Greene Farmer Shoots Self With Shot Gun

Demented Coroner Says

(Oct. 30, 1931)

   Verne Hayes, farmer, 60, living about one mile north of Greene on the Oxford highway, died instantly Friday morning from a shotgun wound.

   Mr. Hayes arose early Friday morning, earlier than usual, it is reported, and started for the barn.  He took a shotgun from the car of his son with him.  Halfway between the house and the barn he shot himself.  The full charge entered the man's head and he was dead when members of his family reached his side.

   Coroner Morse said his investigation showed that Mr. Hayes was generally as a "chronic worrier."  He seldom carried firearms, members of the family said.  Besides his wife there survive one son and two daughters.

   A verdict of suicide was rendered by Coroner Morse following a completion of his investigation in the case Friday.  Mr. Hayes, the coroner said, had been demented at intervals for the past 20 years and three times in recent years had attempted to end his own life.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.