IRVING, John

IRVING, HODGES, HAROLD

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 2/18/2005 at 20:09:24

Mills County Tribune
October 8, 1909

Kills Wife Then Self

A telegram was received by relatives at Balfour last night telling of a double tragedy which took place at 8:30 yesterday evening in Des Moines. John Irving, a former resident of Center township, shot and killed his divorced wife, Jennie Irving, then killed himself. Mrs. Irving was a daughter of Earl Hodges, now residing in Kansas.

Today’s World-Herald contains a short account of the affair, and it appears that a neighbor of Mrs. Irving, in attempting to assist her, was dangerously wounded by Irving.

The Irvings went to Des Moines about ten years ago. Irving lived for some years on a farm in Center. Since going to Des Moines he has been working as switchman.

Mrs. Irving has two brothers and two sisters living here in Mills county. Two of these, Art Hodges and Mrs. Ora Harold, also the mother Mrs. Earl Hodges, who has been here for several weeks visiting, left Balfour on No. 4 today for Des Moines.