Ayres, John A. Takes His Life 1894

AYRES

Posted By: Ernie Braida
Date: 8/14/2011 at 20:23:18

The most shocking affair that has occurred in Knoxville for many years transpired in the south part of the city last Wednesday, John Ayres, aged about sixteen and a half years, the eldest son of S. P. Ayres of the Journal, deliberately killed himself after leaving a note disposing of his personal effects and biding his parents good-by. No reason whatever can be assigned for the act.

As was his usual custom, John milked the cow before breakfast Wednesday morning and took her to the pasture, some two or three hundred yards away. He did not return to breakfast, nor during the forenoon. Before dinner Mrs. Ayres sent a note to his father asking about John. Mr.
Ayres was out at the time, and the note was left on his desk. He does not usually go home for dinner. Later in the day the mother came up to inquire, as John had not yet been seen, but his father knew nothing of him. A search was then instituted, and in the pocket of John’s coat he had worn old clothes during his morning work was found an unsigned note addressed to his mother. It directed how his personal effects should be distributed and bade his mother good-by saying that hoped to meet her in a better world.

Upon discovering the note Mr. Ayres, Chas. Belville and Don Snodgrass at once went to the pasture where the cow was kept. Belville soon discovered the body. It was in a sitting position on the bank of a draw that empties into Competine. The revolver was lying on the ground, the same weapon Mr. Ayres had missed from a drawer in his office the day before.

The ball had entered the right temple and ranged downward through the brain, coming out just behind the left ear. The body was at once conveyed to the saddened home.

The funeral was held on Friday at the Presbyterian Church conducted by Rev. Schermerhorn, assisted by other ministers. The building was packed to the doors and many were turned away, unable to secure even standing room.

There appears to have been no reason or cause whatever for the boy a awful act. John was a bright studious boy and always foremost in his school affairs. He was a member of his high school senior class, progressing well in his studies and so far as anyone knew he was leading in all respects a happy and hopeful life. It is a terrible blow to his parents, brothers and sisters, rendered doubly severe by the suddenness of the awful shock.

There is a remarkable coincidence in the matter that will not fail to fasten the attention of the superstitious. At the beginning of the present term there were six boys and six girls in the boy’s class. Later another girl joined, making thirteen-the fatal number. To say that such things have anything to do with death or misfortunes is foolishness, but when such coincidences accu they excite remarks.

Marion County Newspapers 1894