HARRISON, J. J. (died 1902)

HARRISON, MCCONNELL

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/24/2010 at 12:14:57

J.J. Harrison, ?---1902

DIED BY OWN HAND

J.J. Harrison, who has been in the employ of J.H. Dorsey as the bus driver for the Lawn Home the past year took his life by his own hand Saturday morning. He had arisen early after kindling the fires and bring the bus team up to the door, repaired to his room and, as near as can be judged, threw himself across the bed and placing a gun at this right temple fired the fatal shot. The ball ploughed its way through his head and came out the left side.

The report of the gun was heard by landlord Dorsey and a few of the boarders at 5:15 and hastening to his room, found him in an unconscious condition in which state he remained until his death, which occurred at 7:30.

Mr. Harrison was about 65 years of age and has made Osage his home for a number of years.

He was married to Zella McConnell who died at Independence some years ago, and was the father of two children. No cause is known for the rash act, but the deceased seemed to be possessed of a suicidal mania having attacked his own life last summer by cutting an artery in his wrist, but the attempt was unsuccessful. Mr. Harrison was at one time an inmate of the Soldier's Home, having survived in the late war.

The funeral was held at the Universalist church Tuesday and was in charge of the G.A.R. of which he was a member.

None of the relatives of the deceased were able to be present except a daughter, Mrs. Etta Kitchland of Ellis, N.D.

[November 26, 1902 -- Osage Journal]