The Death of George Dorsey

Weston State Hospital, aka Trans-Allegheny  Lunatic Asylum, 1908 Source: RootsWeb

TALA Tales: A Collection of Articles from the Weston State Hospital

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” That old adage is one I’ve heard all my life and is usually meant as a pep talk. You can do anything you put your mind to, if you just try hard enough. Such a positive message…except when it comes to the will to commit certain acts. Today’s blog is another unfortunate tale from the Weston State Hospital, currently known as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. A young man, despite receiving treatment for his melancholia and suicidal threats was able to secure the means to end his own life.

George Dorsey, born around October of 1886, was the son of Wilbur and Amelia Dorsey. The Dorseys, despite being a prominent family in the Morgantown area, had divorced several years prior. George was living with his mother in Monongalia County, while his father resided in Pennsylvania. 

It is said that George was always a rather despondent, melancholy person, who had often made threats to end his own life. His condition became so bad, that it was decided that it would be in his best interest to be admitted to the state hospital in Weston. He was only 21 years old. 

Dorsey’s Grave in Oak Grove Cemetery Photo by Find-a-Grave contributor, Rhonda

It’s unclear just how long George resided at the state hospital, but it was clear that whatever treatment he was receiving wasn’t working. George had planned on taking his own life by drinking two bottles of ink he had gotten ahold of…but fate would intervene. One day, George was poking around the room of an attendant at the hospital and found a shot gun. Hidden in a trunk was the cartridge.

George decided this would be a much surer way to end it all than drinking ink, so he loaded the gun, held the barrel to his chest, and pulled the trigger. The bullet went just south of his heart, initially sparing his life. He was conscious, talking, and expected to survive his wounds. But again, fate would intervene. On September 21, 1908, George Dorsey died of a hemorrhage. His mother and brother came to collect his body and bring it home for burial. He is interred in the family plot at Oak Grove Cemetery in Morgantown. 

George Dorsey, despite having his whole life ahead of him, and a good family name to back him up, was determined that he should not be long for this world. In 1908, there really weren’t any good treatment options for those suffering so severely from depression.  Overcrowding and lack of attendants had also been an issue at the asylum for a long time, but this was a tragedy that seems like it could have so easily been prevented with proper safety and security protocols. But, George also had a backup plan with the ink, and if that didn’t work, would have surely found another way. One can only hope that George is finally at peace, a peace not afforded to him during his brief time on earth. 

The Daily Telegram (Clarksburg, WV) 17 September 1908

The Daily Telegram (Clarksburg, WV) 22 September 1908

George Dorsey Death Register Note: Last name listed as ‘Daisy’ Source: WV Vital Statistics