Stephen Dubois, 1839-1909

DUBOIS

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/25/2011 at 16:24:32

TERRIBLE TRAGEDY

Monday morning about 6:30 Stephen Dubois, living on a farm adjoining Greenville, committed suicide by cutting his throat, dying soon from loss of blood. His wife had risen, called him, and was preparing breakfast, when she heard a strange noise in his bedroom, where she went at once and found him sitting on the side of his bed with his throat literally cut from ear to ear and his life blood gushing from the ghastly wound. He had severed his windpipe, jugular vein and arteries and was beyond surgical aid.

The coroner was summoned, but being out of the city, Sheriff Rice went to Greenville and held an inquest, when the facts stated above were brought out, and a verdict in accordance with the same was rendered.

Whatever led up to the commitment of the fearful deed must ever remain a mystery, as Mr. Dubois had at no time said or done anything that led any one to think he contemplated suicide. He had been heard say that he did not think he would live long, but this expression was thought to be the result of his physical condition, as he carried a great burden of flesh and for three or four years past had not been well enough to do physical labor. That the fatal slash was the result of a sudden impulse instead of premeditation seems probable.

Mr. Dubois was 69 years old, and with his parents, brothers and sisters, came to Clay county in 1856, we think, and settling in Douglas township. For many years the family was an influential one in that part of the country. A few years ago deceased purchased and moved to the E. C. Greene farm adjoining Greenville, where the tragedv was enacted Monday morning. He stood high in the community in which he lived, and was noted for his religious zeal. That such a blameless life should have such a tragic ending is sad indeed.

The funeral was held yesterday at 1 p. m.. at the home, and burial was in Fanny Fern cemetery, Douglas township, the family burying ground.

Source: The Spencer News, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; July 1, 1909.

Interment in Fanny Fern cemetery
 

Clay Obituaries maintained by Kris Meyer.
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