Notes for Denton Pitts: The coroners inquest for Denton Pitts was held October 15, 1903. The jury decided he died of a self inflicted knife wound in his throat caused by a knife held in his own hands on October 12, 1903, at about 9:00PM, at his residence near Lime Kiln, Anna Illinois. Testimony was given by Dentons wife, Mrs. Alice Pitts and May Wright, her daughter from a previous marriage. Denton Pitts married in Union Co. Illinois on June 10, 1903. His name appears as Dentis Pitts on the license, but he was not able to sign his name and made an"X". He was a farmer, from Anna, born in Cannon Co. Tennessee. He was the son of James Pitts and Emiline Spurlock. On Dentons marriage license his Mothers name is recorded as " Pricilla ". This may have been a nickname or middle name for Emiline Spurlock.
Jonesboro Gazette October 17, 1903 issue. Published in Jonesboro Illinois. (Union County) Dennis (Denton) Pitts, a local character who has been in trouble more than once came to town Monday night and proceeded to get drunk. He was rather successful it is said and about 9 o'clock started for his home near the lime kiln. He stopped at Wm. Koch's store and tried to start a fuss but Mr. Koch's better judgement prevented it. He then went to his home where he attempted to kill his wife and himself. The story as told by his wife and children is about as follows: Pitts got home shortly after 9 o'clock and told his wife he was going to leave, and ordered her to get his clothing, and a cape and ring he had purchased for her. She complied with his wishes and was at a trunk to get the ring when he grabbed her arm and commenced cutting her neck with a knife. Claude Wright, the 16 year old son of Mrs. Pitts (From a former marriage) was sleeping in another room and ran in and tried to get his Mother away from Pitts who released his hold on her arm and as she sank to the floor struck her head with a chair rocker. Pitts then leaned over her body and cut his own throat almost from ear to ear, severing the wind pipe. He was able to leave his house however, and tying his vest around his wounds walked to the lime kiln, where he fell at the feet of Mr. Lementine, fireman at the kiln. Lementine did not know the man who had just fallen near him, and called Geo. Maxfield, who identified Pitts and had him sent to the home of his brother on T. P. (Thomas Pete) Siffords farm. Drs. Sabin and Keith were called and the severed wind pipe was stitched together and the gashes in his neck were sewed up, but proved fatal to Pitts, who died at 2 o'clock Tuesday evening and his wife wounds may also prove likewise. Young Wright, referred to above, was arrested by the officers on the theory that Pitts had went home drunk and attacked his wife and that Wright had protected her by cutting her husbands throat. He was placed in the city jail, and when Pitts was ask if Wright cut him he nodded his head in the affirmative. States attorney James Lingle came to Anna Tuesday morning to get ready for the preliminary hearing and the officers sent to subpoena witnesses were confronted by the above story from Mrs. Pitts and her children and Wright was promptly released from custody. His hand was cut in the scuffle with Pitts to release his Mother.
More About Denton Pitts: Attempt. murder: Denton killed himself after attempting to kill his wife. Burial: Casper cemetery / Anna Il..
More About Denton Pitts and Alice Wright: Marriage: June 10, 1902, Union Co. Il.. Marriage license: June 10, 1902, License: 6557.
Denton Pitts (b. 1878, d. October 12, 1903)
Notes for Denton Pitts: