Beckham County, OK - Deaths: J. W. Burnsed, 1924
26 Oct 2007
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell) 

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(10 Apr 1924, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
Our people were shocked Monday morning when they learned that one of our
well respected citizens, J. W. Burnsed, living two and a half west of
Bella Vista shot his wife and then committed suicide by placing the
revolver in his mouth and shooting, from which his death resulted in a
short time.  Mrs. Burnsed was shot through the neck, but it is not thought
the wound is serious, though she is almost prostrated over the tragedy.
For some time, Mr. Burnsed has been greatly worried.  Last fall he sold
out and went to Texas where he purchased a restaurant.  Not knowing much
about the business he soon lost about all he made, which preyed very much
on his mind.  It is said he attempted suicide by poisoning when in Texas,
but was prevented by his family.  He returned here about six weeks ago. 
Last Thursday he purchased a revolver at Herring & Young's and when the
family noticed it, the oldest son at home, got hold of it and kept it hid
for several days, but his father seemed to be feeling better he returned
it to him.  Monday morning about 6:30 he went to the kitchen where his
wife was working and asked her where he should put the revolver and she
answered just anywhere he wanted to, when he shot her, immediately
afterwards shooting himself.  Mrs. Burnsed walked out to lot gate and
tried to give alarm, then returned to the corner of house when a friend
came in and went to a neighbors to telephone the marshal and also a
doctor, by the time he returned to house, Burnsed was breathing his last. 
The bullet ranged to top of his head and could be felt just under the
skin.
We understand  Mr. Burnsed had not been very well, and it is thought that
his financial troubles caused him to become unbalanced at times, and it
was when suffering from one of these spells he did the deed.  He was a man
well respected and liked by his neighbors, all speaking of him being an
exceptionally fine neighbor, one who ever stood by his friends through
thick and thin.  He was honest and upright.
There are nine children, Mrs. Wm. DeWeese of Elk City, Mrs. Hally
Birmingham, Telephone, Texas; Tom, Arthur, Miss Jimmie, Elmer, Jack,
Dalton and Virgil.
The funeral services were held Tuesday at Merritt Church conducted by Rev.
Sebe Thomas.  Interment was in Merritt cemetery under care of Grubitz &
Son.
A nephew, Allen Burnsed, of Forgan, came down Tuesday to attend the funeral.
Mr. Burnsed was born in Tennessee on March 15th, 1868, and was 56 years
and 22 days old.