HAVNER, William Harrison 1898 - 1945

HAVNER, HARPER, CRAFTON, EDLER, KEAN, HECKETHORN, DELP

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 5/16/2024 at 22:55:05

"The Fairfield Daily Ledger"
Saturday, December 8, 1945
Front Page, Column 3

FIND BODY OF FAIRFIELD MAN AFTER SUICIDE

The body of William HAVNER, long-time employee at the Iowa Malleable Iron Company here in Fairfield, was found in the kitchen of his home late yesterday afternoon after he had committed suicide some time the day before. He took his own life by shooting himself in the head with a 12 gauge shotgun according to reports from Jefferson county authorities.

Mr. HAVNER was last seen alive when he worked Thursday morning. Since he seldom misses a day of work, fellow employees became alarmed when he didn't report Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. Jake Miller went to HAVNER's home at 807 West Lowe St. and found the body in the kitchen. Deputy Sheriff Ralph Brown and Coroner J. R. Peters were called at 4:30 p.m.

Notes left by HAVNER and facts concerning the case led officers to determing the death as suicide. Coroner Peters stated that there would be no inquest. He said one note, found in the billfold of the dead man and addressed to a brother-in-law, read as follows: 'Hank, you take care of things. I couldn't take it. Sorry, goodbye to everybody. I've gone clear crazy." It was signed with Mr. HAVNER's initials.

The handwriting on the note was identified by the brother-in-law to be that of Mr. HAVNER. A second note, similar to the first, was found on the kitchen cabinet.

Reports stated Mr. HAVNER had been dead about 24 hours when the body was found. He had lived alone at his home for over a year. Fellow employees stated that he had been despondent for the past several weeks.

William Harrison HAVNER was born May 12, 1898 in Iowa, the son of the late Andrew and Mrs. HAVNER. He had been a resident of this city for many years and a ladle repairman at the Malleable Iron Company for 20 years. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge (sic - Aerie/Club).

Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at the Hoskins funeral home at 2;00 p.m. with Rev. S. P. Williamson in charge. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery.

Mr. HAVNER is survived by one daughter, Violet, Fairfield; and three sisters, Mrs. Henry HARPER, Mrs. Arthur CRAFTON and Mrs. Charles EDLER, all of Fairfield. He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

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"The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger"
Wednesday, December 12, 1945
Page FIVE, Column 3

LOCALS

... --Among the out-of-town relatives attending services for William HAVNER, held yesterday were Mr. and Mrs. Clarence KEAN and Raymond HECKENTHORN (sic), all of Ottumwa and Mrs. Arthur DELP and James HARPER of Davenport.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot SDiv.2-007.