Jasper County Democrat, Volume 23, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 November 1920 — SHOOTS BOTH WIFE AND SELF [ARTICLE]

SHOOTS BOTH WIFE AND SELF

Former Resident of Jasper County Suicides In Portland, Ore. Schuyler C. Spencer, prominent Portland lawyer, shot his wife and committed suicide in their home at 1126 Thurman street, Portland, Ore., at about 7:30 o’clock Wednesday evening, November 10. Mr. Spencer was a son 'of James Spencer, for many years a resident of Monticello, but who some 50 years ago published the Rensselaer Union, the predecessor of the present Rensselaer Republican, in this city. The family later moved to near Remington, where Schuyler was born. They later moved to White county, where the elder Spencer died about a year ago at an advanced age. Schuyler was married in Indiana, but he and his first wife parted. He located in Portland, Ore., and became quite prominent in the legal profession. He married again, but whether before leaving Indiana or after locating in Portland, The Democrat Is unable to learn.

The following details of the tragedy la from the Portland Telegram of November 10, and whether his wife is still living, The Democrat is also unable to learn: Mrs. Spencer is in St. Vincent’s hospital. Her condition has not yet been definitely determined, but it is thought that she may die. Hospital authorities said she was so weak that they could not even learn her name when she was first brought to the emergency ward. Police have not been able to determine a motive during the brief moments they have been working on the case, but it is understood he has been in ill health for some time. Spencer is a member of the firm of Wilson, Spencer, Beckett & Howell, a well-known firm of attorneys in the board of trade building. Policemen called on the case were forced to , break into the house by means of a ladder. They found Spencer dead and Mrs. Spencer seriously wounded. Botht were in their night clothes. Apparently Mr. Spencer shot Mrs. Spencer in the side while they were in a bedroom. He used a 54-callbre revolver. Mrs. Spencer staggered down the steps, but fell as she reached the foot of the flight: Spencer locked himself in a room and shot himself through the heart.