Sherman Williams Takes Own Life by Shot From Rifle

Galena Daily Gazette
9 January 1945

County Coroner Ray Bertch was called to the home of Sherman Williams, South High street, about 8 o’clock Monday evening where neighbors found Mr. Williams dead.

Neighbors had noticed that the light had been burning all day, and Edmund Dierst upon returning home went to investigate. He found the front door locked, but was able to enter the house by the back door which was unlocked.

Mr. Williams was found lying in bed dead, a 22 calibre rifle in his hand. The shot had gone through his forehead and entered the wall back of the bed. Mr. Williams had apparently been dead since Sunday night or early Monday morning. He had been suffering from rheumatism, and friends have remarked that on many occasions he had stated that he could not stand much more.

Friends of Mr. Williams had been assisting him by bringing in food, and it is thought that since the food, especially the bread, was still fresh, that he had not been dead for any length of time.

An inquest was held today, the Coroner’s jury bringing in a verdict that death was caused from a self-inflicted 22 calibre gun shot. The members of the jury were Sam Meisner, R. E. Calderwood, R. N. Hunkins, H. K. De Graff, Marshal White and Clement Koehler.

Mr. Williams is resting at the Bertsch Funeral Home where friends may call after Wednesday noon.

Funeral arrangements have not as yet been made, pending word from a brother, Charles Williams, of Chicago. Clarence Gronner of this city, a nephew, also survives.