Donahoe, John 1870-1938

DONAHOE, KERN

Posted By: Viv Reeves, Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/9/2007 at 19:25:18

From the LeMars Sentinel, LeMars, (Plymouth), Iowa, Friday, February 11, 1938, Page 1, Column 7:

John Donahoe Ends His Life In City Jail
Officer Making Early Rounds Discovers Lifeless Body Of Hapless Man
Chokes Self With Tie
Was Popular Veterinarian For Forty Years

John S. Donahoe, 67, well known resident of Plymouth county for many years, used his necktie to strangle himself to death in the city jail sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning.

Dr. Donahoe was arrested early Tuesday evening and held in the city jail on a charge of intoxication.

He lifeless body was discovered by Officer Fay Terpenning about 4:30 Wednesday morning. The unfortunate man had wrapped the tie around his neck and fastened an end to one of the bars of the cell, while half reclining on a cot. Donahoe was seen by the officer shortly after 1 o'clock and was sleeping. Four transients afforded sleeping room in the jail, told officers they had heard no disturbance during the night. Coroner S. H. Luken was called to take charge. Officials said there was no need of an inquest as it was a plain case of suicide.

Donahoe had been drinking heavily of late and was, it is reported, worried over financial difficulties.

Shock to Many

The news of his tragic death came as a shock as Donahoe was widely known and liked. He was of a liberal and generous disposition and had friends all over Plymouth and adjoining counties.

John Stephen Donahoe was born at Galena, Ill., December 27, 1870. With his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Donahoe, he came to Cherokee county, and later to Remsen and LeMars. Mr. Donahoe, when a youth, was employed with A. Y. Weir, who conducted, among other ventures, a racing stable and entered horses at the principal tracks in a number of states.

Mr. Donahoe followed the occupation of veterinarian for many years and his services were in demand among a large number of farmers. He was a lover of horses and dogs and had a natural aptitude in discerning their qualities and their requirements.

Mr. Donahoe is survived by his wife, who was before her marriage Margaret Elizabeth Kern. They were married in Sioux City, July 3, 1908. He also leaves a son, Jack, a daughter, Undine, a sister, Mrs. Anna McEvoy of Des Moines, and a brother, Edward Donahoe of Oakland, Cal.
Funeral This Afternoon

The funeral will be held this Friday afternoon at the Luken Funeral Home at 2 o'clock. Rev. Ralph H. Hunger will officiate at the service and interment will be made in the city cemetery. The pallbearers will be John Brangwin, G. W. Cunningham, Harry Draper, Harry Fitzpatrick, R. M. Latham, P. Swain.