St. Clair County
Remnants Of The Past

Osceola Herald
7 July 1870

Suicide at Belvoir.

With sorrow we record the fact that Wm. Bradford, Esq., of Nevada City, was drowned in the Osage at Belvoir on the 19th, and to make the news still more painful, that the drowning was a deliberate suicide. From the report of the Butler Record, we extract the following:
“Having divested himself of all of his apparel except under-clothes, he started into the water, ostensibly after the boat, but after proceeding a few steps, started up stream, where it was plainly to be seen, the water was of a much greater depth. Mrs. B., called to him to come back, but he only turned his head, staring in a wild, vacant manner, and continued in his course. Again she implored him for the sake of Heaven, to go down stream, where he could safely cross on a shoal. Seeing that he paid no attention to her entreaties, she became almost frantic – not dreaming of his intended self-destruction – but her efforts were futile. Step by step, he was surely and firmly nearing death. Step by step, he was bidding adieu to the joys and sorrows of this life, and nearing that unknown country. He did not halt, but, with apparent coolness, proceeded until the water reached his shoulders, when, with one more step, he sank beneath the peaceful bosom of the Osage, to rise no more. He made no effort, apparently to save himself and sank without a struggle.”
Mr. Bradford was a prominent member of the Vernon County Bar. He was a victim of rum, and his tragic end may be charged up to its baleful effects.