Fatal Accident
Mr. Joseph Hamilton of Richland, this county, accidentally shot and killed himself last Tuesday.  He was killing hogs and had discharged his gun, and re-loaded it, but after knocking around building fires etc. he returned to where he had left the gun, and forgetting whether he loaded it or not placed his foot on the hammer and proceded to blow in at the muzzle, to ascertain whether it was loaded, when his foot slipped discharging the gun the ball entered the mouth and came out at the back of the head, killing him instantly.  Deceased leaves a family and a large circle of friends and relatives to mourn his death.  He was buried Wednesday near his home with masonic honors, so we understand.

Source:  Searcy County Obituaries: Volume One, 1891-1905, Published April 2000 by Jim G. Ferguson, Searcy County Library.