dee_burris: (Default)
Dee Burris Blakley ([personal profile] dee_burris) wrote2011-03-22 06:42 pm

Wednesday's Child: Eaton

No photo.

This death notice has bothered me ever since I found it while scrolling through microfilm at the Arkansas History Commission a couple of weekends ago.

The article appeared in the Southern Standard on 17 Feb 1877.



Photobucket


A SIX YEAR-OLD BOY'S SUICIDE

A six year-old son of Dr. A. R. Eaton, of Elizabeth, N S, committed suicide, on Saturday, by shooting himself in the breast. It seems the little fellow has been despondent during the last few weeks, owing to the death of a sister, who had been his constant companion, and on more than one occasion threatened to kill himself. His parents endeavoured to cheer him and divert his thoughts, but to their efforts he replied that he wanted to be an angel and live with his little sister. On Saturday morning his mother chided him for something, whereupon he went away apparently much affected. Shortly after this Mrs. Eaton heard the report of a pistol, and rushing up the stairs was met by her son, who pointed to the bullet wound in his breast, said "Don't cry, mamma: I won't die; the bullet didn't hit my heart." He retained his consciousness until the bullet was extracted, when he died. - Boston Globe

(Anonymous) 2011-03-23 12:11 am (UTC)(link)
Tragic story. So descriptive too, written like a novel entry. So sad.

[identity profile] elizabeth o'neal (from livejournal.com) 2011-03-23 12:43 am (UTC)(link)
Hello... WHAT??? How does a six-year old boy have the forethought to commit suicide? What a tragedy for that family, losing their daughter and then their son. I'm sure it was hard to go on after that. Wow.

Must go hug my kid now.

[personal profile] oakmouse 2011-03-23 02:02 am (UTC)(link)
Holy. Gods.

[identity profile] claimingkin.livejournal.com 2011-03-23 02:58 am (UTC)(link)
I can certainly see why this death notice bothered you. This is such a sad story and I can only imagine the suffering it caused the parents, extended family, and the community they lived!

[identity profile] nolichuckyroots.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com) 2011-03-23 03:42 pm (UTC)(link)
God above, Dee. Haunting. I pray they all found peace eventually.

(Anonymous) 2011-03-25 02:09 am (UTC)(link)
How horrible! That really amazes me that a 6-year old would even have thoughts like that. :(