S.R. Smith Mortuary records of Lead note that he died February 15, 1885; suicided by shooting through the head (inquest held); age 34 years; born in Ireland; light complexion, dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, 5'10" tall; buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Lead.
Black Hills Daily Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Early Sunday morning, Lead City was startled and horrified by the knowledge of the first suicide it has ever chronicled. About 8 o'clock James Cochrane on entering the Homestake stable found John Hinchey lying on the floor of the bed room of the stable, dead; death having been caused by Hinchey shooting himself through the head, using a Colt's 44-calibre revolver, the ball of which entered over his right eye, tearing the top of his head completely off, and causing instant death. The body was at once removed to the hospital and the coroner telephoned for. Hinchey has for the last year or so apparently cast all thoughts of discretion aside and indulged to excessive stimulants, but when without drink as when with it, he was always found without exception to be a man only too ready to give even to a stranger a good time and an open hand. In the mines he could truly have been called the tenderfoot's friend, assisting some poor, weak stripling with his assisting hand, or what was more welcome, a cheering word. He came to the Hills in 1878 from Houghton, Mich. where he had an interest in the best livery stable in that vicinity, but being like many others, too free with his money, he lost what he possessed and came to Lead City, where he became an employe of the Old Abe Mining company. From the employ of the company, he engaged as teamster for Thomas James, and on leaving Mr. James, he went to work for the Homestake company, where he has been ever since. No cause of the rash and insane act can be attributed. A few days ago he received a letter from his brother, desiring him to come home. Since receipt of the letter he has been very melancholy. About 7 o'clock Sunday morning, he asked a hotel proprietor for a drink, which was given him with advice to let up for a time. Hinchey stated it would be his last drink, and departed for the stable. Deceased was about thirty-five years of age and his only fault was not having a portion of conservatism in his nature. This sad affair is the first suicide in Lead history, although an attempt was made sometime ago. The funeral took place yesterday at 3 o'clock. At the coroner's inquest a slate was produced on which was written: "Ask no questions, I have lived long enough, and had my own trouble, John Hinchey.
Deadwood Daily Pioneer-Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Suicide
At an early hour on Sunday morning, word came to this city that a man had committed suicide in the Homestake company's stable.
The coroner of the county was notifed and he summoned M.J. Belding, M.H. Brown and G.W. McClure as a jury and held an inquest.
The following is a portion of the evidence that was given before the jury, and will give the reason of the deceased's rash act.
J.H. Teer of the Homestake company testified that at twenty minutes to 8 o'clock on the morning of Feb. 15, two carpenters told him a man was dead in his (Teer's) room, in the Homestake company's stable. He rushed in as soon as told, and found a man lying on his face in a pool of blood dead. After the body was changed, he found his revolver, a forty-five Colt's pistol that was kept under the pillow of his bed under it, with one barrel discharged.
He then saw that the man was John Hinchey. The whole top of his head was blown off. He was acquainted with deceased, who had been drinking to excess for some time, and had been in a despondent mood.
The witness produced a slate that he found close to the body of the deceased upon which was written the following: "Ask no questions. I have lived long enough and have had my own troubles. JOHN HINCHEY."
Thos. H. Moor was sworn and stated that the writing on the slate was in his opinion the writing of the deceased, and after comparing it with the handwriting of the deceased that was produced, stated that he had no hesitancy in pronouncing it the writing of John Hinchey.
The jury, after hearing the evidence, found that deceased came to his death by a pistol shot fired by himself.
He leaves a sister and a host of friends in Lead. City.
The 1880 U.S. Census finds John Hinchey, age 29, residing in Lead City, Dakota Territory. The census notes that he was a miner and born in Ireland.
Payroll records of the Homestake Mining Company in Lead show John Hinchey working from the payroll period ending June 30, 1880 through the one ending December 31, 1884. (Final date of computerized index, although records continue from that date in original form.) His job in the mine was, at various times listed as laborer, timberman, teamster and carman.
