Joseph WOODS commits suicide (1901)

from The Republican (Danville, Indiana) - issue of Thursday, April 25, 2901 - page 1, column 6:

SHOT HIMSELF
Joseph Woods Takes His Own Life Tuesday
The community was shocked Tuesday to learn of the suicide of Joseph Woods, a prosperous farmer, northeast of town. The act was committed about eight a.m. He had just been talking with his wife in the kitchen. She passed into another room. He took a shotgun, removed the trigger guard, placed the muzzle to the left side of his head and presumably kicked the trigger with his foot. His head was blown open and he died instantly.

His wife ran out instantly and saw his lifeless body. She called her daughter and rang the bell for help. The coroner was called and his verdict was suicide.

Mr. Woods was an excellent citizen who by industry and economy had prospered. He was justly held in high esteem by his neighbors. The fatal deed was done in a moment of temporary insanity. Early last winter, he had an attack of grip from which he did not fully recover. He went into the coal business in Danville but business life seemed to unnerve him and he soon sold out. During the icy weather, he fell and injured his head. Lately his manner has caused comment among friends and they feared he was losing his balance. A widow, a daughter and three sons survive. The funeral was yesterday afternoon at Bartlet's Chapel with burial at Cartersburg.