Walter & Virgina Haines d. 1934

HAINES, DUNBAR

Posted By: Mike Birkett (email)
Date: 12/6/2004 at 19:13:47

MR. AND MRS. HAINES BURIED ON MONDAY
Husband Takes Own Life After Death of Wife on Friday Morning

On Saturday morning scarcely more than 24 hours after the death of his wife, Walter A. Haines, a resident of Caledonia for over 50 years, took his own life by hanging himself in a buggy shed at his home. The body was found by Chester Andrews, who visited the Haines home at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday morning. Dr. D. C. Rhines, Houston county coroner, was called and declared that death had been caused by suicide. No inquest was held.

Mr. Haines had been down town early Saturday morning, leaving the Potter Funeral Home at about 9 o'clock. While in conversation with several people he mentioned that it would not be long before he too would be dead, but no significance was attached to his statement at it was well known that his health was rapidly failing. He left three notes, one which was found on the front door of the Haines home and told what he had done. The other two were brief messages of instructions to individuals close to the family.

Walter Haines was born March 13, 1859, in Lansing, Iowa. He came to Caledonia over 50 years ago and for many years operated a dray line and worked as a carpenter.

Virgina Dunbar Haines was born in Caledonia on September 14, 1867, the daughter of Oliver and Catherine Dunbar, who were of the first settlers to reach this country from New England. Her death occurred on Friday morning at 3:15 following a paralytic stroke suffered about six weeks ago. Her marriage to Walter A. Haines took place in this city on November 21, 1886. But for a year and a half spent at the home of an adopted son, Arthur, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mr. and Mrs. Haines occupied the Dunbar home on West Washington Street.

Mrs. Haines derived much enjoyment from working with the young people of her church and gave much of her time as an instructor in the Sunday school. In her home time was given largely to those beneath her roof. She willingly denied herself many pleasures that others might find life more pleasant.

Mrs. Haines is survived by one brother, Daniel Dunbar of Eden, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Haines are survived by the adopted son, Arthur, and several nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Funeral services were held for Mr. and Mrs. Haines on Monday morning at the Potter Funeral Home and at Evergreen Cemetery. The Reverand C. S. McKinney officiated at the services.

-source: Obit., Caledonia (MN) Newspaper, 1934
-submitted by Mike Birkett