Black Hills Daily Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Early Sunday morning, Lead City was startled and horrified by the knowledge of the first suicide it has ever chronicled. About 8 o'clock James Cochrane on entering the Homestake stable found John Hinchey lying on the floor of the bed room of the stable, dead; death having been caused by Hinchey shooting himself through the head, using a Colt's 44-calibre revolver, the ball of which entered over his right eye, tearing the top of his head completely off, and causing instant death. The body was at once removed to the hospital and the coroner telephoned for. Hinchey has for the last year or so apparently cast all thoughts of discretion aside and indulged to excessive stimulants, but when without drink as when with it, he was always found without exception to be a man only too ready to give even to a stranger a good time and an open hand. In the mines he could truly have been called the tenderfoot's friend, assisting some poor, weak stripling with his assisting hand, or what was more welcome, a cheering word. He came to the Hills in 1878 from Houghton, Mich. where he had an interest in the best livery stable in that vicinity, but being like many others, too free with his money, he lost what he possessed and came to Lead City, where he became an employe of the Old Abe Mining company. From the employ of the company, he engaged as teamster for Thomas James, and on leaving Mr. James, he went to work for the Homestake company, where he has been ever since. No cause of the rash and insane act can be attributed. A few days ago he received a letter from his brother, desiring him to come home. Since receipt of the letter he has been very melancholy. About 7 o'clock Sunday morning, he asked a hotel proprietor for a drink, which was given him with advice to let up for a time. Hinchey stated it would be his last drink, and departed for the stable. Deceased was about thirty-five years of age and his only fault was not having a portion of conservatism in his nature. This sad affair is the first suicide in Lead history, although an attempt was made sometime ago. The funeral took place yesterday at 3 o'clock. At the coroner's inquest a slate was produced on which was written: "Ask no questions, I have lived long enough, and had my own trouble, John Hinchey.
Deadwood Daily Pioneer-Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Suicide
At an early hour on Sunday morning, word came to this city that a man had committed suicide in the Homestake company's stable.
The coroner of the county was notifed and he summoned M.J. Belding, M.H. Brown and G.W. McClure as a jury and held an inquest.
The following is a portion of the evidence that was given before the jury, and will give the reason of the deceased's rash act.
J.H. Teer of the Homestake company testified that at twenty minutes to 8 o'clock on the morning of Feb. 15, two carpenters told him a man was dead in his (Teer's) room, in the Homestake company's stable. He rushed in as soon as told, and found a man lying on his face in a pool of blood dead. After the body was changed, he found his revolver, a forty-five Colt's pistol that was kept under the pillow of his bed under it, with one barrel discharged.
He then saw that the man was John Hinchey. The whole top of his head was blown off. He was acquainted with deceased, who had been drinking to excess for some time, and had been in a despondent mood.
The witness produced a slate that he found close to the body of the deceased upon which was written the following: "Ask no questions. I have lived long enough and have had my own troubles. JOHN HINCHEY."
Thos. H. Moor was sworn and stated that the writing on the slate was in his opinion the writing of the deceased, and after comparing it with the handwriting of the deceased that was produced, stated that he had no hesitancy in pronouncing it the writing of John Hinchey.
The jury, after hearing the evidence, found that deceased came to his death by a pistol shot fired by himself.
He leaves a sister and a host of friends in Lead. City.
The 1880 U.S. Census finds John Hinchey, age 29, residing in Lead City, Dakota Territory. The census notes that he was a miner and born in Ireland.
Payroll records of the Homestake Mining Company in Lead show John Hinchey working from the payroll period ending June 30, 1880 through the one ending December 31, 1884. (Final date of computerized index, although records continue from that date in original form.) His job in the mine was, at various times listed as laborer, timberman, teamster and carman.
