Obituaries |
submitted by: Julia Johnson - julia.johnson63@gmail.com |
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday April 29, 1915 p. 5
John F. Walker.
John F. Walker died Friday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. [ohn] W. [illiam] Reeves [Rebecca], east of Bedford. Short funeral services were held at the home Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. C. C. Hatcher, pastor of the First Baptist church. The body, accompanied by J. [ames] W. [illiam] Walker, was taken to Mason City, Ill., for interment.
John F. Walker was born April 23, 1827, near Nashville, Tenn., and his death occurred on his birthday anniversary. At an early age he went to Illinois, where he was married and where he lived until the death of his wife, which took place about ten years ago. He is survived by five children, three sons and two daughters. Mrs. Reeves and J. [ames] W. [illiam] Walker are of Bedford and the other children live near Mason City.
Bedford Free Press
April 27, 1915 p. 8
John F. Walker
Last Friday afternoon John F. Walker died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J.[ohn] W. [illiam] Reeves [Rebecca], who lives on the George Reed farm southeast of town. Deceased was the father of Mrs. Reeves and of J. [ames] W.[illiam] Walker of the Little & Hart grocery store.
Deceased was born April 23, 1827, near Nashville, Tenn., and his death occurred April 23, 1915, the anniversary of his birth. At an early age he went to Illinois, where he was married and where he lived until the death of his wife, which occurred about ten years ago.
He is survived by five children, three sons and two daughters, who with the exception of Mrs. Reeves and J. [ames] W. [illiam] Walker live near Mason City, Ill. A short funeral service was held at the Reeves home Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. C. C. Hatcher after which the remains were taken on the noon train to Mason City, Ill., for interment, accompanied by J. [ames] W. [illiam] Walker.
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday May 30, 1918 p. 8
Fred Derrickson
Fred Derrickson was born August 4, 1901, and departed this life May 21, 1918,
After six weeks of intense suffering. Plural pneumonia and toward the end a complication of diseases was the cause of his death.
Fred's happy, cheerful disposition and his patience during his suffering endeared him to a host of friends who mourn for him with his mother and father, two brothers, Jesse and Floyd, and two sisters, Mrs. Marion Mohler and Mrs. Russell Locke, all of this vicinity.
Four sisters had preceded him to the better land, three in infancy and Dr. Anna Anderson, who passed beyond on the 18th of February 1918.
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday November 12, 1908 [p. 1]
DR. POTTER KILLED.
Former Taylor County Man Killed at Corning.
Dr. Frank [Francis] Potter, of Corning, was thrown from an auto Monday, and instantly killed.
There are several conflicting stories as to the details of the accident, but the version received over the Bell phone is as follows:
Dr. Potter was contemplating the purchase of a new car and was out with the agent trying the machine, going up a small declivity, one of the rear tires burst, the machine was overturned, and both occupants, thrown out. The driver was caught under the machine and though not injured it was some moments before he could get loose. When he did so he went to the assistance of Dr. Potter, but when he reached him life, was already extinct. The footboard of the machine had struck him in such a manner as to break his neck and death was instantaneous.
The account of the death of Dr. Potter as given in a Corning dispatch to the Creston Advertiser Gazette, differs in some particulars from the message received over the phone. The Gazette dispatch is as follows:
"Dr. F. [rank] E. Potter, one of the leading physicians and business men of Corning was killed in an automobile accident this afternoon. At this time it is impossible to learn the details, as the accident became known only shortly before 3 o'clock and its scene was four and one-half miles from town. The only thing known is that Dr. Potter was found under his automobile and that he was dead when found.
When the accident occurred is not known. It was nearly 3 o'clock this afternoon when Fred Shoemaker and James McKinley, who had been doing some bridge work in the country, came upon the overturned automobile at a bridge near Harry Boviard's place, about four and a [half miles southeast of Corning.] They saw that a man was pinned beneath it and succeeded in extricating him and found that it was Dr. Potter.
