[J. W. Compton is James William Compton.]

From Fairfield Recorder, in November of 1901.

Death of Mr. J. W. Compton

    The people of our town were shocked to learn last Saturday morning
that Mr. J. W. Compton of Dew, had commited suicide.
    Mr. Compton's body was found about 200 yards from his residence in
Dew, early Saturday morning, with his throat cut from ear to ear and
five or six stabs over his heart.  The weapon used was a small ladies
pen knife, the blade about 1 1/2 inches long, was clinched in his hand
when he was found.
    Mr. Compton was a man who stood in the estimation of his neighbors
and of the people of the county at large.  He made a race for tax
assessor a few years ago, and was favorably mentioned as a perspective
candiate for the same position next year.
    He was in good financial condition, and it is not known what
caused him to commit the rash act, unless it was caused from being in
bad health, which we are told was his condition. "

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Milam Co., TX - Newspapers: Rockdale Messenger 1901

Rockdale Messenger, Thur., 14 Nov. 1901

Suicide - Will Compton of Fairfield committed suicide by cutting his 
throat with a knife. No cause given.

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