Clear, Charles “Charley Clair” St. James 1889-1934

CLEAR, CLAIR

Posted By: Tom Baack-Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/3/2014 at 05:44:41

Le Mars Semi Weekly Sentinel Tuesday, June 26, 1934

Lifeless Body Found Hanging From Rafter
Charles Clair, Resident Of Le Mars Since Boyhood, Hangs Himself
Due To Despondency
Had Been Depressed and Downcast Of Late

The lifeless body of Charles Clear, commonly known as Charley Clair, aged 45, resident of Le Mars since boyhood, was found dangling at the end of a rope, fastened to a rafter in the roof of a small washhouse, adjoining the cottage on Eighth Street, S.W., occupied by his foster mother, Mrs. Hannah Clair, and himself, Saturday afternoon about 2 o'clock. The discovery of the tragedy was made by Miss Dorothy Paulin, county welfare worker, who with Mrs. Harry Langraf and Mrs. Richard Nolan, neighbors of Mrs. Clair, were making preparations to move Mrs. Clair to another place where she would receive better care and attention. Mrs. Clair, aged 98, was not informed of the tragedy until the next day. It is stated Clair had made threats at times that if his foster mother was moved from the house, he would do away with himself. He was uptown Friday night visiting among his associates and apparently in his usual state of health. Some of his friends said he had been drinking heavily during the week and was depressed and despondent.

Seen Alive At Noon

He was seen in the yard of his home Saturday between 12 and 1 o'clock and talked to neighbors passing by. He was informed Thursday that his foster mother, who is aged and nearly blind, was to be taken to another home. He demurred at first, but according to authorities later stated he had taken a small piece of new clothes line rope, tied one end to a rafter in the roof, fastened a slip noose around his neck, stood on a small box, kicking it away, and strangled.

Served In Army

Charles St. James Clair was born January 1, 1889, in Sioux county. His parents died when he was a child and he was adopted by Mrs. Hannah Clair. They came to Le Mars in 1898. Charles Clair served in the world war and was a member of Wasmer Post American Legion, and the funeral was held Monday morning under the auspices of the Post. Services were conducted by Rev. Father L. J. Cooper at St. James church and interment made in the St. Joseph cemetery.

Note: United States World War I Draft Registration Card shows name as “Charles St. John Clear”.