Life was extinct, but it was apparent that the accident had not occurred long before. Notice was sent to Corning and the coroner is on his way at this writing to the scene of the accident.
"Dr. Potter was one of the most successful and one of the best known physicians in southwestern Iowa. He had built up a large practice and was a man of recognized ability in his profession. He was also proprietor of a drug store and was one of the most enterprising of Corning citizens. A few years ago he undertook and carried to a successful end the founding of a hospital in Corning, and it was still his property at the time of' his death. His death will be a great loss to Corning and the tragic circumstances make it especially sad. Dr. Potter leaves a widow to mourn his death."
Dr. Potter is a former Taylor county boy, this having been his home for many years prior to his graduation. He is the son of Thomas Potter, one of the pioneers of the county, and during life, one of the most prominent residents. Something like a quarter of a century ago, Dr. Potter graduated at the Keokuk Medical college and begun the practice of medicine. No man was ever more in love with [his] profession and from the very first he was imminently successful. Later he took postgraduate courses and received diplomas from other colleges. He finally located at Corning and his practice soon assumed enormous proportions. Some years ago he established a hospital there, and his fame as a physician extends far beyond the confines of the county.
Dr. Potter was married about the time of his graduation to the daughter [Mary Elizabeth] of William Large, of Jefferson Township. A number of years ago his wife died, and about two years ago he was again married to the wife who now survives him.
Dr. Potter was known to hundreds of people in Taylor County, and by all he was held in the highest regard. At Corning no man stood higher in the estimation of the people, and both as a citizen and as a physician his loss is keenly felt by all to whom he was known.
An investigation developed the fact that the driver of the machine was in no way to blame for the accident. He was using all due care, and the accident was caused by no carelessness on his part.
Bedford Free Press
Thursday November 12, 1908 [p. 1]
Dr. Frank Potter Dead.
Dr. Frank Potter, of Corning, was instantly killed in an automobile accident near that place Monday afternoon. It seems that he and a driver were spinning along a country road when a tire burst, throwing the driver out. Thus released from control the machine swerved and ran into a ditch alongside the road, throwing out Dr. Potter with the machine on top of him. He at one time was a resident of Bedford and practiced medicine here for a short time before locating at Corning. He was the founder of the hospital at Corning and was a valuable man to that city. His untimely death will be mourned by all.
The following was taken from the Creston Advertiser of November 9.
Dr. F. [rancis] E. Potter, one of the leading physicians and businessmen of
Corning, was killed in an automobile accident this afternoon. At this time
it is impossible to learn the details, as the accident became known only shortly before 8 o'clock and its scene was four and one-half miles from town. The only thing known is that Dr. Potter was found under his automobile and that he was dead when found.
When the accident occurred is not known. It was nearly 3 o'clock this afternoon when Fred Shoemaker and James McKinley, who had been doing some bridge work in the country came, upon the overturned automobile at a bridge near Harry BoviardÕs place, about four and a half miles southeast of Corning. They saw that a man was pinned beneath it and succeeded in extricating him and that it was Dr. Potter. Life was extinct, but it was apparent that the accident had not occurred long before. Notice was sent to Corning and the coroner is on his way at this writing to the scene of the accident.
Dr. Potter was one of the most successful and one of the best-known physicians in southwestern Iowa. He had built up a large practice and was a man of recognized ability in his profession. He was also proprietor of a drug store and was one of the most enterprising of Corning citizens. A few years ago he undertook and carried to a successful end the founding of a hospital in Corning and it was still his property at the time of his death. His death will be a great loss to Corning and the tragic circumstances make it especially sad.
Adams County Union-Republican (Corning, Iowa)
Wednesday November 11, 1908 [p. 1]
Dr. Potter Killed
Well Known Physician Killed In Automobile Wreck Near Corning
Death Comes Instantly
First Trip in New Machine Has Disastrous Ending Near the Roach Home,
Southeast of town
Dr. Francis E. Potter was killed in a terrible automobile accident on Monday of this week, and all Adams County mourns the loss of a splendid citizen and physician.
