Smith - John W - d 1928
Source: Crawfordsville Daily Journal 13 Dec 1928 p 1
John W. Smith, 77, living a mile south of this city on the Greencastle road, is thought to have committed suicide in the woodshed at the rear of his home Wednesday afternoon. The body of the man was found by his wife about 3:30 o'clock. The shotgun, with an empty shell in the chamber, was found by his side. Brooding over ill health was thought to have been responsible for the act. County Coroner J.B. Griffith said Wednesday night that the circumstances pointed to suicide. The body was in a sitting posture when found. It was believed that Smith placed the muzzle of the gun against his chest and then pushed the trigger with a stick. Death was thought to be instantaneous. Early in the afternoon Mr. Smith took his gun and told his wife that he was going hunting. He left without Mrs. Smith seeing which direction he took. Shortly after this Mrs. Smith heard the fatal shot but thought nothing of it at the time, believing that a hunter had been shooting at some game. It was not unti! l some time later that Mrs. Smith went to the woodshed and found the body. Although Mr. Smith had been in ill health for some time, and at times was melancholy, members of the family had no inkling that he might be contemplating taking his own life. His death came as a severe shock to all who knew him. The deceased was born in Putnam County in 1851. He was the son of David and Jane Smith. His marriage to Martha McMullen took place on Sept. 26, 1872. He was a member of the Christian church. The survivors are the widow, Mrs. Martha Smith; three sons, Joseph, Harry and Fred; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the residence Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. J.H. Wilson will conduct the services.
Thanks so much to Barbara B for this one :) kz