McMAINS, Lloyd - Putnam

Lloyd McMains, a w ell known and respected citizen of Waveland died Monday by his own hand. He resided with his sister, Mrs. Hiram Pratt and for several years past has been an invalid and has suffered a great deal. He arose yesterday morning and after eating breakfast walked to the home of another sister, Mrs. James Alfrey, but two doors distance remaining until about 9 o'clock. Mrs. Alfrey supposed he had gone back home and not until noon did she learn differently. Then a search was instituted and in the Alfrey barn he was found hanging from a beam. He had used a halter but on account of his infirmities, Mr. McMains was unable to adjust it properly and he was compelled to draw up his legs in order to accomplish his purpose. When found his knees were but a few inches from the floor. The unfortunate man knew he would never recover and the fear that he would soon become bedfast and helpless is supposed to have prompted the deed. His death is the first in a family of 13 children - kbz

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 3 June, 1898

Last Monday at Waveland occurred a tragedy which has occasioned great excitement in that peaceful village. Lloyd McMains, an old and respected resident of the town, went into the barn of his brother-in-law, John Alfrey, and hanged himself. His dead body was not discovered until noon and he had then been dead several hours. He was cut down and an inquest will probably be held by the deputy of Coroner Barcus, who has gone to the front with the volunteers. The deceased was an old bachelor and had been living with his relatives. He was about 57 years of age and is supposed to have been temporarily insane. He had been complaining of ill health, but no one expected him to take his life. He was a brother of Robert McMains of this city and was well known here. -s