The accident occurred on a hill about two and one-half miles east of Jerome SmithÕs farm, in Jasper Township. Dr. Potter had made a professional call at the home of Charles Rogers in Mercer Township, and was returning from that place when the terrible accident occurred. H. N. Barnes, dealer in automobiles, from Lenox, was driving the car, which was a new one the doctor had just secured last Saturday evening. This was the first trip made in the new machine. At the point mentioned one of the rear tires on the machine exploded. The way the accident occurred is told thus by Mr. Barnes, driver of the car.
ÒWe were coming up the hill about three miles east of the Smith school house, when the rear tire on the right side bursted and threw us out of the road, overturning the machine. The auto turned once over and stopped edgewise. Dr. Potter was caught under the machine, the run board, or step on the left hand side, being pressed down upon his neck. The top of the car had been mashed down upon me, and I was tangled up in that. I had just succeeded in extricating myself from the machine and walked around to the front to see what had been done in the way of damage when I saw Messrs. Fred McKinley and Fred Shoemaker coming from the west. I discovered the predicament of Dr. Potter, and motioned the gentlemen coming to hurry. I had taken the jack, which was thrown from the machine in the accident, and tried to lift the car from the doctor, but the soft ground allowed the jack to slip and I could do nothing. When McKinley and Shoemaker arrived we succeeded in lifting the car from Dr. Potter. We endeavored to see if there was any life left in him, but could find no pulse or breathing. Mr. McKinley started for the nearest telephone, to secure medical assistance, while we were working with the doctor to restore life if possible. When the two doctors who came out in the car driven by Symla Bendor, arrived, they said Dr. Potter was dead. We then telephoned for the coroner.
ÒThe accident occurred about 2:30 oÕclock. I should judge we were running about 15 to 16 miles an hour at the time. When the tire exploded the car immediately slid off to the right, where there is an embankment of about three feet, which overturned the car. It all occurred so quickly that I had no opportunity to prevent it. As nearly as I can tell, Dr. Potter must have been thrown clear over me and the car caught him when it started to turn on the second time over. I was thrown under the car and struck in the stomach, but not seriously injured.Ó
As soon as news of the accident was received in Corning physicians were summoned and hurried to the scene, but life was extinct. It was determined best to have the coroner visit the scene, and Mr. Christie was sent for. On arriving, and hearing the details of the death, it was not deemed necessary to hold an inquest, and the remains were at once brought to the home in Corning, where kind friends are using their best endeavors to assuage the grief of the relatives. No blame attaches to Mr. Barnes for the fatal termination of the trip, as he used his utmost endeavors to handle the car in a satisfactory manner. He is a skilled driver, and the accident is one of those most unfortunate affairs which it seems are almost unavoidable. Mr. Barnes had made an exchange of a new car for a runabout that Dr. Potter possessed. He was driving the new car on the initial trip for the doctor, and expected to take the old car home with him on their return to Corning.
Dr. Francis E. Potter was born in Troy, New York, December 27, 1857. He was the son of Thos. and Elizabeth Potter, and came to Iowa at the age of 15. After deciding upon his vocation in life he studied medicine in Keokuk and Louisville schools, and commenced practice in Platteville, Taylor County, from which place he went to Shambaugh, Page county, in 1883. In 1889 he removed to Clarinda, where he remained until 1891, when he came to Corning and started a drug store, associated with Dr. Large, his brother-in-law. He has enjoyed a very large practice and has had a fine trade in his store owing to his great popularity and skill as a physician. Dr. Potter was married to Lizzie Large, of Taylor County, in 1881. The latter died in this city December 19, 1904, and Mr. Potter was wedded to Miss Jet Farley, August 8, 1906. The latter survives him, and has the sympathy of the entire community in her loss. The doctor was a member of the Odd Fellows, Masonic, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of the World, fraternities and we understand the funeral obsequies will be in charge of the Masons, Thursday afternoon at the residence.
