G.E. Pratt, Ends life With Bullet in Brain, 1931

PRATT

Posted By: Constance, IAGenWeb Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/19/2018 at 14:41:10

The Fayette County Union
West Union, Fayette Co., Iowa
Thursday, 09 July 1931
Page 1 column one

HAWKEYE MAN ENDS LIFE WITH BULLET in BRAIN.
--
Startling was the news that G.E. Pratt had committed suicide, when it was announced on the streets about ten minutes after the awful deed was done, Wednesday about 4:45 p.m.

A few minutes before he put a 32 bullet into his brain in the woodshed in the rear of his harness shop, he was talking about the heavy wind storm that was then blowing up and he turned away and went into the woodshed and fires the fatal shot that ended his life. The bullet entered the front of his head just above the right ear and he nevermade a move thereafter.

Rich Schlegel and L.E. Doty were the persons who found him and they were greatly surprised as was all the many friends of Mr. Pratt who was a jolly person who never took life too seriously. The cause of his committing the act is unknown at this time as he nevergave his friends or family an indication that he in any way was weighed down by business cares. However, he did leave two short notes to his wife that gave information relative to business.

Dr. Walsh was immediately summoned but life was fast moving away, and he remained unconscious until the end at 7:45.

The Gun which he used to destroy himself belonged to L.E. Doty, of Cedar Rapids, a relative visiting here. Doty was leaving for his home and started to look for the gun only a few minutes before it was used.

The Coroner has been notified and arrived here about 7:30 and after viewing the body and examining the notes found laying by the body, stated he would hold an inquest at 9 o'clock this (Thursday) morning.

It is a clear case of suicide superinduced by mental aberation. The Beacon.