Harms, John J. 1868-1931

HARMS, FRERICH, LUKEN, EILERS, CARSTENSEN, MEYER

Posted By: Kimberly Tietjen Dees (email)
Date: 2/1/2004 at 17:39:26

Worry Over Hard Times; Suicides
John J. Harms Ends Life by Hanging - Failure Crops Blamed

Despondent over hard times and the failure of crops, John J. Harms, 63, well known farmer living five miles southwest of LeMars, in Washington Township, ended his life by hanging, sometime between noon and 7:30 o'clock, Wednesday. The body was found late that evening by his son, Carl Harms and a cousin, Claus Frerichs. County Coroner S.H. Luken was called and assisted in cutting the rope that was fastened to the track at the top of the barn.

Mr. Harms took his dinner and told his wife that he was going to repair a fence. The sons, who had their dinner earlier in the day, were threshing, and when Mr. Harms failed to come home in the afternoon, his wife believed that he had gone over to where the boys were working. When the boys arrived home the search was started, and with the use of a flashlight, his lifeless body could be seen suspended from the end of a rope. The family reported that he appeared to be in aj ovial mood earlier in the day.

Deceased was born on April 20, 1868 at Blersum, Germany, and at the age of 16 years came to this country with his brother, Edo. They settled in this country where they found work in Grant township. On February 6, 1894, he was united in marriage at the Lutheran church in Grant township, and after the wedding settled on a farm in Washington township. He remained on this farm his entire life.

To this union 10 children were born, one preceeding their faither in death. The children who mourn his loss are: Carl, Mrs. Herman Eilers, Fred, Mrs. George Carstensen, Alfred, Hilda, Clarence and Donald, all of this community. Jurgen Harms passed away several years ago.

Besides his beloved wife and family he leaves four brothers, Fred, Gerhard, Edo and Seibert Harms and a sister, Mrs. Carl Frerichs all of this county. One grandson also survives.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home in Washington township, Rev. J.D. Meyer officiating. Burial will be made in Grant township cemetary. Lukens funeral directors in charge.

Mr. Harms was a good husband, father and provider. He spent of of his life raising a splendid family and looking after means of supporting them. He has many friends who enjoyed his acquaintance and who join with the family in mourning the passing of a well known pioneer of this county.
~No documented source
---------------------------

PLYMOUTH COUNTY MAN ENDS HIS LIFE

John J. Harms Commits Suicide at His Farm Home

Wednesday, July 29 John J. Harms, a well known farmer of Washington township, this county committed suicide by hanging at his home on Wednesday afternoon of last 1 week, while In a fit of despondency was evident that he had' climbed to the roof of a barn, placed a hay rope around his neck and, jumped off the platform, When he did not appear at supper and chore time, a search of the neighborhood was made for him, and in the evening his son, Carl, Claus Frerichs and Chas. Raser, found his body suspended in the barn.

Born at Blersum, Germany, April 20, 1848, he came to America when 16 years of age, and as a young man worked In Grant township. He bought the J, R. Kistle farm in Washington township several years ago and was a hardworking, industrious farmer.

He is survived by his wife and nine children, Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. D Meyer at the home Saturday afternoon and interment was in the Grant township Lutheran cemetery.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, August 6, 1931
Akron, Iowa