| OCR Text |
Show A TRAGIC OCCURRENCE. The Territorial (Provo) Enquirer, of Oct. 22, contains the following dismal narrative: We learn from Mr. Sterling Colton, just in from Ashley's Fork, Unintah [Uintah] County, the particulars of a most deliberate and determined case of suicide which occurred at that place on Sunday, Oct. 8. The unfortunate individual who thus rashly put an end to his earthly career, was by name John Vest, about 58 years of age, and a former resident of Mona, Juab County. Mr. Colton was an intimate friend of the deceased, and one to whom the latter had confided many items of domestic trouble, which are now regarded as the cause prompting his rash act. He addressed a letter to his friend, and left it upon the table in his room, together with what money he had in his possession. The letter read as follows: "Mr. S. Colton: Please take charge of my property and sell it, and give the proceeds to my children, and oblige, John Vest. Louisa is the cause of my trouble, farewell, John Vest." He then kissed his eleven year old son telling him of his purpose, and not withstanding the little fellow's frightened pleading, the father sent him away, bidding him fetch Mr. Colton, and assuring him he would find his father a corpse when he returned. The poor man took a double barreled shotgun, locked the door, walked about forty feet from the house, cocked both barrels and discharged one at himself, the charge taking effect under the chin and carrying off the whole lower part of the face. With the same determined spirit he returned to the house, broke open the door, secured a revolver, went again to the spot where he first shot himself, and sent a ball through his body, piercing the heart. He leaves a large family to mourn his untimely end.-Enquirer. |
