McKillip, Eugene (Died 1888)

MCKILLIP

Posted By: Wilma VandeBerg, volunteer (email)
Date: 12/7/2009 at 09:50:21

Alton Democrat of March 9, 1889

'Dead in Lonely Ravine' from the Sioux City Journal

The dead body of Eugene McKillip was found in a lonely ravine in Plymouth county, about nineteen miles north of Sioux City yesterday afternoon. There was a hideous gunshot wound in the head, and near the body the dead man's empty musket was lying. The indications pointed to suicide.

McKillip was a tenant farmer, who had for ten years lived about five miles south of where his remains were found. He disappeared on December 22 last [1888], and though a vigorous search was made for him by his neighbors nothing was seen or heard of him since that time until the accidental recovery of his corpse yesterday.

The dead man leaves a family of a wife and five children in straightened financial circumstances. The cause of his taking his life, if he committed suicide, is a matter of conjecture. If he did not kill himself the manner of his death is a mystery.

The coroner of Plymouth county has the remains in charge and will continue this investigation of the case today.

~Transcriber Notes: (The only possible hint of a Eugene McKillip was found in the 1870 census of Monroe, Frement, IA Mother was Electra McKillip age 51, son Eugene 22, John 15, and Vestina 14.)