Robert J. Hagood 1862-1905

HAGOOD

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/6/2014 at 09:21:45

 DEED OF INSANE MAN.
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Robert Hagood Strangles Himself With Rope of Hay Fork.
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The dead body of Robert Hagood was found in his barn at his home near the Seeley mill, northeast of Stennett, last Monday morning. He had placed the rope of a hayfork around his neck, then grasping the other end of the rope, which ran over a pulley, pulled himself upwards until he was strangled to death. He was found in a sitting posture.

In the absence of Coroner Thomas, Justice Gideon Blackstone proceeded to the scene and held an inquisition over the body, summoning R. A. Lane, C. F. Turner and S. D. Shires as jurors.

The testimony showed that Mr. Hagood had been suffering mentally the night before over the thought that he might be returned to the asylum at Clarinda from which he had been released but four or five days previously and the verdict of the jury was that he had committed the act while of unsound mind.

Mr. Hagood’s mind became affected some two or three months ago, the result it is supposed of worry over real estate trades in which he had become more or less seriously involved. He was taken to the Clarinda asylum and when released about March 1, appeared to be in good spirits and as well as he had ever been. When he reached home he was delighted to be again with his family and in every way gave evidence of being his former self. On Sunday, however, he found a paper, issued by asylum authorities, known as a “parole.” In it he read that he had not been unconditionally released, but was simply at home pending his sane behavior. This wrought an instant change in his manner and he frequently referred to the matter, expressing horror at the possibility of being taken back. During the night he slept but little. On Monday morning he arose at 6 o’clock and went to the barn with his son, Merwin, Mr. Hagood to do the milking and Merwin to do other chores. When Merwin had finished his work he went to where he supposed his father was milking, but failed to find him, the empty milk pails having been set down in the yard.

Merwin was so much alarmed that he did not go into the barn to look for his father, but ran to the house to inform his mother. Mrs. Hagood telephoned to J. C. Perry, a near neighbor, who came at once to their assistance. Mr. Perry made search and found the unfortunate man in the condition above stated.

Mr. Hagood was aged 42. He was born near Emerson, removing several years ago to the farm on which he died.

The funeral was held Wednesday at the Indian Creek Church in Lincoln Township (Montgomery County) and burial was made in the Emerson cemetery (Mills County).

 
THE SUN, Red Oak, Iowa, Friday, March 10, 1905.

 
Note: Emerson Cemetery inscription (one headstone):
HAGOOD, Robert J.: 27 July 1862—6 March 1905.
HAGOOD, Rozella: 19 May 1860—5 July 1942