George W. Howard

HOWARD, MEANS, DUNN, MOSER

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 4/18/2012 at 13:01:44

George W. Howard, a well known citizen of Nodaway, was found by his son, Oliver, hanging In a hog shed near the barn at , the home place this Saturday morning, December 6th, at about 7:30 o'clock. The old gentleman had been missed a short time before, but no one supposed there was anything wrong. His son, Oliver, had been in the habit of going over mornings to assist In attending to the chores. about the place, and when, he went to the shed in question he was shocked to find the body of his father suspended from the rafters. " The sad news was spread, and the body taken down, there being apparently no question about the manner in-which death had been brought about.
A note was found in a pocket of deceased, stating that he was tired of living and bidding the family goodbye.
Dr Worley was called and Coroner
Ralph Roland summoned. The latter, accompanied by Sheriff Hull, went to Nodaway, and after investigating matters did not deem it worth while to
impanel a coroner's jury, finding that deceased had taken his own life.
The only reason assigned for the deed is ill health. Mr. Howard was 63 years of age, and for the past four weeks .had been feeling rather indisposed,
though not considered very ill. It is rumored that some personal trouble had worried him some what but no one thought he ever contemplated
ending his existence.
The funeral services were held Monday at the M. B. church, conducted By Rev Mr. McCartney and burial was made
in the cemetery at that place.
An obituary notice of Mr. Howard was promised us, but has not as yet reached this office. From Nodaway residents we learn that deceased was born in 1850 and was married m about 1876 to Miss Thompson, who survives him: To them were born, four children, all of whom live In Nodaway and vicinity. They are: Oliver and Henry Howard, Mrs. Herman Moser and Mrs. Hawley Dunn. Mr Howard resided all the years of his married life on the farm near Nodaway. He was a quiet citizen and an esteemed neighbor.
Adams County Free Press, December 10, 1913, page 1

This community was greatly shocked last Saturday forenoon when news was telephoned to town that George Howard had taken hi- own life. No one in town could give a reason why Mr. Howard would seek to end his existence. More than one remarked that he was the last man they would think of to commit such an act.
Further inquiry of the relatives and friends brought out the fact that for about two years Mr. Howard had suffered from n painful ailment, and for several months his mind had not been sound at times. For a week past these aberrations showed marked increase, and his family arranged to bring him to town Saturday for medical examination, but be forestalled their benevolent intention.
Mr. Howard owned a 160 acre farm and was quite well-to-do. His rash act, no doubt was accomplished in a fit of insanity, resulting from illness. He and his wife were living alone on the farm, two miles northwest of town.
Mr. Howard's disappearance was notices about 8 o'clock when his son Oliver, who lives a few rods away, began the search. He was found after an hour's search in the most unthought of place, a hog shed, hanging by the neck by means of a rope passed over a rafter. Dr. Worley, who arrived within an hour have his opinion that Mr. Howard had been dead two hours or more. A note was found in his pocket which read, "I am tired of life, Good-by."
Coroner Ralph Roland of Corning was notified and came during the afternoon, but upon ascertaining the facts deemed an inquest unnecessary. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the widow and family.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the M. E. Church, conducted by Pastor E. S. McCartney. The house was filled by neighbors and sympathizing friends. Rev. McCartney read Job 14: 1-14 for the lesson. His text was part of verse 10 of the same chapter, "Yea, man giveth of the ghost and where is he?" The singing of the selections "In That City, " "It Is Well With My Soul," and "Meet Me There, " was by a quartet, Miss Edna Norcutt, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bryson, and F. M. Linn. The pall bearers were three brothers, a brother-in-law, and two sons-in-law of deceased, whose names are given elsewhere. Interment was in Nodaway Cemetery.
George W. Howard was born near Savannah, Andrew County, Missouri, October 15, 1950, and passed away December 6, 1913, aged 63 years, 1 month, and 21 days. He resided near Savannah until 17 years old, when he came to Iowa and lived with his uncle, Henry Means until 1874. On September 10 of that years, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth J. Thompson. To this union four children were born, two sons, and two daughters, Oliver O., Henry, Mrs. Herman Moser, and Mrs. H. L. Dunn, all of Nodaway, Iowa.
Besides his wife and children, he left to mourn eight grandchildren, five brothers and two sisters, who are J. M. and C. C. Howard of Savannah, Missouri, Thomas of Yoncala, Oregon, A. M. of Maryville, Missouri, and W. P,. of Nodaway, Mrs. Sarah Morris of Maryville, and Mrs. H. Alhouse of Sabetha, Kansas.
Mr. Howard united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church when a young man. After his church, which met in the Finley school house, devolved, he joined the M. E. Church at Nodaway. He was true to the faith and was a loving husband and father. His greatest joys were when his children and grandchildren were all at home.
Those present at the funeral besides his own family, were: J. M. and C. C. Howard of Savannah, Miss Sarah Morrison and husband; George Stafford and Lewis and Clarence of Maryville, Missouri.
Adams County Free Press, December 13, 1913, page 14