ERVING, Jennie

ERVING, WEAVER, SMITH, HODGES, HAROLD, HARRINGTON, ZENTZ, ROLAND, WORTHE

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner (email)
Date: 2/18/2005 at 20:17:45

Mills County Tribune
October 12, 1909

The remains of John Erving and Mrs. Jennie Erving his divorced wife, whose tragic death at Des Moines on last Thursday night was mentioned in Friday’s Tribune, were brought to Glenwood for burial on Monday.

The funeral was held at 3 o’clock at the Holiness church and was conducted by Elder Weaver.

The facts are substantially as previously stated. Mrs. Erving secured a divorce from her husband last April on grounds of cruel treatment. Since then she had complained of his conduct. On Thursday night, he came to her home and without warning shot her. A young man by the name of Smith and the son Opal were present. Smith attempted to interfere and was shot in the wrist and also received a glancing shot in the breast.

Erving then turned the revolver on himself and was shot through the head. Mrs. Erving was also shot in the head. Both deaths were instantaneous. Erving is not a drinking man. Jealousy is thought to be the cause. Young Smith, a companion and about the age of the oldest son, was the object of jealousy, it is said.

Mrs. Erving was born near Ashland, Neb., May 17, 1871, but lived the greater part of her life in Mills county. She was married to John Erving in 1888. The family had resided 8 years in Des Moines. Erving at the time of his death was employed at the Union switch yards. He was born in New York and was close to 48 years of age, and had no near relatives living.

Two sons survive, Harry, aged 19, and Opal, aged 13. Mrs. Erving is survived by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Earl Hodges, formerly of Center township, now living near Glade, Kan., also 10 brothers and sisters, her death being the first in the family circle. The brothers and sisters are as follows: Earl Jr., Arthur C., and Charles Hodges, living near Glenwood; Mrs. Ora Harold, Balfour, Mrs. L.L. Harrington, Silver City, Mrs. Will Zentz, Council Bluffs, Mrs. James Roland and Mrs. James Worthem, Winside, Neb., Mrs. Ora Harold, Speed, Kan., Miss Addie Hodges, at home.