Wright - (Rev) J.N. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

The remains of Rev. J. N. Wright, who drowned himself in the canal at Indianapolis while suffering from mental derangement, arrived here this morning at 9:18 o’clock, and after services at the M. E. Church, were interred at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mrs. Van Anda and Hyde, Methodist ministers of Indianapolis, were in attendance at the funeral and assisted Rev. G. W. Switzer in conducting the services.  The remains when found Saturday were in a terrible condition although a gash over the eye was the only mark on the body. His watch had stopped at 10:13 showing that he had jumped into the canal. C. W. Wright gives the following version of the affair:

“Father was 77 years old and had for many years been a Methodist minister. He was also a Scottish Rite Mason, but I do not know to what lodge he belonged. There is no doubt that he was crazy to an extent. About six years ago he went from here to Kentucky, where he was born, to visit his brothers and sisters. After he had been there a few weeks, I received a letter from him in which he seemed to be dissatisfied and out of his mind, and he said that unless he had some home to go to he would go to the bottom of the river. I at once wrote for him to come to me and he did so, remaining with me until about June 1 when he went to Indianapolis. Frequently he talked and acted queer and Wednesday night mother heard him say to himself that he would ’get rid of these people.’ He was evidently contemplating suicide then. I think he did the deed Thursday night at 10:13, the time his watch stopped. He had about $20 when he left.”  The funeral will occur tomorrow afternoon at 2 o’clock, Rev. R. J. Cunningham officiating, assisted by Rev. E. P. Thomson. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.