Posted on: Hancock Co. Il Obituaries Forum Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Il/HancockObits/342 Surname: Butler, Earls, Gabel, Harding, Mannon ------------------------- Ernest Earl Commits Suicide by Hanging and Shooting Self. William Ernest Earls took his own life at his home northwest of Carthage, Wednesday, January 28th. The body was found by his youngest daughter Marie, who went to the barn to call her father to the house. He had fastened a new rope to the rafter of the barn and about his neck, mounted a pile of corn, then shot himself through the heart, and as he fell he swung off the corn, the feet of his dead body barely touching the floor. This shocking affair was caused by Mr. Earl’s uneasiness over the outcome of a suit against him in the county court. Wm. Gabel, of Elvaston, had brought charges against Ernest Earl and Harve Harding for assault with a deadly weapon. The alleged assault took place last fall, the charge being made that Earl struck the blow, and Earls claiming that Harding struck it. The complainant’s side of the case was heard Tuesday and Earls was so depressed over the damaging aspect of the case that he sought relief from the rest of the trial in this unhappy way. It was this trial that was preying on his mind. The deed was committed about 8:30 in the morning when the family were ready to come to Carthage to resume the trial. His cousin, Luther Earls, committed suicide on that farm five years ago. Ernest Earls, son of Henry and Susan Earls was born in Loyd county, Virginia, October 1st, 1877. He departed this life Jan. 28, 1925, at the age of 47 years, 3 months, and 28 days. He came to this county in the year 1900 and with the exception of seven years which he lived near Blandinsville, Ill., he has spent the remainder of his life in this community. On August 17, 1905, he was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Earls of near Carthage, Ill. To this union were born two daughters, Alleyne and Marie, who with the widow survive him. He is also survived by the following brothers and sisters, Albert, of Virginia; Charles, of Grand Junction, Ia.; Edgar, of Ferris, Ill.; Anna Mannon, of Abingdon, Ill.; May Butler, of Firesteel, S.D. Three half sisters and three half brothers also survive him. His father and mother preceded him in death. Mr. Earls was of a genial kindly nature, very hospitable and his home was always open to his friends. He was esteemed by all who knew him and he will be sadly missed in his home and community. / . . "At God’s command he passed the/ . . . . shadowy gates,/ . . To reach the sunlight of the eternal/ . . . . hills. The funeral was held at the Presbyterian church in Carthage, Saturday morning at 11 o’clock, Rev. O. F. Slater, of Elvaston, officiating. Interment in Moss Ridge. Hancock County Historical Society Carthage, Illinois Siegfried XVIII Page 27 Note: Loyd county, Virginia should probably be Floyd county, Virginia. Link: Bryant Genealogy Web Page URL: <http://worldconnect.genealogy.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=bryant>