Herrick, Charles Ernest 1852-1912

HERRICK, METCALF, ANDERSON

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/28/2016 at 19:17:56

Storm Lake Buena Vista Vidette - July 26, 1912 - The entire community was shocked to hear last Friday morning that Charles Herrick had died by his own hand the previous evening in a hotel at Mason City.

The deed was deliberate, he having opened the artery of his wrist and quietly bleeding to death. The unfortunate man had evidently taken every precaution to accomplish his end, yet being careful to avoid unnecessary trouble to others.

A hurriedly written note address to his wife was found, the back of a pamphlet being used for the purpose. Here was also a written request that C. Bradford should be notified when the body was found.

The opinion of the coroner was the act had been committed some three or four hours before the body was found. The remains were brought back to the home in this town and thence the funeral was held on Sunday.

In such a case as this there is little to be said. Death balances all accounts so far as human judgment is concerned. It is sufficient that we recall the good qualities of the dead and that we remember him with sympathy that should come from a knowledge of our own failings.

The deceased was s son of Alpha Herrick, who with his family came to Buena Vista county in 1870. His mother still survives.

The unfortunate man was born in Wisconsin on June 7, 1852. He was one of three brothers and sisters. Of these later Mrs J.E. Metcalf resides here and Mrs Erl Anderson at Laurens.

Of the brothers, one is dead and the other, Alonzo, lives at Lake City. He is survived by a wife, 5 daughters, and two sons.

What better thing can be said than was expressed by one of his closest friends: "Charley Herrick was one of the kindest hearted of men; no one of all his fellow ever appealed to him in vain for anything that was within his power to grant."