BELL, William - Putnam

Source:  Greencastle Banner-Times, 22 Dec 1893 p 8

William Bell living in Mill Creek township near the Broad Park settlement shot himself on Saturday night at his home 12 miles southeast of this city. Bell had been to the city on Saturday and returned home late at night. When he drove up in front of the house he called his wife to the door and placing a revolver to his breast sent a bullet through his body.  The ball entered the left side about two inches below the heart.  Bell assigned no cause for the rash act but it is rumored that he was afraid of arrest. He had been in the regular army but becoming dissatisfied left it. He said he bought his way out, but it is thought that he deserted and the fear of having to return to the service caused him to become despondent enough to attempt his life. Bell is a son of John Bell of Stilesville and is about 23 years old. About six months ago he married a daughter of Joe Parish and their life has been apparently happy. His wife is prostrated by the accident.  The latest news from Bell’s bedside was that he was still alive but could not recover as the wound is fatal. - transcribed by kbz