Snyder, P. M

Passed: 1917-04-25

Age: 47

Source: Jackson Herald

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1917-04-27

Information: BLOWS HEAD OFF - P. M. SNYDER, LOCAL BLACKSMITH, DESPONDENT OVER ILL HEALTH, COMMITS SUICIDE. -- Despondent because of ill health, P. M. Snyder, a blacksmith, committed suicide early Wednesday morning by blowing his head off with a shot gun in his home in West Ripley.  The suicide, with his daughter, occupied rooms over his shop. Arising from his bed he loaded the gun and declared his intention of ending his life, but yielded temporarily to the pleadings of his child.  Securing an opportunity when she was not watching, he grabbed the weapon, placed the muzzle in his mouth, and touched the trigger, literaily blowing his head off.  Screaming, ""Papa's dead, papa's dead"", the little girl ran from the room.  Coroner Wolfe was called and took charge of the body.  He was assisted by Dr. Noyes.  The tragedy caused great excitement and a big crowd quickly gathered.     Deceased had been a sufferer from stomach trouble for several years and had lately acted strangely.  He had repeatedly threatened to end his life.  He was a widower, and was 47 years of age.  Three children, Emmett, 13, who lives with J. H. Jewell on Sycamore, Gladys, 11, who lived with the deceased and Pearl, residing with Lafe Knightstep on Route 1.  One sister, Mrs. Perry Barnett, of Rockcastle and two brothers, Frank and John Snyder, of Reedsville, Ohio, also survive. He left a note requesting that his daughter be given a home with Benny Smith.  Funeral services were held from the home of Mr. Knightstep at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Rev. N. C. Cochran officiating.  Interment in the Morgan cemetery.