Kilgore, William Francis "Frank"

KILGORE, COLEMAN, PETERSON, WILLIAMS

Posted By: KEN BAKER (email)
Date: 10/9/2018 at 19:45:38

Creston, Iowa newspaper article 6 14/1916

PROMINENT FARMER COMMITS SUICIDE

Frank Kilgore takes own life at country home near Shannon City this morning.

Cuts throat with knife

Commits deed in orchard near house and body found with windpipe severed.

Frank[William Francis "Frank"] Kilgore, a prominent and well-to-do farmer residing on the old Chas. Gripp farm one mile north and one mile west of Shannon city, ended his life this morning at 7 o'clock by cutting his throat. The body was found in the orchard just a few rods north of the house shortly after the deed was committed. Kilgore used a pocket knife to inflict the wound and cut his throat almost from ear to ear, severing the wind pipe, but not cutting through the jugular vein. Coroner A. N. Keys went to the scene, but decided that an inquest was not necessary.

The unfortunate man was 62 years of age had been in very poor health for over a year and his condition had caused his mind to become affected. He had come to imagine that evil was going to befall himself and family and seemed to dwell on the thought almost constantly. The family and friends say there could be no other motive as was in good financial condition and the relations in the home were very pleasant.

Before his illness Mr. Kilgore was of an exceptionally jovial disposition, and was very prominent in the community in which he lived. He was always kind and good natured and well like by every one. He was numbered among the most successful farmers in Union county.

His tragic death has cast a gloom over his home community and saddened many hearts outside that section. He leaves a wife and several grown children and they all have the sincere and heartfelt sympathy of all in the bereavement and deep sorrow

No arrangements have as yet been made for the funeral.

Added later: Funeral services over the remains of Frank Kilgore will be held at the home near Shannon City at 1 o'clock Friday afternoon and burial will be made in Graceland Cemetery in Creston. Deceased was born in Indiana and was brought to Iowa with his parents [John Kilgore Sr. and Atocia Angelina Williams Kilgore] when two weeks old and had resided in this state ever since. The family first settled in Monroe County, Iowa, and Mr. Kilgore had resided in Taylor and Union counties since 1858. He purchased the farm on which he died five years ago. He as 63 years old the 25th of last December. The wife [Elizabeth Jane Coleman Kilgore] and three children survive. The children are Emmet, at home; Clay and Mrs. Mabel [Frances Mabel Kilgore] Peterson, both of whom reside near the home place.