Fergus County Democrat. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1904-1919, 1916-02-10
SENDS BULLET
THRU BRAIN
JAMES HOPKINS WHILE TEMPO
RARlLY MENTALLY uNBAu-
ANCED TAKES OWN LIFE,
FINANCIAL DIFFICULT TIES THE CAUSE

James II. Hopkins, one of the early
settlers of Fergus county. having To-
Gated on Cottonwood creek with his
cather. A. Hopkins. when yet a boy.
vest erday morning sent IA 3S-cnlibre
bullet crashing through his brain,
death resulting at 4 ,, n., six and
one-half hours following the fatal shot.
rhe direct cause could not be ascer-
tanned. He had been worried over
financial matters for some time. it is
understood. hut yesterday gave no in
dications whatever that he intended
self-destruction
For some time past he had acted
queer at times, and doubtless while in
an irrational state Of mind the act
was committed.
Mrs. Hopkins was at home with her
husband just before the shooting oc-
Cured, which took place at $50
O'Clock. jim. as he was familiarly
known by his many friends. went to
The coal shed to get a bucket OF coal.
Mrs. Hopkins was upstairs, when she
heard pistol report. Having no sus-
picion of what had happened, she
went down stairs little later and
then went to the coal shed, where she
found jim lying PROSTATE, 3S-calibrc
pistol at his feet and an ugly wound
through his head. She Immediately sum
moned a physician, DR.. Biddle being
called and quickly dressing the wound,
while the officers were also notified
at once. Tho wounded man was re.
moved to the hospital, where he ex-
pired at 4 y. nj. without regaining
consciousness. When found by Mrs.
Hopkins, he was unconscious.
The bullet entered at the right tenn
pie and emerged just back Of the left
ear, piercing the brain and was neces-
sarily of "A fatal character. Because
of his wonderful vitality and physique,
the man was able to live for as many
hours as he did.
Well Known Man.
The decedent was we'll known
man in LewistOwn and throughout Fer
gus county. He was about 80 years
Of age and is survived by his wife and
three children, as well as his father.
A. Hopkins, who resides in San Diego.
Cal. He is also survived by the fol.
lowing sisters and brothers: Mrs. T..
]. Tubb. Mrs. Hanson, both of San
Diego; Roy Hopkins OF this city. viii
Hopkins OF Christina, Joseph and
Marion Hopkins OF sontuern California,
All are prominent people and well
known in this section of the state.
Was Active Man.
The decedcnt grew to manhood on
the Hopkins ranch on Cottonwood,
where he was hard working and in
dustrious chap. He left the ranch
and located in Lewistown. where, by
reason Of his industry, he soon ac-
quired considerable property of his
own. He operated the gravel pit and
the ice house near the edge of the
city. now being conducted by the Gilk.
erson Ice company. He also owned
the tract of ground where Athletic
heights, one Of Lewistown's early base
ball diamonds was located, and was
an active booster for that sport in
this city While he apparently did
very we'll and was considered well.to-
do, he became involved in indebted.
ness which caused him considerable
annoyance. At the time of his death
he still had considerable property.
AT one time he was part owner of
the grocery business, A. Hopkins a.
Sons.
His act comes as q surprise and
shock to all who knew him. and his
friends cannot account for such a
rash course.
Relatives have been communicate ed
with and pending further information,
the funeral arrangements will not be
completed.
Coroner Creel expects to hold an
inquest.