State Paper Monday January 11, 1892 pg 5 col 3

By His Own Hand
Shocking Suicide of W H Bethea of Marion

Marion---Jan 10---Special-Early this morning our town was shocked by the intelligence that the lifeless body of Mr W H Bethea, a prominent resident of Marion, had been found in Catfish Swamp, about a mile from town. A number of citizens hastened to this spot, and found Mr Bethea lying dead on the edge of the swamp. Two stabs were discovered, one on each side of the neck, one of which severed the jugular vein. The knife used lay beside him. All the circumstances pointed to suicide. The verdict of the coroner's jury was that he came to death by his own hand.

Mr Bethea was at one time a leading merchant of the town, but his health failing, he retired from business. His health has since been steadily growing worse. He was subject to spells of great depression. His conduct was regarded by his friends on yesterday as peculiar. He left his home about 8 o'clock last night, telling his wife that he had a business appointment in town. He never returned.

Submitted by Carolyn Klear, 10 Oct 2003

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