Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1886-07-23
"A Sad Occurrence.
SUICIDE OF AN INDUS TRIOUs YOUNG
MAN.
Reported for the staunton vrNp1cAToR.

MAN.
Reported for the Staunton VTNDIcAToR.1
RAPHINE, VA. July 21st 1855.
Mr.. J. W. Shannon, book-keeper TOR
Myers Bros & Co., Richmond. Va, was
found dead in the grove just above this
place, at O'Clock this evening. He shot
himself in two places-the left breast and
in the forehead. He was found lying on
his back, with the gun between his legs.
the muzzle pointing towards his head and
clasped with one hand.
The deceased was young man, ABOUT
% years of age. He came here on last FIJI
day, in company with Mr.. E. 3. Johnson,
brother of G.. T. johnson, of This place,
who is emp Logged in the same house. Both
were here for few weeks vacation, that
they might be free from business and rest
up. The deceased seemed to be broken
down, was melancholy, and had very little
to say He complained of being nervous,
and it is said he had only had one nights
rest for the last month. This morning be
expressed wish to take a squirrel hunt.
and started to the grove with gun. just
short time befor dinner, stating that ne
would be back by that hour. About one
O'Clock two shots we're heard by several
citizens, which are supposed to have done
the fatal work. At dinner, Mr.. Johnson,
who had been sleeping, asked for DIS
friend. and he not returning according to
promise, Mr.. J. started in search of him.
ha In 90 O hnuQ qtqtl6
Squire J. R. McNutt held coroners'
inquest, with the following jurors VIM.
T. II utcheson. Jno. 7. Stuart. r. FL. AL
len, E. G. Hill, Geo. Huffman ard VIM.
Clemmer, who brought in verdict "that
deceased came to his death from two gun
shot wounds, from his own hands.
The jury found on Mr.. Shannon the fol-
lowing letter:
To aDhonl 1t may concern:
[ give this as a warning to any who may
possibly follow in my footsteps. Never
allow your thoughts to dwell entirely up
on yourself Or your own affairs. Rather
die than lead such selfish life. My
thoughts have been so centered ON myself
and my own interests, that have not CIV
en- even God scarcely thought, until 1
became reduced to such a state that
could think of myself alone.
By doing this deed [ am relieving my
family of troublesome burden. l have
on deposit with Myers Bros. Il Co., Rich
mond, Va, $456 10, besides something due
me for about month Is servlce-say 800.
I owe the Misses Apperson, No. 224 North
Goth ST.. Richmond, for board ; also a bill
to DR.. Owen, Lynchburg, and DR.. Cullen,
Richmond, lone consultation).
The valise [ have belongs to Mr.. Spott
Allen, Richmond. Please send it to him
with many thanks. | owe thanks to my
kind friends, among whom are my employ
ers, the Misses Apperson, Mr.. and Mrs.
Allen, and Messrs. J. B. and Herbert
Funstan, Mr. johnson and many others.
Mr.. Johnson will find enough money On
my person to pay him what L owe him,
and if not enough to defray funeral expen-
ses, Messrs. Myers Bros. 81 Co. will remit
enough to pay balance. My last thoughts
are of the dear ones at home.
Farewell to all.
(Signed) J. W. SHANNON.
Mr.. Johnson will leave with the remains
tomorrow morning. for Lynchburg, the
home OF Mr.. Shannon 8 family.
T. G.. S.