PALMER, William H. 1827-1901

PALMER, PASCO, BOVEE

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/14/2014 at 01:40:09

[Waterloo Semi Weekly Courier, Friday, October 25, 1901, Waterloo, Iowa]

TAKES HIS OWN LIFE

(From Wednesday's Daily.)
While in a fit of temporary insanity caused by brooding over an incurable physical ailment, William H. Palmer took his own life at 9 o'clock this forenoon, by shooting, at his home, 904 West Fourth Street. The means used was a 22-caliber rifle. Death was instantaneous.

Mr. Palmer suffered from a tumor of the stomach, which would have proven fatal in a short time. For six weeks he had been confined to the house and for the past two weeks be had not been able to sleep. The condition of his stomach was such that for the past three months he had taken very little solid food. By nature he was active, of nervous temperament, and it is believed the thought of being deprived of business activity, suffering from poor nourishment and loss of sleep, all conspired to unbalance his mind temporarily.

This morning the aged gentleman— he was 74 years old—felt a little better apparently and walked out in the yard at his home. He called at the home of his adopted daughter, Mrs. D. W. Bovee whose residence, adjoins his own, and asked for a small rifle. He said he thought he might find diversion by shooting at a mark. The gun was given him and little thought was paid to the matter. He shot twice at a mark, probably to test the gun and make sure it was working right, and then went into the barn. He drew a box up into one corner of the barn, sat down leaned his head forward, placed the butt of the rifle on the floor and the muzzle to his forehead, nearly between the eyes, pulled the trigger with his hand and his soul fled into eternity.

His wife and Mrs. Bovee both heard the shot and hastening to the barn found the gentleman still sitting upright on the box, a ghastly hole in the forehead and the rifle lying on the floor. Judging front the position of the body, death must have come instantly. There was no evidence of a struggle, nothing to indicate any pain.

Mr. Bovee was immediately telephoned to at his office at the Iowa Grinder and Steamer works, and summoned home. Physicians were also called. Coroner Waddey was sent for, but after viewing the remains he concluded an inquest was unnecessary.

Deceased was born on Prince Edward's Island 74 years ago last March. There he was married to Miss Jane Pasco. From there they moved to Maine. About 1850 they moved to Wisconsin, living at Glendale and other points in that state. Coming to Iowa they settled in Tama county and moved to Waterloo seven years ago, since which time Mr. Palmer has been connected with his son-in-law Mr. Bovee, in conducting the business of the Iowa Grinder & Steamer works, the development of which has been remarkable
during the past few years.

Mr. Palmer had no children of his own. He leaves a wife and the adopted daughter before referred to. He was a member of the United Brethren Church, but there being no society here of that kind he worshipped at the First Baptist Church.

The funeral will be held at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the residence, 904 West Fourth Street, conducted by Rev. Earl, and interment will be in Elmwood.

Mr. Palmer was a man of fine business ability was a kind and generous citizen, and the community suffers a great loss in his sad passing away.

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Gravestone shows he was born Mar 17, 1827 and Died Oct. 23, 1901