Valentine Rauch

RAUCH, CLARKE, CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: Lynnea Dickinson (email)
Date: 6/27/2023 at 06:25:03

The Davenport Democrat & Leader
Friday Evening June 21, 1918

Aged Butcher Hangs Himself Back of Shop
Town of Buffalo Shocked Over Rash Act of Valentine Rauch
Cause is not known
Although 82 Years Old, Dead Man Had Been in Good Health

Valentine Rauch, 82 years old, committed suicide late Thursday afternoon by hanging himself to a block and tackle arrangement in a slaughter house in the rear of his butcher shop in Buffalo.
His body was found at 4:30 p.m. by Marie Clark and Esther Christensen, 12 and 13 years old, relatives of his son. They had been sent to hunt for him. He had been dead only a few minutes when his body was found. Relatives of the dead man are unable to give any cause for his rash act. Although advanced in age, they say he was in good health. The only theory mentioned is that he was worried over the war situation.

Retired Years Ago

Mr. Rauch had not had active charge of his butcher shop in Buffalo for the past four years, his son, Louis, conducting the business. The shop was the only one in Buffalo, and was started nearly half a century ago by the elder Rauch. When he retired and turned the reins of business over to his son, he continued to work about the shop.

Recently, friends say, he had appeared very cheerful. He did not complain about his health and did not appear to be worried about anything.

Disappears At Noon
At noon, or shortly afterward,, Thursday, he disappeared. His absence was noticed, but caused no alarm until between 4 and 5 o’clock. Then the little girls were sent to find him. They searched all the buildings in the vicinity, finally locating his body hanging to the rafters of the slaughter house.