Blair Democrat, February 4, 1915

HANGS SELF IN CHICKEN SHED

S.M. Bigford hung himself last Thursday night in a chicken shed at his home, using a baling wire suspended from a rafter to commit the deed.

As he was not in the house at ten o’clock when Mrs. Bigford retired, she thought he was probably visiting some neighbors - - but when she awoke about midnight and Mr. Bigford was still absent she commenced worrying but thought it too late to search. On going to the chicken house early the following morning, she found the body hanging as above stated.

When last seen alive, Mr. Bigford seemed in his usual good spirits, but he had brooded over the European war and the fake news of a legacy supposed to have been left to his wife - - and it is thought these things had temporarily deranged his mind.

Deceased was about 70 years of age and besides a wife, leaves four children. The funeral was held Sunday _______________________

Note: The newspaper clipping was in poor condition.

#2

Bigford, S.A.

Published in Enterprise on 29 January 1915

S.A.BIGFORD SUICIDES

A report reaches us just as The Enterprise is going to press that S.A. Bigford, whose home is on the north side of the track, hanged himself some time last night. He was absent from home in the evening and his wife thought he had gone to one of the neighbors as he frequently did in the evening. He didn't return during the night and on instituting a search his body was found in the chicken house. He had used a piece of baling wife with which to end his existence. He formerly owned a farm and lived southwest of Herman, as his father before him did, but some years ago traded the farm for the Maher stock of merchandise across the track. He leaves a wife and three daughters, two married and one son married. Deceased was about sixty years of age. No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.