Chandler, A. B. 1875-1951

CHANDLER, STRUCK, ROTH

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 6/14/2007 at 21:19:05

A. B. CHANDLER COMMITS SUICIDE IN LONELY ROOM
POLICE DISCOVER BODY TUESDAY; BELIEVED DEAD FROM 24 TO 48 HOURS

Everyone who knew "Bonnie" Chandler liked him. A bit "bookish" perhaps, since he spent much of his time at the local library, but a likeable fellow, always neat and clean.

He especially liked to visit with people. And, despite his 76 years, seldom mentioned the horse and buggy days when he used to repair the canvas tops and seats. A friend recalled, "He used to take a lot of time fixing them, but he did a good job. Always careful. What you might call a real artisan."

He married Elvira Struck of Delmar, who died a number of years ago. That's when he began spending more time at the library. His income came from a house he owned on East Platt street and a building behind it used as a storage warehouse. He lived in a shed-like structure behind the house, and though he liked to visit, he never had visitors.

Tuesday evening Mrs. Charles Roth, one of his two tenants called police and said she had become worried for she had not seen "Bonnie" for the past few days.

Police went to his door. The screen door was locked from the inside. They pried it open and found him lying on the floor, a bullet hole above his right ear, and a single shot Stevens pistol clutched in his right hand. The room in which he lived was littered with scraps of papers and magazines, books, empty tin cans and other refuse. He had been dead 24 to 48 hours. "Bonnie" always neat, had shaved before ending his life.

Funeral services for Anno Bommetto Chandler, born June 12, 1875, will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Carson funeral home. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery.

DEATH DATE: August 31, 1951
SOURCE: Private collection of newspaper clippings