In the death of this good man this entire community suffers a great loss. For years he has been the family physician in many homes. Being a man of means, he has contributed much to the material prosperity of the community, and the large and finely equipped hospital in Corning is a monument to his enterprise and philanthropy. Truly it may be said of him, as of one of old, that he went about doing good, and the city and county sincerely mourn his untimely death.
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa)
Saturday November 14, 1908 p. 4
Dr. Potter Killed
The Sudden Death of the Corning Eminent Physician Monday Afternoon
On Monday afternoon about 3 o'clock the report came to Corning by phone from James McKinley that Dr. F. [rancis] E. Potter had been killed in an automobile accident about two and one-half miles east of the Jerome Smith school house at the foot of the small hill near the old LaRue place. The news spread rapidly and soon the report was on the tongue of everybody and all were anxious to learn the facts and if the report was really as bad as reported. It was not long until it was learned the report was only too true and there was a general gloom cast over the city and the entire community, the like of which had never been before experienced. No man stood higher in the community, both as a citizen and professional man and he will be missed for his wise counsel in time of sickness when all feel the need of such a learned man, and on whom so many relied.
Shortly after noon on the day of the fatal accident, Dr. Potter received a telephone message from Chas. Rogers of Grant township that a son had mashed his foot by letting a [?] fall upon it and that he come out. The physician said he would be there and after eating dinner started. He had just contracted with a Lenox firm for a new Buick automobile and H. N. Barnes had brought the machine over and it was decided to make the trip in the new purchase, Mr. Barnes to do the driving. Max Farley, a brother-in-law of Dr. Potter, was sick at his home and was in a dangerous condition and the physician was giving him his careful attention, but told his family he would be gone only a short time. The trip to Mr. RogersÕ was made quickly, the injury to the boy dressed, when they started for Corning. Everything went well until near the residence of Mr. Boviard when the tire on the rear right wheel bursted. Where the accident occurred there was a small embankment and the car ran 30 feet before leaving the grade and it was 28 feet to where it upset. The car turned once and a half over and Dr. Potter was thrown out striking on his back and the step of the car, as it came over on the second turn, caught him across the throat, causing death instantly, the full weight of the car, 2,200 pounds, falling on him. No bones were broke but death resulted instantly. The driver escaped with only slight injuries. While the driver says they were going about 15 to 16 miles per hour, people along the road who saw them and the nature of the accident indicate they were going at the rate of 20 to 21 miles per hours when the accident occurred. It was the second accident the driver has had in this county, the former one being on the Lowry hill about a year ago when he allowed the car to back down the hill over the embankment. Several were injured at the time and one of the occupants quite seriously.
Shortly after this accident a number from Corning went to the scene and the remains were brought to his home. It was not deemed necessary to hold an inquest.
When asked for a statement Mr. Barnes, the driver, made the following explanation of how the accident occurred:
ÒWe were coming up the hill about three miles east of the Smith school house, when the rear tire on the right side bursted and threw us out of the road, overturning the machine. The auto turned once over and stopped edgewise. Dr. Potter was caught under the machine, the run board, or step on the left hand side, being pressed down upon his neck. The top of the car had been mashed down upon me, and I was tangled up in that. I had just succeeded in extricating myself from the machine and walked around to the front to see what had been done in the way of damage when I saw Messrs. Fred McKinley and Fred Shoemaker coming from the west. I discovered the predicament of Dr. Potter, and motioned the gentlemen coming to hurry. I had taken the jack, which was thrown from the machine in the accident, and tried to lift the car from the doctor, but the soft ground allowed the jack to slip and I could do nothing. When McKinley and Shoemaker arrived we succeeded in lifting the car from Dr. Potter. We endeavored to see if there was any life left in him, but could find no pulse or breathing. Mr. McKinley started for the nearest telephone, to secure medical assistance, while we were working with the doctor to restore life if possible. When the two doctors who came out in the car driven by Symla Bendor, arrived, they said Dr. Potter was dead. We then telephoned for the coroner.
