The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1921-05-27
]. w. REAMES, GREENVILLE
MAN, TOOK OWN LIFE
Was Formerly Employed in Newberry
Drug Store. Funeral Held
at Johnston
Greenwood Index-Journal, 23rd.

Greenwood lndeX-JO Journal, Zofd.
The body of J. w. Reames, who
ended his own life in Greenville yes
terday afternoon, was brought to
Greenwood last night and will be car
ried to Johnston this afternoon for
burial. Mr.. Reames was brother of
Mrs. Charles T. Bailey of this city.
The funeral party will leave the cha
pei Of Howard B. Ellis at lis this
afternoon for Johnston. The fc' oW-
ing account of the tragedy is taken
from the Greenville News:
Growing respondent over his
health, j. w. Reames, pharmacist,
who came here several days ago from
Summerton, ended his life in a local
hotel about $50 o'clock yesterday af-
terAoon by firing a 32-calibre bullet
into his heart.
Death was instantaneous although
when a guest and bell boy, who were
attracted by the sound of the shot,
arrived on the scene, the body was
still warm. Medical aid was sum-
moned, but examination showed that
the bullet had pierced the heart,
death coming without a struggle.
A pearl handle 32-calibre Smith &
Wesson revolver was found beside the
dead man, but one shot having been
fired, although, with one exception, all
of the round of cartridges had been
snapped on. The pistol had been held
directly over the heart, the powder
stains being visible on the clothing.
On table in the room was found
letter addressed to Mrs. Charles T..
Bailey, 453 Stanley avenue, Green
wood, S. C. Investigation on the part
Of the hotel authorities revealed the
information that Reames was bro
:ther. of Mrs. Bailey.
The body was carried to Green
wood at an early hour this morning,
In accordance with the wishes of rel
atives in that city. No inquest will
be held, it was stated last night, as
circumstances plainly indicated that
Reames came to his death by his own
hand.
I The deceased came to this city
Thursday and was employed by the
Bruce and Doster. company, corner Of
Main and Coffee streets. He COM
plaihed Of feeling bad during Satur-
DAY, fellow employees in the store
Stated. who advised Reames to have
8physician examine him.
.iReames consented to have an ex-
Anaination made, it was stated and an
appointment was made with DR.. A.
White. .Dr. White was to examine
the deceased at the formers office,
but yesterday morning Reames tele-
ph5ned him to come to the hotel in
stead of meeting him at the office.
: Dr.. White stated that he examined
Reanes thoroughly, shortly after
noon yesterday and again after four
o'clock Yesterday afternoon. At that
time he complained of an injury said
to have been received about two
weeks oswhen he fell from log
while on fishing trip. This injury,
While painful, did not appear to be
serious, DR.. White stated, although
Rean,es seemed to be depressed over
the condition of his health.
While he had been in Greenville
but a few days, Reames was known
to many persons in this city, largely
because Of his long experience in the
drug business. For some time he was
employed in Clinton and at one time
was at Spartanburg. Before coming
to Greenville he had been engaged IN
tie drug business at Summerton. At
all the places where he had lived
Reames bore good reputation, drug
eists in this city stated last night. He
was 81 years of age and unmarried.
In the letter addressed to his SIS
ter. which was opened by the hotel
aiatherities, .Reames stated that the
condition Of his health had made life
not worth living, although he deplor-
ed the deedIhe was about to do. He
also kave some information in regard
To some Of his financial affairs, also
tflanIing his associates in this city
for their kindness to him, and con-
Gliding by asking the forgiveness OF
his sister and other relatives.