The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-12-28
Mas Seated in a Saloon When
 He Committed the Deed
WELL KNOWN AND POPULAR
Hardman Had Been Despondent For Some Time About Loss of Sight, and Often Talked of
 Taking His Life.

Will Hardman, a son of Captain c. T. Hardman, one of Birmingham's oldest citizens, committed suicide yesterday af- ternoon about 4:25 o'clock in Johnson s saloon at 1910 Third avenue by shooting himself through the right ear. The bull let penetrated the brain and he sdied in a few minutes as he was being placed on the stretcher to be carried to the hos pital.
 The remains were carried to Taylor & Co.'S undertaking establishment, which is only few doors away, and were pre- rared for burial. A close investigation shows that the bullet is still in the body of the deceased.
 Hardman was sitting in q corner of the saloon near one of the tables where domi- noes are played There were a number of other people in the place at the tlme' but they had no warning that he intend- ed taking his life until the shot rang out and lis head fell back on the rear of the char in which he was sitting.
 No Intimation.
 JIardmen gave no intimation at the moment of his intention. He was slt- ting quietly in the chair and was not talking to any one when he shot him self Previous to that he had been talk irg to Frank Johnson, a personal friend of his, and seemed to be feeling well, I hose in the place at the time state that he was sober.
 As soon as he had fired the shot his hands fell to bis sid, and the pistol fell between his feet, which were stretched cut in front of him. He never spoke, and therefore gave no reason for the deed. Several times recently he has threatened to commit suicide on account of his eyes being in lad condition. He was scarcely ale to see any thing. Yesterday he told Andy Sullivan that he intended shooting himself, end ho also asked Frank John son to take out an insurance policy on his life This MT. Johnson refused to do.
 Hardman was in the saloon several times yesterday, and every one who saw him thought he was in unusually good spirits. About 3:45 o'clock yesterday aft ernoon he went in, and after talking to several people there, he sat down in the corner, and in a short time afterwards the tragedy occurred.
 pr. Barnett's Efforts.
 Dr. Barnett was called in and made an effort to save the mans life, but it was impossible, and he died while the doctor was working on him.
 The deceased was well known in Bir- mingham and comes from one of the best families. He had two brothers here, James Hardman and Charles Hardman, the lat ter being an engineer on the Louisville and Nashville railroad. He also had sev- eral sisters. His father was one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the city.
 About six months ago Hardman had his eyes badly damaged by load of birdshot fired at him by contractor named Grif- filth. From the effects of the load of shot Hardman lost one of his eyes entirely, and the other was so seriously damaged that he was unable to see. This seems to have made him Respondent.
 Hardman returned from Mexico about eight months ago and inherited several thousand dollars from an estate. He was considered by his friends to be very generous hearted man and he quickly spent his money on himself and his friends.
 The funeral arrangements have not yet been made.