ÒThe accident occurred about 2:30 o'clock. I should judge we were running about 15 to 16 miles an hour at the time. When the tire exploded the car immediately slid off to the right, where there is an embankment of about three feet, which overturned the car. It all occurred so quickly that I had no opportunity to prevent it. As nearly as I can tell, Dr. Potter must have been thrown clear over me and the car caught him when it started to turn on the second time over. I was thrown under the car and struck in the stomach, but not seriously injured.Ó
Dr. Francis E. Potter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Potter, was born in West Troy, N. Y., Dec. 27, 1855, and with his parents came to Pekin, Ill., when a boy and when 13 years of age his parents moved to Taylor County where the subject of this sketch grew to manhood. At the time of his death he was aged 52 years, 10 months and 18 days.
When a young man he decided on the study of medicine and went to Keokuk Medical College where he graduated in 1881, when he returned to Taylor County and practiced medicine at Platteville. Later, he attended both the Keokuk and the Louisville medical schools, graduated from both in 1883, when he again returned to Iowa and located at Shambaugh. Later he moved to Clarinda and engaged in practice there. It was while at Clarinda the people of Shambaugh circulated a petition for his return to that place and the following notice appeared in a Shambaugh paper:
A petition has been signed by 200 persons and there are yet more who will sign it, to secure as a resident our former citizen, Dr. Potter. Besides this Dr. has been urged privately by many of his old friends and patrons to again locate in Shambaugh. While we are aware the Dr. is building up a large practice in Clarinda, we are not satisfied with his location. There are scores of families in this vicinity, who, when the dread but certain visitor sickness enters their household, need the medical aid of one in whom they can confide. This one our people have found from experience to be F. [rancis] E. Potter.
In 1891 he came to Corning and established himself, being associated with Dr. Lare. They also engaged in the drug business under the firm name of Potter & Large. From the very start he enjoyed a lucrative practice. He was always a busy man but never too busy to minister to the needs of those who called upon him, and he was always modest in his practice, never seeking notoriety, and when he head a difficult case he studied the harder and gave it the closest attention. His untimely death brings the many people whom he has been the constant medical advisor to a realization of his real worth as a friend and physician.
The subject of this sketch was married to Miss Mary E. [lizabeth] Large, Aug. 27, 1877, who died in Corning Dec. 19, 1904. He was again married to Miss Julliette Farley Aug. 8, 1906, who survives him. He is also survived by two sisters, one living at Kirksville, Mo., and one in California.
The funeral was held on Thursday at 2 oÕclock from the late residence conducted by Rev. Jay Kirkendall and interment in the Walnut Grove cemetery, the services at the grave being under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity. The I. O. O. F. and K. of P. of which the deceased was a member also attended in a body. The floral offerings were many and elaborate and was but another of the many testimonials of grief from hosts of friends and sympathizers. He was also a member of the M. W. A. and W. O. W. and carried a policy of $2000 in each.
Let it be said that the aim of every young man and every young woman should be that when the end comes they will be missed and mourned as is the death of Dr. Potter. Truly the community has lost its most valuable citizen and years to come will bear out this statement.
[Potter, Mary Elizabeth Large]
Adams County Free Press (Corning, Iowa)
Saturday December 24, 1904 p. 4
Death of Mrs. F. E. Potter
The announcement of the death of Mrs. F. [rancis] E. Potter last Monday morning at 6 o'clock, while expected was a shock to this community in which the highly respected lady had so long lived and was so favorably known for her many kind acts. The death was caused by congestion of the brain with which she was taken suddenly on the morning of December 14th. She had been in usual good health and in the morning was up and around as was her custom, got breakfast, ate heartily and in a few minutes her husband was called from the hospital and found her in deep agony. He prescribed and sent for medical assistance and the lady improved and was able to tell how she had been taken suddenly ill and her condition was not especially alarming until the following Monday when she was taken worse and never regained consciousness, the end coming peacefully Monday morning, aged 52 years, 3 months and 28 days.