S.R. Smith Mortuary records of Lead note that he died February 15, 1885; suicided by shooting through the head (inquest held); age 34 years; born in Ireland; light complexion, dark brown hair, dark brown eyes, 5'10" tall; buried in the Catholic Cemetery in Lead.
Black Hills Daily Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Early Sunday morning, Lead City was startled and horrified by the knowledge of the first suicide it has ever chronicled. About 8 o'clock James Cochrane on entering the Homestake stable found John Hinchey lying on the floor of the bed room of the stable, dead; death having been caused by Hinchey shooting himself through the head, using a Colt's 44-calibre revolver, the ball of which entered over his right eye, tearing the top of his head completely off, and causing instant death. The body was at once removed to the hospital and the coroner telephoned for. Hinchey has for the last year or so apparently cast all thoughts of discretion aside and indulged to excessive stimulants, but when without drink as when with it, he was always found without exception to be a man only too ready to give even to a stranger a good time and an open hand. In the mines he could truly have been called the tenderfoot's friend, assisting some poor, weak stripling with his assisting hand, or what was more welcome, a cheering word. He came to the Hills in 1878 from Houghton, Mich. where he had an interest in the best livery stable in that vicinity, but being like many others, too free with his money, he lost what he possessed and came to Lead City, where he became an employe of the Old Abe Mining company. From the employ of the company, he engaged as teamster for Thomas James, and on leaving Mr. James, he went to work for the Homestake company, where he has been ever since. No cause of the rash and insane act can be attributed. A few days ago he received a letter from his brother, desiring him to come home. Since receipt of the letter he has been very melancholy. About 7 o'clock Sunday morning, he asked a hotel proprietor for a drink, which was given him with advice to let up for a time. Hinchey stated it would be his last drink, and departed for the stable. Deceased was about thirty-five years of age and his only fault was not having a portion of conservatism in his nature. This sad affair is the first suicide in Lead history, although an attempt was made sometime ago. The funeral took place yesterday at 3 o'clock. At the coroner's inquest a slate was produced on which was written: "Ask no questions, I have lived long enough, and had my own trouble, John Hinchey.
Deadwood Daily Pioneer-Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Suicide
At an early hour on Sunday morning, word came to this city that a man had committed suicide in the Homestake company's stable.
The coroner of the county was notifed and he summoned M.J. Belding, M.H. Brown and G.W. McClure as a jury and held an inquest.
The following is a portion of the evidence that was given before the jury, and will give the reason of the deceased's rash act.
J.H. Teer of the Homestake company testified that at twenty minutes to 8 o'clock on the morning of Feb. 15, two carpenters told him a man was dead in his (Teer's) room, in the Homestake company's stable. He rushed in as soon as told, and found a man lying on his face in a pool of blood dead. After the body was changed, he found his revolver, a forty-five Colt's pistol that was kept under the pillow of his bed under it, with one barrel discharged.
He then saw that the man was John Hinchey. The whole top of his head was blown off. He was acquainted with deceased, who had been drinking to excess for some time, and had been in a despondent mood.
The witness produced a slate that he found close to the body of the deceased upon which was written the following: "Ask no questions. I have lived long enough and have had my own troubles. JOHN HINCHEY."
Thos. H. Moor was sworn and stated that the writing on the slate was in his opinion the writing of the deceased, and after comparing it with the handwriting of the deceased that was produced, stated that he had no hesitancy in pronouncing it the writing of John Hinchey.
The jury, after hearing the evidence, found that deceased came to his death by a pistol shot fired by himself.
He leaves a sister and a host of friends in Lead. City.
The 1880 U.S. Census finds John Hinchey, age 29, residing in Lead City, Dakota Territory. The census notes that he was a miner and born in Ireland.
Payroll records of the Homestake Mining Company in Lead show John Hinchey working from the payroll period ending June 30, 1880 through the one ending December 31, 1884. (Final date of computerized index, although records continue from that date in original form.) His job in the mine was, at various times listed as laborer, timberman, teamster and carman.
