Miss Eula Miller Redfearn, attractive 17-year-old high school student, took her life here this morning at the home of her father, Dr. B.C. Redfearn, a prominent dentist. Despondency, caused by constant brooding over the suicide of her cousin, Miss Martha Harper of Charlotte, is believed to have actuated the rash act.
A shot from her father’s pistol, entering the temple and ranging all the way through the head, snuffed out the life of the popular young girl almost instantaneously.
Miss Redfearn had assisted her sisters in hitching up the pony to the little buggy which they drove to and from school every day, but at the last minute decided to stay at home. As the other children were preparing to leave, she bid them good-bye and entered the house. That was the last time she was seen alive.
Sister Heard Gun Report
A pistol shot was heard by one of the sisters. She ran into the rear part of the house, where her father, unconscious of the terrible tragedy, was getting ready to come down town. “Papa,” she said, “somebody’s shooting.” Not having heard the report of the gun, the father smiled at the fears of the child.
The little girl was so positive that she heard a shot, however, that Dr. Redfearn, more to quiet her than anything else, explored the house. When he entered the room of Miss Eula Miller he was stunned to see her lying prostrate by the side of her bed.
Miss Redfern was in such good health and fine spirits that friends of the family are at loss to account for the deed except through brooding over the suicide of her cousin, an occurrence which had been the subject of much comment in the Redfearn home.
The deceased is very prominently connected, being the granddaughter of Mrs. Annie McLaughlin Heath of Charlotte, widow of E.J. Heath.
Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning at 10:30 o’clock from the residence of Dr. and Mrs. Redfearn.
Was Popular Young Girl
The people of Monroe were profoundly touched when the distressing news was learned. No one was prepared for the shock which came so tragically to the wide circle of friends of the family. Miss Eula Miller was one of the most attractive and beloved girls of the high school set, being a member of the 10th grade. Her sweet disposition had endeared her not only to the members of her family and her close friends, but to everyone who knew her. Her nickname of “Milly” showed the affectionate manner in which she was held. Her kindliness, friendliness and good humor were her accomplishments—her frankness and sincerity being unusual in one so young. She was a member of the Baptist church and Sunday school, and was president of the Baptist Young People’s Union. She attended the weekly meeting of this organization last night and planned to attend the members at her home Friday evening.
From the front page of The Monroe Journal, Jan. 16, 1923
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