Tinbridge Hill in Lynchburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
James River Suicide
1891
In the far corner of the cemetery near the exit is a small gravemarker inscribed "Unknown White Man Drowned in James River June 1, 1891"
"About noon a wretched and emaciated stranger apparently in the last stages of consumption, ended his life by throwing himself into the river from a boat on the Amherst bank."
"He had earlier appeared in the Mayor's court asking for his railway fare to be paid to Norfolk, but was told private charity was the only resource. He left the courtroom, it is supposed, in despair, went directly across the river and drowned himself. He was indeed a sad and pitiful case."
From: The Daily Virginian, June 2, 1891
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Disasters • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 1, 1891.
Location. 37° 24.835′ N, 79° 9.312′ W. Marker is in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is in Tinbridge Hill. It can be reached from Taylor Street just north of 4th Street, on the left when traveling north.
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: William Henry "Billy" Rhodes (here, next to this marker); War of 1812 Veterans (here, next to this marker); The Beale Treasure (here, next to this marker); Revolutionary War Veterans Buried in the Cemetery (here, next to this marker); Four Little Boys (here, next to this marker); Bransford Vawter (1815-1838) (a few steps from this marker); The Gatehouse Story (a few steps from this marker); Henry Holdcroft Norvell (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 315 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2021, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
