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Ellis E. Bertholf (1937)

BERTHOLF, DEMAR, FORD, HICKS, STARR

Posted By: Mary Welty Hart
Date: 10/26/2006 at 17:13:56

The Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Tuesday, June 29, 1937

ELLIS E. BERTHOLF Commits Suicide

Ellis E. BErtholf, one of Madison county's most substantial and respected farmers, committed suicide at his farm home in Lincoln township last Friday. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the breast. Although he left a note, directing the disposition of his estate and funeral arrangements, no reason has been announced for his act. He was 58 years of age.

Mr. Bertholf was the son of Alex and Mary DeMar Bertholf, and was born in Lincoln township on October 11, 1878. His entire life was spent on the farm where he was born.

On October 17, 1900, he was married to Clara Starr. They were the parents of one son, Halden Bertholf. The mother died in 1906.

On January 29, 1913, he was married to Edith Ford. Her death occurred just three months ago.

In addition to a host of friends, Mr. Bertholf leaves the son, Halden Bertholf, a grandson, and a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hicks.

Funeral services were held Sunday from the Ramsey-Richards funeral home in Winterset, in charge of the Rev. L. F. Davis of the Church of Christ. Burial was made in the Clark cemetery in Lincoln township.
________________________

The Winterset News
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, July 1, 1937
Page 1, Column 2

LINCOLN FARMER KILLS SELF FRIDAY

E. E. Bertholf Dies Of Bullet Wound. Tragedy Takes Place At Home.

Ellis E. Bertholf, well known and prosperous Madison county farmer, walked out of his home in Lincoln township about eight o’clock last Friday morning and shot himself through the heart with a revolver. The body was found at the east side of the house.

A note written that morning gave instructions about the disposal of his property and funeral arrangements. No reason was given for the act. He had been in ill health last two years.

Mr. Bertholf was a keen observer and well-informed on wildlife and natural history. Much of his spare time was spent in reading scientific magazines and books pertaining to scientific matters.

Born in Lincoln township nearly 59 years ago, October 11, 1878, he had lived all his life in that community on the farm where his birth occurred. The son of Alex and Mary DeMar Bertholf, he was one of a family of seven children of whom his sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hicks of Ottawa, Kansas, is the only member now living.

He was married to Clara Starr October 17, 1900. A son Haldon Starr Bertholf was born to them. Mrs. Bertholf died January 7, 1906 and he was again married January 29, 1913 to Edith Ford who died March 26, 1937. His son, a grandson Haldon Clair Bertholf and his sister survive.

Services were held Sunday morning at ten o’clock at the Ramsey–Richards funeral home by the Rev. L. F. Davis. Burial was in the Clark cemetery.

Gravesite
 

Madison Obituaries maintained by Linda Griffith Smith.
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