|
What Became of Them... |
Samuel W. Boring
The Rushville Times, July 30, 1903
Tired of Life At Eighty
Samuel W. Boring An Old Schuylerite, Commits Suicide at San Jose, Cal.Samuel W. Boring, known to many of the old residents of Schuyler,
committed suicide at San Jose, Cal. on July 12th. Mr. Boring went to
California in 1849 when the discovery of gold started the Illinois
settlers westward. He was accompanied by John McNeeley, Wm. Louden, Dick
Stevenson and Edward Boring. Mr. Boring did well in the west and became
wealthy and a power in politics. He last visited Rushville about twenty
years ago. The following account of his death was taken from the San
Francisco Chronicle:The mystery surrounding the disappearance of Major Samuel W. Boring, the
well-known Mexican war veteran and one of the most notable pioneers in
this section, was explained this afternoon, when the dead body of the old
man was found amid the brush in a deep canyon in Alum Rock park with a
bullet wound thru the head and a British bulldog revolver, 44 caliber, in
his hand. Boring has been missing since last Monday when he was to have
presided at the celebration in connection with the raising of the flag in
this city. The body was found by one of the Alum Rock campers, Mr. Sanford
of Centerville, who was searching in the canyon for some twisted boughs
with which to make rustic benches. Major Boring's bicycle was also found
partly hidden in the brush.The theory advanced is that Boring lay down deliberately at the point
where he has just been found, placed the revolver to his mouth and then
pulled the trigger. Death must have been instantaneous. The body was
identified by C. H. Geldert and Coroner Kell of San Jose was notified.
Kell at once proceeded to the park and an inquest was held, Oliver
Blanchard being foreman of the jury. A verdict of suicide was returned.Major Boring was seen by his landlady, Mrs. Julia S. Dyer, at the Le Franc
building, 163 West Santa Clara street about 6 o'clock or a little later on
last Sunday evening, dressed as for church, but in reply to a question he
said he was not going to church, but for a walk. Major Sherman called on
him Sunday afternoon, and states that while he was there Major Boring's
step-daughter came and asked him for 25 cents. Boring said he had no
change less than $5, so Major Sherman handed him the quarter for the girl.Two five-dollar gold pieces were found in the pockets of Boring's trousers
in his room with his keys. His watch was also in his vest hanging on the
bedpost. In one respect the mystery surrounding the man's death remains.
Nothing at all was found to indicate any intention of committing suicide.
Not a scrap of paper was found which threw any light on the man's design.For 50 yrs. Major Boring was prominent in public affairs on this coast. In
early life he was sheriff of Nevada county. He came to this valley in 1849
after the Mexican war, in which he served distinction. He was one time
mayor of San Jose and served as state senator for one session and as
county clerk for 2 years. He was 80 and looked 20 yrs. younger, native of
Washington county, Tenn. Wife and daughter survive.