Mundt, Fred 1830-1892

MUNDT, ABELE, SCHELLHAMMER

Posted By: IAGenWeb volunteers
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

Fred Mundt, 70 years of age, a husband and father of six children, has been an old resident of Giard, in Clayton county. This summer he purchased 240 acres one half mile south of Castalia known as the Scott farm, and for several weeks past has been up there making preparations for removal to the place. His son-in-law, Fred Schellhammer, lives on the Shroyer farm near by, where Mr. Mundt dined and slept.

Sunday evening he was engaged in conversation with members of the Schellhammer household, and appeared to be in his usual pleasant mood. About 8:30 he left the room. His continued absence was noted at bed time and somewhat alarmed the folks. Fearing some mishap had befallen him a search was made about the farm buildings by Mr. Schellhammer, but no trace of the old gentleman's whereabouts could be discovered. The following morning the search was resumed, and on looking about his son-in-law was horrified to find hanging to a limb of a tree near the barn, the cold, lifeless body of Mundt. From appearances he had climbed the tree, fastened a rope to the limb and the other end around his neck and slipped off into space. His feet hung considerable distance from the ground. The remains were cut down and taken to his old home near Giard for burial.

Mr. Mundt had always been regarded as temperate and industrious and of sound mind. No definite reason is yet known for his terrible deed, as any intimation of such an act never came from his lips.

~The Graphic, Postville, IA; October 20, 1892

Transcribed by S. Ferrall from a clipping sent by Cyndi Gipp

Notes: Wife was Christiana Abele. His burial place more than likely is the Giard cemetery, but this is not verified.