Thomas Edward Waters 1866-1919

WATERS, TODD, SHARAR, JONES

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/16/2012 at 19:39:35

Tom Waters Takes Life
Committed Suicide by Hanging Himself in Barn Loft
Is Thought to Have Been Temporarily Insane
Man of Splendid Family and Wealthy – Was Down Town This Morning

Just as we are about to go to press news was brought that Tom Waters had committed suicide by hanging himself in the hayloft of his barn near the residence in the east part of town.

It is believed that he was temporarily insane. He had not been feeling well for some time and the family were cautioned to watch him.

This morning he went down town and seemed to be about the same as usual. He did not come to dinner and search was made for him and he was found as above stated.

He had a splendid family, was quite wealthy and there was no domestic or financial trouble that would cause his insanity. He was about fifty years of age and leaves a wife and nine children to mourn his untimely death.

There are seven children at home, five daughters and two sons, and two married daughters, Mrs. Roy Sharar and Mrs. Lee Jones, who live in Huntington. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, April 30, 1919)

Thomas Edward Waters was born March 19, 1866, at Frankville, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Cora Belle Todd on October 14, 1891. To this union nine children were born all of whom are living. They are Mrs. Ray Sharar, Mrs. lee Jones, Leo, Hazel, Iva, Inez, Evelyn, Myrtle and Verne.

In 1901 Mr. Waters moved his family to Emmet county, residing on his farm most of the time until eight years ago when they moved to Estherville. Mr. Waters was very successful as a farmer, a thoroughly honest and highly respected citizen of the community. For many years he had been a member of the Presbyterian church and at the time of his death was a trustee of the Presbyterian church of this city. He had been in poor health for some time previous to his death, being subject to times of despondency, and had taken treatment for some mental disorder during the past year.

They sympathy of the entire community goes out to Mrs. Walter and the family in their loss.

The funeral was held last Friday afternoon at the church. The floral offerings were beautiful. Several relatives and friends from out of town were in attendance. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, May7, 1919)