Black Hills Daily Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Early Sunday morning, Lead City was startled and horrified by the knowledge of the first suicide it has ever chronicled. About 8 o'clock James Cochrane on entering the Homestake stable found John Hinchey lying on the floor of the bed room of the stable, dead; death having been caused by Hinchey shooting himself through the head, using a Colt's 44-calibre revolver, the ball of which entered over his right eye, tearing the top of his head completely off, and causing instant death. The body was at once removed to the hospital and the coroner telephoned for. Hinchey has for the last year or so apparently cast all thoughts of discretion aside and indulged to excessive stimulants, but when without drink as when with it, he was always found without exception to be a man only too ready to give even to a stranger a good time and an open hand. In the mines he could truly have been called the tenderfoot's friend, assisting some poor, weak stripling with his assisting hand, or what was more welcome, a cheering word. He came to the Hills in 1878 from Houghton, Mich. where he had an interest in the best livery stable in that vicinity, but being like many others, too free with his money, he lost what he possessed and came to Lead City, where he became an employe of the Old Abe Mining company. From the employ of the company, he engaged as teamster for Thomas James, and on leaving Mr. James, he went to work for the Homestake company, where he has been ever since. No cause of the rash and insane act can be attributed. A few days ago he received a letter from his brother, desiring him to come home. Since receipt of the letter he has been very melancholy. About 7 o'clock Sunday morning, he asked a hotel proprietor for a drink, which was given him with advice to let up for a time. Hinchey stated it would be his last drink, and departed for the stable. Deceased was about thirty-five years of age and his only fault was not having a portion of conservatism in his nature. This sad affair is the first suicide in Lead history, although an attempt was made sometime ago. The funeral took place yesterday at 3 o'clock. At the coroner's inquest a slate was produced on which was written: "Ask no questions, I have lived long enough, and had my own trouble, John Hinchey.
Deadwood Daily Pioneer-Times, Tuesday, February 17, 1885, page 4:
Suicide
At an early hour on Sunday morning, word came to this city that a man had committed suicide in the Homestake company's stable.
The coroner of the county was notifed and he summoned M.J. Belding, M.H. Brown and G.W. McClure as a jury and held an inquest.
The following is a portion of the evidence that was given before the jury, and will give the reason of the deceased's rash act.
J.H. Teer of the Homestake company testified that at twenty minutes to 8 o'clock on the morning of Feb. 15, two carpenters told him a man was dead in his (Teer's) room, in the Homestake company's stable. He rushed in as soon as told, and found a man lying on his face in a pool of blood dead. After the body was changed, he found his revolver, a forty-five Colt's pistol that was kept under the pillow of his bed under it, with one barrel discharged.
He then saw that the man was John Hinchey. The whole top of his head was blown off. He was acquainted with deceased, who had been drinking to excess for some time, and had been in a despondent mood.
The witness produced a slate that he found close to the body of the deceased upon which was written the following: "Ask no questions. I have lived long enough and have had my own troubles. JOHN HINCHEY."
Thos. H. Moor was sworn and stated that the writing on the slate was in his opinion the writing of the deceased, and after comparing it with the handwriting of the deceased that was produced, stated that he had no hesitancy in pronouncing it the writing of John Hinchey.
The jury, after hearing the evidence, found that deceased came to his death by a pistol shot fired by himself.
He leaves a sister and a host of friends in Lead. City.
The 1880 U.S. Census finds John Hinchey, age 29, residing in Lead City, Dakota Territory. The census notes that he was a miner and born in Ireland.
Payroll records of the Homestake Mining Company in Lead show John Hinchey working from the payroll period ending June 30, 1880 through the one ending December 31, 1884. (Final date of computerized index, although records continue from that date in original form.) His job in the mine was, at various times listed as laborer, timberman, teamster and carman.
Gravesite Details
Grave unmarked in 2011
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