Merkle, Fred died 1921

MERKLE, MARKLE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Elkader Register, Thur., 28 July 1921. From the Edgewood Journal, undated.

PROMINENT FARMER TAKES OWN LIFE.

Fred Merkle, Near Edgewood, Committed Suicide Last Week.

Fred Markle, residing about 2 miles from Edgewood on the Strawberry Point road, shot himself Tuesday evening, about _:__ o'clock. Mr. Merkle had been around the house in the early part of the evening doing his chores and other work about the yard. Several men from Edgewood drove past the house (next few words blurred) evening stopped at the home and talked with Mr. Merkle, they state he was in good spirits and as jovial as usual.

Mr. Merkle came into the house at dusk, took the gun, a twelve (next several words blurred) from him. He went to the timber a short distance from the house, where he placed the gun to his left side and pulled the trigger, the charge entered the side, to the left and a trifle below the heart, working its way upward, causing instant death.

The authorities at Edgewood were notified and at once left for the Merkle home, where they, with a number of neighbors, went to the timber and found the body.

No definite cause can be given for the act, as far as we can learn. Mr. Merkle owned one of the finest farms in Clayton county, well improved and financially alright. For some time past he had been in poor health, which may have prompted him to commit the deed.- Edgewood Journal.

(Note: Both spellings of the surname Merkle/Markle were used in the article.)