A Desperate End for a Displaced Policeman
James E. Penrod, a former Denver officer left destitute after political shifts, takes his own life in Centralia.
The publication in the Post-Intelligencer yesterday morning of an item from Centralia concerning the supposed suicide of a man named L. Penrod, of South Park, brought to light a story that will appeal strongly to the hearts of the people of this city. James E. Penrod had lived with his family at South Park since last fall. Before coming to this city, Penrod was a policeman at Denver, Colo., but when Gov. Waite made radical changes in the force to help his Populist friends, Penrod lost his position. Then he came to this city and since then has lived from hand to mouth. A short time ago he entered into negotiations to purchase a piece of property near Chehalis. Two weeks ago Thursday he started for Centralia to look over the property. He had only $10 to his name and so had to walk all the way. The weather was bad and according to his diary he suffered greatly and became discouraged. He leaves a wife and two children in destitute circumstances.
“I have been disappointed. I would not give $50 for the homestead. I am sick. My head does not feel right. I feel queer.”
Penrod's story is a tragic example of the 'boom and bust' era's human cost, where political patronage and economic instability could destroy a family's livelihood overnight. It serves as a grim reminder of the lack of social safety nets for displaced workers in the late 19th century.
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