Mrs. Mary E. [lizabeth] (Large) Potter was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Large [Levina Hankins] and was born in Lafayette County, O., Aug. 21, 1852, and in 1856 came with her parents to Iowa and settled in Taylor County where they still reside at an advanced age. She was married to Dr. F. [rancis] E. Potter August 27, 1877, and about fifteen years ago they came to Corning where the husband has ever since practiced his profession and is one of the best known physicians in this part of the state. She was an amiable lady, quiet, unassuming, and had been a great help to her husband in his practice and her advice was frequently sought.
Short funeral services were held at the house Monday morning at 8:30 conducted by Revs. Jay Kirkendall and M. V. Higbee and the remains taken to Athelstan on No. 6 via Afton Junction where the funeral was held from the home of her parents at 1 oÕclock Wednesday, conducted by Rev. Mr. Miller, pastor of the M. E. church at Blockton. Interment in the Platteville cemetery in Taylor County. The floral offerings were many and beautiful. A number of friends accompanied the remains as far as Afton Junction and a few went through to Athelstan.
Besides the husband and aged father and mother she leaves two sisters, Mrs. H.[erbert] M. Ramsey [Alma] of Waterloo and Mrs. [Clarence] Melvin Reed [Sarah Ann] of Athelstan, and three brothers, Dr. A. [den] F. [rancis] Large of Braddyville, Ia., Dr. S. [tephen] D. [ouglas] Large of Hopkins, Mo., and John W. Large who resides at home, besides a number of other relatives and a host of friends.
[Potter, Mary Elizabeth Large]
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday December 22, 1904 p. 7
A message received here today conveyed the sad intelligence of the death of Mrs. Frank Potter, wife of Dr. [Francis] Potter, at her home in Corning at 6 o'clock this morning. Congestion of the brain is given as the cause. She had been sick about a week. Mrs. Potter [Mary Elizabeth Large] was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Large of Jefferson Township and has many relatives and a host of friends in Taylor County to whom the news of her death will be a sorrowful surprise.
[Potter, Mary Elizabeth Large]
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday December 22, 1904 p. 4
The body of Mrs. Frank Potter [Mary Elizabeth Large], who died yesterday at Corning, will be brought back to her old home and buried tomorrow at the
Platteville cemetery. The body will come by the way of Athelstan arriving there this evening and will then be taken out to the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Large. As yet the funeral arrangements are not complete but the funeral will be held tomorrow sometime.
[Potter, Mary Elizabeth Large]
Bedford Times-Republican
Thursday December 29, 1904 p. 6
Died
The community was shocked by the death of Mrs. F. [rancis] E. Potter, which occurred Monday morning about 6 o'clock. She had been sick only a short time with congestion of the brain, but had been in a low condition for several days. The body was taken to Athelstan, the home of her parents, for interment and the funeral will be held there this afternoon. Short services were held at the home in this city yesterday morning at 8:30 and were conducted by Revs. Jay, Kirkendall, and M. V. Higbee. Miss Mary E. [lizabeth] Large was born in Taylor County, August 21, 1852, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Large [Levina Hankins]. She was married to Dr. F. [rank] E. Potter in 1877 and fifteen years ago removed with him to this city, where he engaged in the practice of his profession and in business. During the years of her residence in Corning she had won the esteem of all as a woman with broad and tender sympathies, ever ready to do a kindness and to extend a helpful hand to the sick and distressed. Quiet and attached to her home as she was, only the few who knew her intimately came to know of the many unobtrusive acts of helpfulness and charity, which marked her life. She was helpful especially to her husband and since the establishment of the hospital has been indefatigable in her efforts to make the patients comfortable. She was thoroughly devoted to her home and gave little time to social matters, although she was a highly valued member of the Eastern Star. The care and tenderness she bestowed upon the two nephews to whom she had given a home were touching and her ill health seems to have begun with the shock she experienced when one of them was accidentally injured by an electric wire some months ago and was carried in the house apparently dead. Mrs. Potter's life was one of usefulness and helpfulness and sympathetic kindness and her death is sincerely mourned. —Corning Union Republican.
