William Linn Culbertson 1844-1908

CULBERTSON, JOHNSON, DARRAH

Posted By: Georgea Clinton (email)
Date: 4/14/2011 at 12:26:18

Oct 22, 1908 - Carroll Times - Early Monday morning, shortly after seven o'clock, this city was thrown into a state of consternation and excitement by the report that W.L. Culbertson, president of the First National, had shot himself, dying instantly. Mr. and Mrs. Culbertson, H.W. Macomber and R.E. Coburn had been to Omaha Sunday, returning that evening. On the way from the train Mr. Culbertson stopped at the bank on some errand, at which time it is supposed that he slipped the revolver into his pocket, which he seems to have hidden in the bathroom that evening. He retired as usual but seemed very restless and was found reading when Mrs. Culbertson awoke. This was his habit when unable to sleep. He complained of not feeling well and deferred getting up after learning that it was twenty minutes to seven. Shortly after he arose rather more hastily than usual and started for the bathroom.

Almost instantly a report of a revolver called Mrs. Culbertson to the room where she found her husband dead on the floor with a bullet wound in the right temple. His position indicated that he had stood before the glass when he fired the fatal shot. Mrs. Culbertson was positive that he had no revolver about his person when he started for the bathroom. The cause leading one of our most highly respected citizens to such a rash deed has been given as worry over financial affairs.

Shortly after the sad end of the president, a notice was posted on the door of the bank that it was closed and in the hands of the comptroller of currency. This, following closely after the tragedy, was the cause of excitement on one hand, and, following this, much depression among patrons of the bank. The real facts in the case will likely become known shortly, as an examination of the books of the bank is now being made under direction of the comptroller. All hope for the best in the outcome of the financial affairs of the bank, in which a number of our leading business men are shareholders, and of which others of our leading merchants were depositors and patrons.

Mr. Culbertson's career as a banker began thirty-two years ago, when he purchased the bank operated by O.H. Manning known as "the Carroll Bank." After the Carroll fire a fine brick building was erected, now occupied by the German American Bank, then known as "the Bank of Carroll." In 1883 Mr. H.W. Macomber purchased an interest and became vice president, R.E. Coburn being a third partner and was chosen cashier. In 1895 these gentleman purchased of G.W. Wattles the First National Bank and have been actively in charge of the same up to the time of Mr. Culbertson's death. The bank had a large patronage and heavy deposits.

This state of affairs, even under the most favorable conditions of the bank, at present causes temporary inconvenience to quite a number of our citizens, as the adjustment or liquidation of the affairs of the bank will likely take some time. Mr. Culbertson was considered one of this city's foremost financiers. His counsel was frequently invoked by his many personal friends and old patrons. It is easy to be seen that even any kind of prospect of possible financial embarrassment, would drive a man of such prior financial standing in a community to distraction.

W.L. Culbertson was born in Perry Co., Penn., December 3, 1844. Two years later his parents removed to Philadelphia where they resided until 1860 and then removed to Scott County, Iowa. It was there he enlisted in Co. G. Iowa Volunteers and served three years. After leaving the army he attended a business college at Pittsburg, Pa. and in 1869 came to Carroll county, Iowa.

He located on a farm in Richland township which he worked for several years, being appointed county auditor in 1871 and then removing to this city. He was later elected and served as auditor in 1872-73 and as county treasurer in 1874-75. He was considered one of the most ready and well informed accountants when it came to expert knowledge of those offices and was for many years employed as expert by the board of supervisors in checking the books of county treasurers.

He served on the board of supervisors in 1877-78 and 79, being chairman during the latter year. In 1885 he was elected to the legislature from this county, serving one term. He served on the city council and for over twenty years, up to the time of his death, was treasurer of the Independent School District of Carroll. No man was more highly esteemed, and he was considered one of the wealthy, if not the wealthiest man of this city.

In 1873 he was united in marriage to Ruth 0. Johnson of this city, of which union the following children with their mother survive the beloved husband and father: Miss Mary Culbertson, who remains at the parental home in this city and assisted her father at the bank, Roger Culbertson, who is engaged in business at Worland, Wy., and W.L. Culbertson, Jr., ensign on U.S. cruiser South Dakota, now with the Pacific Fleet near Honolulu.

The family life of W.L. Culbertson and wife was a most happy one. They had one of the finest residence in the city, fitted out with all the home comforts, which they fully enjoyed in their own little family circle. Departed was a most genial, cheerful and companionable man. He was sociable and could be merry as the merriest when surrounded by friends, but with wife and daughter at the family hearth, there was no other such attractive place for him.

The funeral was held this afternoon at two o'clock from the residence under auspices of Jeff C. Davis Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of which departed was a zealous member and which, in the capacity of commander and other official positions he helped to bring to a flourishing condition, and every member of which found him a kindly helpful comrade, at all times ready to use his means and best efforts for the veterans. Rev. Newcomer delivered the sermon and interment took place at the city cemetery.

There were gathered about the bier scores of citizens who had been befriended and favored by W.L. Culbertson during his life time. Flowers placed on that casket wither and decay, but if every one whom the departed befriended offers as tribute his acknowledgement of the favors received, what a beautiful unwilling garland will perpetuate the name of our departed neighbor, friend, citizen, patriot.

It matters not to him whose mind has been wrapped in the dreamless drapery of eternal peace, how beautiful and costly a floral tribute we bear, but a chaplet woven of gratitude for kindness received of him will bear blossoms that shall not perish forever. His earthly labors are ended, the anguish of parting wrings the hearts of those he loved and we look sadly for him in his accustomed place among us.

With others, the writer has the kindest recollections of the departed. We never heard an unkind, uncharitable word from those lips now closed in eternal silence. Many lives were made happier, many a soul's grief was assuaged by the whole souled charity of W.L. Culbertson. His frailties were few and we ask for him, eternal mercy, as we love to think we may be judged. He has gone from amongst us to where troubles and tears are no more.

Let us think of him as we knew him in his good deeds and efforts to make brighter the lives of those whom he found in want or tribulations, the flowers from his life that shall never die.

Roger Culbertson arrived from Wyoming in time for the funeral, also two brothers of W.L. Culbertson, James C. Culbertson of Des Moines, Stephen D. Culbertson and wife of St. Louis, Mo. Another brother, Harry Culbertson, and a sister, Miss Lizzie Culbertson, both of Princeton, Iowa, also a sister at Moorland, Okla., Mrs. John Darrah, were unable to come. A message to the captain of U.S. Cruiser South Dakota was sent to Honolulu Monday, thence by wireless to the fleet. It brought a reply from "Ensign Lynn" (W.L. Culbertson, Jr.) the same day. Yesterday another message came, stating that the young man had been given leave of absence and would land in San Francisco Oct. 30th, bound for home.