J.A. MAY
Arizona Republican Newspaper
August 16, 1894

Nothing was learned yesterday of the particulars of the 
suicide of J.A. May at Prescott on Monday night.  His wife 
who lives near the corner of Third Avenue and Madison 
Street was notified by a telegram yesterday morning and 
she started soon after with her sister for Prescott.  
The body will be buried there.

May left here about three weeks ago for the purpose of 
engaging in his business as an auctioneer. He did not 
know how long he would be gone but expected to be in 
Phoenix not later than the first of September.  The 
neighbors are unable to assign a motive for the suicide. 
 
May was of a particularly jovial disposition and his 
domestic relations so far as is known were pleasant. 
It is said that he had lately complained of an inability 
to meet his bills.  He injured his ankle several weeks 
ago and before he had fully recovered from his injury 
he shot his finger off.  The last injury was protected 
by an accident insurance policy but at the time he 
left here he had not succeeded in getting his indemnity.

The suicide came to Phoenix about two years ago from Florida 
where he is said to have some property.  He served on the 
Confederate side of the Rebellion in a North Carolina regiment.