[Potter, Mary Elizabeth Large]
Bedford Free Press
Thursday December 22, 1904 p. 4
The Body Brought Back
Mrs. Dr. Frank Potter [Mary Elizabeth Large] died Monday at her home in Corning, after a short illness. The body was taken to the Platteville cemetery for interment. Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Large [Levina Hankins].
New Market Herald
Thursday April 11, 1918 p. 2
Siam News Items
The funeral of Henry Laub was held at Oak Grove church Friday April 6 and burial in the cemetery near by. Mr. Laub was a native of Germany coming to America when a boy. He was a loyal, upright, honorable man and a soldier of the
Civil war. Respected and loved by all who knew him and a staunch and loyal supporter of our government and president in this present war. Mr. Laub had attained the ripe old age of 83 years and had been in good health until about 3 months ago when he had a stroke of paralysis followed by another and only a couple of weeks ago the third stroke came from which he never recovered. He was the father of 13 children, one child Clyde died in infancy. His wife and two sons William Laub and Eldie Laub and two daughters, Mrs. Anna Davison and Mrs. Margaret Nixon preceded him to the better world. The children present at the funeral were Mrs. Mabel Harsh of Bedford, Iowa, Mrs. Zena Davison of Washington; Mrs. Geo. Genrich of Sheridan Wyo and Geo. Laub of Clarinda, Ia. The other children, Dale Laub of Canada, Chas. Laub of Sheridan, Wyo, Mrs.
Roy Clayton of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Mrs. Chas. Robison of California were unable to be present.
New Market Herald
Thursday April 11, 1918 p. 3
Joseph Clement A Suicide
Joseph Clement, an old settler of Taylor County, living near the village of Guss, took his own life early Monday morning by shooting himself in the head with a caliber rifle.
Dale Clement, son of the deceased, went to the barn shortly after 6:30 a. m. to do the chores and was shocked to find his father on a pile of hay in a half sitting and half lying posture with a bullet hole in his forehead, and the rifle resting on his lap. He was unconscious but still breathing. A doctor was immediately called, and the sheriff at Bedford was notified. Mr. Clement breathed his last in about thirty minutes after being found, some time before the doctor arrived.
He had not been in good health and had suffered much from melancholia, at which times he would threaten his life. Once before in December 1916, he attempted suicide, by taking carbolic acid and wood alcohol, but prompt treatment saved his life.
This time he took no chances to make his threats good. He arose early before any of the family was up, took the rifle and went to the barn. He went about the act of killing himself with system. He threw a pile of hay from the mow onto the barn floor and sitting down on the floor he leaned against the hay, put the gun in position and fired the fatal shot.
It was a short-barreled rifle so he could reach to the trigger while the rifle was aimed at his forehead. The bullet struck about two inches above the eyebrows and penetrated his brain. —Villisca Review.
[CLEMENT, JOSEPH PHILLIP]
Villisca Review (Villisca, Iowa), Friday, April 5, 1918, [p. 1], 4
Joseph Clement A Suicide Fires Bullet Into His Brain at an Early Hour Monday Morning, Dying a Few Minutes After
A Pioneer of Taylor County
Had Attempted His Life Before—Coroner Considers It a Clear Case of Suicide, Holding no Inquest
Joseph Clement, an old settler of Taylor County, living near the village of Guss, took his own life early Monday morning by shooting himself in the head with a 44 caliber rifle.
