Nannie MAXWELL

September 13, 1872 - June 16, 1905

*Obituary
Benton County Democrat
Thursday, June 22, 1905

MAXWELL, Nannie - Last Friday afternoon about 3 o'clock, Miss Nannie Maxwell, a young lady well known in this city and loved by every one who knew her, committed suicide by shooting herself in the head with a 44-caliber revolver. She died about 30 minutes after the deed was committed; but during that time was unconscious and never spoke. For several weeks Miss Nannie had been staying with Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, having gone there from Mr. and Mrs. McHenry's where she had been making her home for several years. She had been in poor health for some time and was under the care of a physician. For several years she had been keeping company with Will Cook, who was formerly a citizen here but who is now traveling in the southern portion of the State for a drug firm. It is said that the couple were engaged and that the wedding day had been set more than once but from some reasons he had put her off. She had brooded over the manner of treatment accorded her by the one she loved so dearly and being in ill health anyway it was more than she could bear up under and her mind had become deranged and in a fit of despondency she committed the deed which ended her life. Thursday afternoon she left Mr. Gilbert's and went to Uncle Billy Murphy's where she spent the night with her niece, who was staying at Mr. Murphy's while attending the Teacher's Institute. Friday morning while making up the bed occupied by Mr. Murphy she found the pistol under his pillow. She did not take the pistol out then but waited until the hour of 3 o'clock in the afternoon when she secured the weapon and going to the barn placed the muzzle of the pistol to the back of her head and fired. In all four shots were fired but it is not known just how many took effect. It is surmised that at least two of the shots were fired in the air to attract attention. She was found immediately after the rash act was performed by Mr. and Mrs. Murphy and near neighbors. The following note, evidently intended for the public, was found pinned to her dress: Bentonville, Ark. You all think my trouble imaginary I can't see it that way and feel I can't stand it any longer; therefore grieve not for me. If Mr. C. was here he could have saved all this but like others he thinks I could help it. I would be glad to look on his dear face. I love him yet, if he hasn't done as I hoped he would, as far as I can have any feeling for anyone; but he could have helped me so much and was all I had. I hope he will never smile any more or notice a woman or girl. Of course he will say she was crazy, let her go, when he thinks of some of the good times that have haunted me so. I want Mrs. Gilbert to have my things. Bury me as she pleases. My pocketbook is in the drawer at Mrs. Gilbert's and my ring in the dish on Edna's dresser - put it on my finger to get it out of the way, as he would not want it any more, or send it to Hontas. I don't guess she would want it either. I don't want anyone else to get him, and I guess now I never will. Good-bye to brothers and sisters and all that ever did love me. I am not a ruined girl in the sense that some people would put it. The proof I have but cannot give it. Good-bye, Nannie Maxwell. Don't bother anyone about this. I did it myself, and came to Aunt Kate's because there were not so many to watch me. Don't molest or arrest anyone, only my own self. Nannie. The deceased was about 33 years of age and has resided near Wager, where her parents lived, and in this city nearly all her life. She was a devout member of the M.E. Church, South and was a valued worker in the young peoples' societies. There was no young lady in Bentonville who bore a better reputation than she and her sad death is universally regretted.

Contributed on 12/2/10 by judyfrog
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Record #: 420582

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