Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 118, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 May 1913 — LACK OF COURAGE PREVENTS SUICIDE [ARTICLE]

LACK OF COURAGE PREVENTS SUICIDE

Nickum, of Perpetual Light Fame, Decided to Kill Himself But Courage Failed Him.

S. B. Nickum, formerly of Logansport, who several years ago claimed to have discovered a perpetual light, and had many investors ity the stock of his company, is again in the limelight. He left a note with the Indianapolis Star Thursday night and disappeared before it could be opened. The noite told of his decision to commit suicide. He was found last night at the Pentecost Mission. He said that he had intended to carry out his threat, but that his nerve failed. He said he visited the river three times Friday, but could not make the fatal plunge.

Nickum is suffering from injuries suffered several years ago, when he fell from a bridge at VanWert. The Rev. Thomas H. Nelson, of the mission, will make an effort to have Nickum sent to- the city hospital for treatment. Nickum presented a pitiable appearance as he lay shabbily dressed in the large room with a number of other homeless men. “I meant every word I said in the lettgr J left at the Star office,” he said. “I have nothing more to live for. I am penniless and do not have sufficient money to purchase medicine which I am compelled to have. I went to the city dispensary and they gave me sufficient medicine to last tonight, and after that I do not know what I will do. ' “I went to the banks of the river three times yesterday, intending to leap into the water and end it all. But each time my nerve failed me. I at first intended to go from the Star office to the river, bfit after leaving the letter I changed my mind. I then came to the Shelter House. •‘t have been in Lebanon since ! left Logansport. I came here and expected to find money which was due me, but when it failed to arrive I had nothing to live on. For years I have been working on my invention which I had intended to show to the world, but it seems that I will never have the opportunity. I have no home now and I am sick unto death. That is all I have to say.” In his letter Nickum asserted that enemies had tried to take his invention from him and that he had been hindered In his work so many times that he had decided to end It all. When Nickum appeared at the mission he had had nothing to eat for three days. The Rev. Mr. Nelson tried to persuade him to taste food, but he refused. He said he was so weary that he could not remove his clothing, and lay down fully dressed.