. Last Friday a week ago FRANCIS FURMAN, father of WILLIAM G. FURMAN, died from a stroke of paralysis. From that time the son grew rapidly worse, and, not be- ing able to sleep, exhibited unmistakable signs of insanity. Friends of the family not only suggested but insisted that the unfortunate man be con- fined in the asylum or some sanitarium. How- ever, the mother refused to be separated from him and instead engaged ED. GILLAM, a cousin, to be his companion and watch over him. Satur- day morning FURMAN slipped away from the house about 5 o'clock and went into the residence of J. W. THOMAS, Jr., through a rear door that had been left unlocked. The ladies of the fam- ily were terribly frightened and Mr. THOMAS himself was unable to get FURMAN home. Dr. W. A. ATCHISON, his physician and a friend of the family, was sent for. When FURMAN saw the doctor he declared that his mother was dead and refused to believe anything to the con- trary. He would not go home, and as his actions were indicitive of desperateness the police were summoned. Detectives BARTHELL and SIDE- BOTTOM went to the THOMAS residence and suc- ceeded in getting FURMAN home. He remained quietly at home during the day, and Saturday night Dr. ATCHISON succeeded in persuading him to take some sleeping powders. He retired early and went to sleep. This seems to have been the only time he slept since his father's death. At 4:30 o'clock yesterday morning he woke up, and, getting out of bed, put on his trousers. GILLEM, who remained constantly in the room with him, asked where he was going. He replied that he wanted to see his mother. He went into Mrs. FURMAN'S room and knelt down by his mother's bed. He kissed her a num- ber of times and explained concisely all of his business transactions, where his money was deposited and other minor matters. The mother only thought this a phase of a dis- ordered mind, never suspecting that she was kissing her son an eternal farewell. Several days ago Mrs. FURMAN took a pistol away from her son and placed it under a table in her room. Later she hid it. FURMAN, after leaving his mother, searched for this pistol, but failed to find it. However, he found a razor lying on the mantel, and this he secreted in his clothes. Returning to his own room, he told GILLEM that he was sleepy and intended to lie down again. Getting into bed he covered his head with the bed clothes and almost immediately began snoring. GILLEM thought he was asleep. A few minutes later GILLEM was startled by the sound of a gurgling noise coming from the bed. He rushed to the bed and, pulling down the cover, found FURMAN with his throat cut from ear to ear. He immediately raised the alarm and Dr. ATCHISON was sent for. However FURMAN was beyond human aid; death having resulted instantly. He was a very powerful man, and evidently exerted all of his strength in his effort to commit suicide, for every vein, artery and vessel was severed, only the spinal column left holding the head and body together. Mrs. FURMAN who is a very old lady and an invalid, is prostrated with grief, and it is feared that in her condition the shock may proved fatal. FURMAN, while never until recently, exhibited signs of insantiy, was always considered eccen- tric. He was not, with men, of a social dispo- sition, but he was a great favorite with chil- dren. He was fond of them all and took great interest in their childish troubles and joys. He was fond of horses and dogs, and preferred sleeping in the stable to the house. He was not particular about his dress or personal appear- ance. Although in his younger days he was wild and dissipated, he was always a lover of home ties. Since the illness of his mother he was nurse and housekeeper, remaining at home all the time and devoting every hour to the care of Mrs. FURMAN. Funeral services will be held at the residence at 2:30 o'clock thia afternoon. ===============================================================================