Obituaries: William Burcham, 1903, Winn Parish, LA.
Submitted by Greggory E. Davies, 120 Ted Price Lane, Winnfield, LA 71483
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From: April 10, 1903 Southern Sentinel

Suicide At Calvin

William Burcham Took Morphine and Ended His Existence

Coroner J. J. Peters was called to Calvin Saturday morning to hold an inquest
over the body of William Burcham, a white man aged about forty years, who died
there under peculiar circumstances.  It was found that he had taken morphine
with the intention of putting an end to his earthly existence, a note being
found in his pocket, which indicated that he fully intended some rash act. 
Friday evening he appeared sick, but it was thought he was drinking until he
said he had taken the deadly drug when efforts were made to save him without
success.

The deceased came with the family to Calvin sometime about a year ago from
Arkansas.  It was soon learned that all was not calm and serene in the family.
It was further learned that he and his wife had been divorced in Arkansas but
had remarried after coming to Louisiana.  They could not live together and
were separated at the time of the suicide, this is supposed to have been the
cause of his rash deed.