Br. J. W. Baldwin
Commits Suicide
Shock Kills Father
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Death stalked into the home of one
of Port Clinton's most prominent faiu-
ilies early Tuesday morning, when Dr.
J. W. Baldwin, 47, physician, ended
his life by taking .cyanide at his homo
at 610 East Perry street nure and
his aged father, M. G. Baldwin,..82,
died from the effects of the shock of
his son's tragic death, a ^half hour
later.
News-, of'the tragedy at t'he-Bald-
win home spread like wildfire thru-
out Port Clinton, and many wild ru¬
mors were being- circulated about the
business section of this city. Coroner
C. J. Yeisley, however, put a stop to
these rumors when he announced his
verdict of suicide by poisoning, and
the death of the father as caused by
the shock.
According to (he coroner, who was
called to the home of the Baldwins
immediately after the tragedy, Dr.
Baldwin had gone on a party'with a
number of friends earlier in the eve¬
ning. He returned- to his home lato
Monday niglit, when, the coroner in
his report said that a family quarrel
ensued. Dr. Baldwin it is said went
to his office at L2G East Second street,
and then procured'the poison which
later ended his life. Returning to his
home, the coroner's report sa.id, the
quarrel continued for some time. Dr.
Baldwin later went to the kitchen
and getting a glass filled it with u,
deadly poison and then walked to the
room of a roomer, Robert Gillian.
Entering Gillan's room, the report
continues, Dr. Baldwin talked to th*:
young man and ended up by saying-
"See this stuff in this glass. Well
there is enough poison there to kii!
ten people." With that he lifted the
glass to his lips and drained the con¬
tents. Gillan seeing what had hap¬
pened, rushed to the phone and call¬
ed two local physicians, but their ef¬
forts to revive the ma.n were of no
avail, as the poison had already end-
,ed his life.
M. G. Baldwin, father of the doctor,
ho had been malting his home here
nee the famliy moved from Toledo,
'turned from a meeting of the
Knights of Pythias lodge, and when
told of the tragic death of his son,
the shock proved too great and he
fell over dead.
Dr. Baldwin had suffered a nervous
breakdown, according to the coroner,
and this was given as the motive for
suicide act. The remains of both
the doctor, and his father were taken
to Toledo, their former home, for fu¬
neral services and interment.
Dr. Baldwin came to Port Clinton
from Toledo about three years ago
and had established a large practice
here. He was favorbly known in his
profession and he and his wife were
prominently identified with the social
life of this city. He was known, as
one of the city's finest physicians, and
professional care was much in de¬
mand by the suffering of Port Clin¬
ton. His office at 126 East Perry
streel/was well patronized, and he en¬
joyed a fine successful business since
coming-to'Port Clinton. Besides his
wife, Dr. Baldwin is survived by an
ight-year-old son, Robert.
The news of Dr. Baldwin's suicide
„nd the resulting death of his father
came as a severe shock to the erit*T3
community. Although the father, M.
Baldwin was not very well known
here, having lived in retirement since
coming to Port Clinton, he enjoyed,
the friendship of everyone with whom
he came in contact. The Baldwins,
..■!.. nftn» nnminir tn Pfirt PlilltniV
Harris-Elmore PL - Obituaries