Dale Clement, son of the deceased, went to the barn shortly after 6:30 a. m. to do the chores and was shocked to find his father on a pile of hay in a half sitting and half lying posture with a bullet hole in his forehead and the rifle resting on his lap. He was unconscious but still breathing. A doctor was immediately called and the sheriff at Bedford was notified. Mr. Clement breathed his last in about thirty minutes after being found, some time before the doctor arrived.
He had not been in good health and had suffered much from melancholia, at which times he would threaten his life. Once before in December, 1916, he attempted suicide by taking carbolic acid and wood alcohol, but prompt treatment saved his life.
This time he took no chances to make his threats good. He arose early before any of the family was up, took the rifle and went to the barn. He went about the act of killing himself with system. He threw a pile of hay from the mow onto the barn floor, and sitting down on the floor he leaned against the hay, put the gun in position and fired the fatal shot. It was a short-barreled rifle so he could reach to the trigger while the rifle was aimed at his forehead. The bullet struck about two inches above the eyebrows and penetrated his brain.
This family has been doubly afflicted. A short time ago Mrs. Clement returned from an Omaha hospital. Besides her physical illness she was much worried about her husband. When she got up Monday morning and saw that he had not built the kitchen fire nor taken the milk pail from its accustomed place she feared her husband had carried out his threat and soon learned the terrible truth.
The sheriff of the county came to the Clement home and ascertained all the facts in the case. The coroner decided that it was a plain case of suicide and that an inquest was not necessary.
Mr. Clement, who was the son of Francis and Mary Clement, was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 28, 1851. At the age of five years he came with his mother and stepfather to Iowa, and settled in Adams County near Quincy, being among the first settlers of that section. A few years later they moved to a farm near Hawleyville. Later Mr. Clement moved to the farm one mile north and one and one-fourth miles east of Guss, which was his home for many years and until his death.
October 22, 1884, he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa M. Rock. To them were born three children, who survive their father, as does his wife. The children are Clifton E., Dale F. and Mrs. Lena M. Emert, all living at home.
In early life Mr. Clement united with the Christian church to which faith he clung until the last. The funeral occurred Tuesday afternoon from the home at 3 o'clock, Rev. Ivan Mills, pastor of the Nodaway M. E. church, officiating.
[CLEMENT, JOSEPH PHILLIP]
Bedford Times-republican (Bedford, Iowa), Thursday, April 4, 1918
Joseph Clement Commits Suicide
Act Caused by Softening of Brain and Nervous Trouble
Made Previous Attempt at Suicide a Year Ago Last December—Was Pioneer of Taylor County—Shot Himself in Forehead.
Joseph Clement, 68 years old, a well to do farmer residing 2 miles north and east of Gus in the northwest part of Taylor county, committed suicide early Monday morning by shooting himself.
Mr. Clement arose about 5 o'clock and went to the barn. When found about 30 minutes later by his son, he was leaning against a pile of hay and still breathing. Sheriff Keith was notified and upon investigation it was found that after securing the weapon, which was a 44 caliber shotgun, Mr. Clement had sat down on a pile of hay and placed the muzzle of the gun against his forehead, the charge tearing a hole in his forehead and shattering the brain.
Mr. Clement was bothered with nervous trouble and softening of the brain and had made a previous attempt at taking his life a year ago last December by drinking carbolic acid, the attempt being made in the same spot in the barn where he was found after shooting himself. After failing in the first attempt at taking his life he made the remark that he would succeed the next time he tried it and he was closely watched for some time but as his nervous condition improved it was not thought that he would make another attempt at taking his life.
Mr. Clement was a pioneer of Taylor county, having settled in the northwest part of the county in the 50s and was well known in the community in which he lived. He is survived by two sons and one daughter, of whom the daughter and one son resided with him.