Ward Duncan

DUNCAN, MCNEALEY

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 7/18/2024 at 12:54:03

The Wapello Republic, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, August 27, 1903
Page 1

Columbus Junction, Ia., Aug. 25 - Our community was shocked this afternoon to learn of the suicide of Ward Duncan. For some weeks he had been stopping at the Gilbert house, this place. Last night he retired at the usual hour, not showing by his actions that he contemplated taking his life. He did not get down to breakfast this morning, but nothing was thought of the circumstances as he frequently remained in his room until ten or eleven o'clock of mornings and not making an appearance in the dining room until dinner time. As he failed to come to that meal, Mr. Pursell, a helper about the hotel, went up to his room to investigate. He found him in his night dress lying on the bed dead.

Coroner, C. P. Wagner, of near Grandview, came over at once. As jurors he selected T. W. Hendrickson, D. C. Shaffer and Harrison Bobs.

Harry Robbinson, who clerks for the drug house of Salmon & Darrow, testified that he sold him two ounces of carbolic acid last night, Duncan telling him that he wanted it for a wire cut horse. The same bottle half empty, was found at his bed. Other evidence corroborated the theory of suicide.

Duncan was born in Taylor county twenty-eight years ago. His mother died when he was a small child and he never had a fair chance in the world. His father, A. L. Duncan, died at Anamosa eight years ago where he was a guard in the penitentiary. He had been sick with an incurable disease for many years, was without a home and almost friendless. His despondency over his wretched condition, without doubt, led him to commit the terrible deed. He leaves two brothers and two sisters, These are Edward, who make his home with his sister, Mrs. Rilla McNealey, of Center Junction; George whose home is near Walla Walla, Wash.