Dover Enquirer Friday, March 31, 1899

       TAKES HIS LIFE
       A Somersworth Man Shoots Himself
       Desperate Deed Took Place At His Home
       DESPONDENCY THE CAUSE ASSIGNED FOR THE RASH ACT
       The City of Somersworth which has long since had a widely established reputation for all sorts of occurrences of a sensational character, was thrown into a state of great excitement again this mornign when it became known that Almon H. James, of the firm of Samuel James and Sons, grocers, and a prominent citizen, had committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.
       So far as is known, Mr. James was successful in business, had a beautiful home at the corner of South and High streets and had everything to live for. He went his daily rounds yesterday, calling upon his customers as usual and nothign strange was noticed in his disposition and manner, although he is said to have stated to a few of his customers that he was not feeling quite so well physically as usual.
       At an early hour this morning he went down cellar to attend to the furnace as had been his custom and a few minutes later the report of a pistol was heard from that direction. Mrs. James upon investigation found her husband unconscious upon the floor and bleeding from a bullet wound in the head and before medical aid could be summoned, he expired. His rash act is attributed to despondency.
       The deceased is aged about 45 years and is survived by his parents, one brother, Lauren M.< a wife and a daughter, Miss Hattie, student at Robinson Female Seminary, all of whom have the sympathy of the community and their said affliction.
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