- The death of Joseph P. WRIGHT at his home in Fairplay Township, three miles southwest of Bloomfield Monday afternoon between 2 and 3 o'clock, by carbolic acid poisoning administered with suicidal intent, was a severe shock to his many acquaintances in Bloomfield. "Brig" WRIGHT, as he was familiarly known, was for many years a farmer in Center Township. He was an energetic and progressive man and he added gravel road and stone road contracting to his farm work, and in later years moved to a farm in Fairplay Township. He did good work for Commissioner Carmichael last summer when he rebuilt the Elliston grade road, which had been destroyed by the floods, and after completing this task he resumed work on the Asdell macadamized road in Taylor Township, which he had under contract. He was a "good fellow" and his work as a contractor led him into the company of genial men. He intended no wrong, but once started he could not control his appetite. His ideas of good fellowship caused neglect of business and this neglect caused financial triangles and whatever condition his affairs are in today is no doubt the cause of his despondency and untimely end. In other words, whiskey did it and the law-violating drug stores is more to blame for his death than any other cause, and yet people who call themselves "good citizens" and "law-enforcing officials" walk blindly along the streets, day and night and fail to do their duty toward enforcing the law against drug stores, blind-tigers and gambling dens in Bloomfield as well as in every town and community in Greene County. Mr. WRIGHT spent part of Wednesday in preparing his papers and in writing letters and notes regarding his affairs. His wife was not at home, having gone to the home of her son, near Elliston, to spend the day. Mr. WRIGHT was nearly sixty years old and had recently bought the former home of J. A. PHILLILPS and expected to move there in a short time. He leaves two sons and two daughters, Mrs. Charles HAMILTON and Mrs. Joseph LESTER, besides his wife to mourn his departure. He was preceded in death by a daughter several years ago, who was prominent as a school teacher. Mr. WRIGHT was a good man, whole souled, genial, companionable and generous. He was well-meaning and one of the kind of men that makes life in a community worth while. He was interested in the general welfare of the county and he was always ready to help any worthy enterprise. He will be missed by a large circle of acquaintances, as well as his good family. The funeral will be conducted tomorrow at the family residence by Elder J. A. SPENCER. Interment in the cemetery at Ridgeport, in Center Township, Friday noon.
(findagrave)
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