AITCHINSON, John (1824-1878)

AITCHINSON, ATCHINSON

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 4/7/2022 at 13:50:07

Terrible Tragedy
Insanity and Suicide

All were startled and shocked on Friday last to hear of the death by his own hand of John Atchinson, of this county. The circumstances as near as we can give them in brief are as follows: Mr Atchinson for some time has apparently had some serious trouble weighing on his mind, and brooded over it until at last he became for the time insane. Friday morning last he went to his neighbor J. M. Streeper's on some errand, and while there stepped into the pantry for a drink of water. While in the pantry, as it appeared afterwards, he took a loaded revolver from the shelf and put it in his pocket. He then returned home, and wandered about the premises undoubtedly looking for a secluded place in which to hide while committing the fearful deed. He finally went to the north of his house a few rods, among some small trees, and deliberately shot himself, three different times. The first ball entered his forehead near the temple and passed around outside the skull. The second shot was towards the other temple, the ball passing in back of the eye. The third ball was sent into his brain, directly through the center of his forehead. The three shots were distinctly heard by parties at work not far away. This occurred about 10 o'clock in the forenoon and he lay in an unconscious state until he died about 6 o'clock in the afternoon. Doctors Green of Garner and Jones of Forest City were summoned and remained with the unfortunate man until last.

John Atchinson was born in Scotland, and possessed all the well known characteristics of a Scotchman, bluff, hearty and honest. He came to this country when a young man, and to this State about twenty years ago. He served in the Union army during the rebellion and was a tried and trusty soldier. He was living with his third wife; his age about 50 years. He was a farmer, reasonably successful, and in easy circumstances.

The funeral took place on Sunday, Sept. 1st, the services being held in the grove on John Maben's old farm, and conducted by the Masonic fraternity, he having been for many years a respected member of that order. The sermon was delivered to a large concourse of people by Elder Mason, of Forest City, and was a strong and practical address. The funeral procession was over half mile in length, and included 84 loaded teams, besided footmen and some on horseback.

It appears strange that a man could have the nerve to shoot himself three times, but such was the case in this instance. The pistol was small and the first two shots not stunning in their effect. In his pockets were found a package of strychnine and a spoon. Early that morning, before daylight, he arose and went down stairs, evidently intending to take poison, as his wife who followed him down, noticed the he appeared disconcerted and grabbing something from the table, went out of doors.

His strange acts and conversation had been noticed for some days and several had remarked that they "believed John was going crazy", First insanity, and then self destruction. It is a sad ending to any persons life.

source: Hancock Signal, 4 Sep 1878, page 3, column 5