P. W. GRABER A SUICIDE - 1922

GRABER, WITTRIG, WOLFE, COOK, SCHLATTER

Posted By: Ann Miller White (email)
Date: 3/16/2006 at 20:37:20

Wayland News – November 2, 1922

P. W. GRABER A SUICIDE

Well Known Wayland Man Dies from Rifle Shot Tuesday A.M.

Ill Health Probable Cause

Wayland was just beginning to recover from the shock and sadness caused by the auto accident which resulted in the death of Mrs. J. C. Conrad and the serious injury of Mrs. Miller and others when they were again confronted with the startling intelligence Tuesday morning, about ten o’clock, that P.W. Graber and shot and killed himself in the coal house in the rear of his store.

Mr. Graber was up early Tuesday morning, put the wash water on the stove for Mrs. Graber, and attended to other chores about the house. He cam to the store about 7 o’clock, swept out the room, and prepared for the day’s business. A number of people met and talked with him during the morning and nothing unusual was noticed in his actions.

About 9 c’clock he went into the Wittrig hardware store and asked to see a 22 caliber rifle. Ed Wittrig showed him the gun but he said it did not suit him. He then went to J.E. Wolfe’s store, where he found a gun of the same make. This seemed to suit him and he asked Mr. Wolfe if it would shoot hard. He was told that it would and he then asked Mr. Wolfe if he could try the gun. Mr. Wolfe gave him a box of shells and taking the gun, Mr. Graber went out at the back door, saying he did not want Wittrig’s to see him.

In a short time, Mr. Wolfe saw Mr. Graber in the alley and asked him if he had tried the gun. Mr. Graber said “No, not yet”. A few minutes later, Doctor Cook went to the coal house which is used by both himself and Mr. Graber. In one corner of the coal house, in a half lying, half sitting position, he saw Mr. Graber. He spoke to Mr. Graber but getting no response, went to him and round him dead. Dr. Cook called Mr. Boller and others who were near and the news of the tragedy spread like wildfire.

Mr. Graber had placed the muzzle of the gun to his right temple and pulled the trigger with his right hand. The gun barrel was about 22 inches long so this was easily done. The coroner was called but no inquest was held.

No message of any kind has been found and perhaps no one will ever know why Mr. Graber desired to end his life. In recent months, he has not been in good health and this may have caused him to become temporarily unbalanced.

Mr. Graber was a good citizen, honorable in his dealings and faithful to every trust. He is survived by his wife, two nephews, Millard and Othel Schlatter, who make their home with Mr. and Mrs. Graber, ,two brothers, one sister, and a great many friends who extend to the bereaved family deep and sincere sympathy.