Delmar Grimes, 35, Attempts Suicide, Expected to Die Soon, Oct. 19, 1925

Delmar Grimes, Young Farmer, Shoots Himself. . . Was Despondent Over Sickness of Family and Other Worries—No Hope Helf for His Recovery

By Wade H. Lucas

Coats, Oct. 19—Despondent over so much sickness in is immediate family and other worries caused Delmar T. Grimes, 35-year-old farmer living near here, to shoot himself early Monday morning at his home. The bullet entered just above Mr. Grimes’ heart and, according to the attending physicians, it is only a matter of time until death overtakes him.

Mr. Grimes arose early this morning and went into the kitchen of his home, where he took the ashes from the stove, and then getting a .22 rifle he placed the weapon over his heart and pulled the trigger. In some way the end of the gun slipped and the wound did not prove fatal at once.

His wife and seven children had not arisen from their beds, but as the report rang out, Mrs. Grimes jumped out of bed and ran into the kitchen, where she found her husband in a pool of his own blood. Word was quickly sent to Coats for doctors and Mr. Grimes’ father, Squire A.F. Grimes, was notified.

But when the physicians arrived, they were notified there was practically no hope. The father of the wounded man arrived and his son told him these words, “Pa, the load was more than I could bear.” The doomed man told others he was ready to die and wanted to. He also told the doctors to do nothing to save his life, for he knew he wanted to die.

The only thing that appeared to worry the stricken man was whether he would live long enough to greet his sister, Myrtle, who was hurrying from Wilson to his bedside. Miss Grimes arrived soon after 4 o’clock this afternoon and her brother’s wish was gratified. He told those at his bedside that “I’m ready now and I guess it will soon be over.”

Relatives and friends of the man stated to your correspondent today that Mr. Grimes last week and yesterday did not appear to be despondent over anything and was, to all appearances, in is usual good spirits. Sunday, he promised his father to help hi build some barns Monday morning.

The entire community in which he lived and Coats, where he was known practically by everybody, are shocked over the tragedy. Cars poured in and out of Coats today, and the act of Mr. Grimes is the one topic of conversation.

From the front page of the Harnett County News, Lillington, N.C., Thursday, October 22, 1925

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