The Western Sentinel

Suicide of Maj. Hampton.

Maj. W. W. Hampton, a prominent and well-to-do citizen, who resided in Wilkes, above Elkin, committed suicide on last week. The Major's mind was noticed to be impaired for several weeks and a few days ago was taken to his brothers, Columbus Hampton, in Surry county, at whose home the deed was committed on Wednesday morning. The latter was having a well dug in the yard and the workmen arose shortly after daylight and while standing out in the yard heard a noise in the well. Upon going there they found a man's shoes and hat on the platform and on looking down they witnessed Major Hampton struggling in the water. They drew him up as quickly as possible but when he reached the platform of the well he was dead. The deceased was about 60 years old and was a relative of Gen. Wade Hampton, of South Carolina. He leaves a wife but no children. His estate is valued at $25,000, including the famous Swann pond farm on the Yadkin River.