Tom Young, aged about 56 years, died about 10 p.m. on last Friday at his home on the Lightner ranch northwest of this city: his death being caused by a self-inflicted gunshot would in the head two and a half hours earlier. As far as we have learned, no statement was left which would throw any light on the motive for the act. It is thought, however, that ill health and worry over some business affairs, together with the severe physical exertions which he endured during harvest had something to do with causing his decision to end his own life.Several years ago Mr. Young sustained a severe injury to his head when he was thrown from a horse, and it is thought that his mental condition may have been affected thereby. His financial affairs were apparently in good shape. On Friday he went to Protection and settled up all his accounts. It would seem that he had deliberately planned to end his life, although, as far as we have learned, he gave no one any indication of his intentions.
After Mr. Young had returned home on Friday evening he went about doing his chores as usual. The shooting occurred about 7:30 p.m. that evening. A rifle was the weapon used. The family consisted of Mr. and Mrs. Young, four sons and one daughter. Part of the children are married, and only two - Clifford, who is married, and his brother, whose name we have not yet learned - still make their home with the parents. The family had lived in the vicinity of Protection for some time, and had moved to the Lightner ranch a little over a year ago.
Funeral services were held in the Baptist church in Protection on last Sunday, and burial was made in the Protection cemetery. The bereaved family have the sincere sympathy of all.
Protection Cemetery burial listing:
Young, James T.
B: 12 May 1869
D: 3 July 1925 at his home on the Lightner Ranch NW of Coldwater, KS.
Obituary: The Western Star, 10 July 1925.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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