Joseph Blount, an aged and respected citizen, who was well known in the city and especially on the West Side, committed suicide last night while suffering from a temporary attack of insanity. Mr. Blount had been suffering from grip and other troubles for some time and these somewhat affected his mind. His medical attendant, Dr. McNally considered it advisable that he should be watch but he was not sufficiently ill to be confined. Yesterday afternoon he seemed to be considerably better and with his wife and son James took supper about 5 o’clock. The three discussed matters relating to the fruit and vegetable business in which another son is engaged and in whose employ the older Mr. Blount had been from time to time.
Shortly afterwards Mr.Blount got up and went to an outhouse which was used for storing tools. His son followed about five minutes later and was horrified to find his father lying across the threshold of the toolhouse with his head nearly severed from his body and blood flowing freely from the large ugly looking gash that had been made in his throat. In the hand of the victim was clutched with a death grip a razor with which the deed had been done. Short as the time had been which elapsed from the time the father left the house until he was followed by the son, it was long enough the razor to do its deadly work for Mr. Blount was dead when his body was discovered. The news spread quickly and there was soon a large crowd about the house. Two patrolmen guarded the place and kept back the curious and prying who had gathered there. Dr. French, the medical examiner, was notified and he was quickly on the scene. After viewing the body and ascertaining the facts of the case, he gave permission to the family to have the body prepared for burial. The members of the family were unaware that Mr. Blount mediated suicide. They did not know he had a razor in his possession but this he had evidently secreted about his person and with a cunning given to men in his condition at the time, had waited his opportunity and had succeeded in leading his family to believe that the fear of his doing harm to himself or anybody else was over. Mr. Blount about 20 years ago was sent to Butler Hospital where he was confined for about three years and later he was treated for a similar trouble at the state hospital. He was a native of England and was of a quiet, unassuming and kindly disposition. His straightforward dealing and upright character had won for him a host of friends and gained for him the respect of all with whom he came in contact. His death is a blow to all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance and it is especially so to his widow and family by whom he was greatly loved. Mr. Blount had resided in this state for many years. Before coming to Central Falls he was located in Providence and afterwards Lonsdale. He was a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church and was at one time a member of the vestry. He is survived by a widow and three sons, John A., Charles and James.updated 5/3/98
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