MySource:Genebug2/Sullivan County Democrat (2)

Saturday, December 13, 1856

MYSTERIOUS DEATH-- PROBABLE MURDER-- Sunday last Mr. JOHN WILSON, living three miles east of Carlisle left home during the morning, and not returning, search was instituted for him, which resulted in finding his dead body in close proximity to a fence about half a mile from his house. A pistol which he took from home with him was found lying within a few feet of his body, discharged, and covered with blood. It was presumed he had been shot in the breast near the collar bone, but the hogs had devoured and lacerated the flesh about the neck and breast, so that it was difficult to determine. We learn that several shot were extracted from his breast. A hole was found in his cheek, as if made by a blow from some sharp instrument, which knocked out two of his teeth. It is the opinion of a number that he accidently shot himself while others believe he was murdered. Esq. DOOLEY officiated as Coroner and held an inquest on the body. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death at the hands of some person or persons unkown.

Mr. WILSON was quite an old man-- about 68 years of age.