December 23, 2019 / Joanne Yeck

Buckingham Notables: Eugene Hanes

Appomattox and Buckingham Times. Courtesy Library of Virginia.

In August of 1899, the suicide of Eugene Hanes shocked Buckingham County residents. His father, Mr. James C. Hanes, was then superintendent of schools. The Appomattox and Buckingham Times printed correspondence from both Ransons and Bolling concerning the young man’s death.

“Artificer” wrote from Ransons:

This community was very much shocked last Thursday when it became known that Mr. Eugene Hanes had shot and killed himself. He was a young man, about 25 years of age, the son of Mr. James C. Hanes, the superintendent of schools of Buckingham county. The young man shot himself four times, only two shots reaching vital points, one in the head and one in the chest. He had been in bad health for several years and his rash act is attributed to that cause. He left the house on Wednesday (the 16th) went out behind a tobacco-barn and deliberately killed himself. Mr. Hanes was a very popular young man. For several years he taught school, and at one time was principal of Arvonia Graded School. His death has cast a gloom over the entire community in which he lived.

Another correspondent, “S.”, wrote from Bolling:

We are very much shocked at the news of the tragic death of Mr. Eugene Hanes, which occurred at his home near Eldridge’s Mill, on the sixteenth instant. He shot himself twice. I suppose that either wound would have proved fatal. Disappointment in a love affair is said to have been the cause. He was a very bright and talented young man.

Was Eugene ill or disappointed in love or both? We shall never know.

To learn more about the notable Hanes family, search the Slate River Ramblings archive. Enjoy the results.