Life — October 23, 1884 — page 6: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

230 DR. SIMMONSES MISFORTUNES. From the “ Cheyenne Lariat.” Under date, Oct. 2d, 1884. R. EDWARD SIMMONS, well and favorably known in this city as a skillful and humane physician, left town this morning by the Pacific Express for San Francisco whither he has determined to remove, and continue the practice of medicine. Dr. Simmons’ departure will be deeply deplored by many persons in this city whose intimacy and confidence he has enjoyed. Since he came among us cight years ago, his sterling qualities of mind and heart, and the very unusual scope and thoroughness of his attain- ments had won for him a high degree of nrofessional suc- cess. We had learned to regard him as part of the bed- rock of our community, and when, some six months ago, we learned of his betrothal to Miss Myrtle Read, daughter of Alderman Read, of the 4th ward, the announcement gave us especial pleasure, since it seemed to assure as well Dr. Simmons’ life-long happiness, as the stability and continu- ance of his residence among us. The painful and mysterious occurrence which blighted our friend’s matrimonial hopes, and which, with its distressing sequences, so worked upon his refined and sensitive mind as to make his surroundings here intolerably painful, is well known to all our readers. We tell the story again, not as news, but with the faint hope that it may meet the eye of some person who may even now be able to throw some light upon a gloomy and impenetrable mystery that has baffled investigation. Toward the end of last April, when the town was full of ranchmen who had returned from passing the winter in the East, but who had not yet started out for the Spring round- up, a number of the members of the Bison Club tendered to Mr. Simmons the compliment of a dinner to signalize their gratification at his recently announced betrothal. The proffered courtesy was accepted in the same genial spirit that had prompted it. The dinner was duly given at the club, and though it was not our privilege to be present we have understood that it was a most enjoyable occasion, and characterized by all the cheerful good fellowship that usually obtains at such times. The party left the club together at about 1.30 A. M.,and on reaching the sidewalk paused, we are informed, to discuss, with commendable public spirit, the man- ner of lighting the town,—several persons holding that elec- tric lights should be introduced, and even suggesting that it would expedite the proposed change if the present gas lamps. were removed. But without taking action in this matter, the little conciave dispersed, to seek singly or in groups their various homes. Dr. Simmons, whose house it will be re- membered is nearly a mile from the club, started out in company with Roger Whitman, Esq., who afterward testified that after accompanying the doctor a couple of blocks he turned back for some reason, bidding good night to his com- panion who returned his greeting and continued on his way, saying that he was going home and giving no reason for doubt that he would get there. - LIFE: The next person to see Dr. Simmons was Officer O'Malley, | of the police force, who, when on his duty down Elk Street, “at about half-past three in the morning, observed a figure in white standing upon the brown stone steps that lead up to the residence of Rev. Silas Parker, pastor of the Second Presby- terian Church. Greatly surprised to see such a figure in such a place, Officer O'Malley approached under cover of HE COULD NOT TELL, NOR EVEN SURMISE. atree and discovered the stranger to be Dr. Simmons, well known to him as a worthy and respectable citizen. The doctor had hung his coat and his waistcoat containing his watch and money, upon the iron palings of the Rev. Parker's | front gate, and when the officer caught sight of him he was | in the act of drawing his shirt over his head as a preliminary to retiring for the night upon the doorstep. Upon being accosted by O'Malley the doctor said he was very tired and needed repose, and begged the officer unless his case was urgent, to call again in the morning. The impropriety of the doctor's purpose was, however, so obvious, that the officer persuaded him to put on his clothes again and intended to take him home, but changed his mind when he discovered that while the doctor's coat and vest and hat were at hand, he had lost one of his shoes, and no trace could be found of his trowsers. They then went to- gether to the station house, where in the course of an hour's time, the singular misconceptions that seemed to cloud the doctor’s intellectuals gradually faded away, and his usual lu- cidity of mind returned. On being asked what he had done with his trowsers he could only express his intense surprise at finding himself without them. Where he had been, or why he had selected the Rev. Parker’s doorstep for a couch he could comicbooks.com