Gill, Mary (Mrs. Ralph R.) 1869-1932

GILL, CROW

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/2/2019 at 13:41:02

LeMars Globe-Post
October 3, 1932

MERRILL WOMAN ENDS OWN LIFE
Mrs. R. R. Gill Found Hanging In Basement Of Her Home.

Brooding over continued sickness and present economic conditions, Mrs. R. R. Gill, 63 year old Merrill woman, hanged herself to a rafter in the basement of her home some time Sunday afternoon.

She left a note in her apron giving the reasons for her act, and stating that no one but herself was to blame. She also gave directions telling where various articles about the house could be found after her death.

The body was found by a son of the victim, Wayne Gill, when he returned home from a visit, with his aunt. Wayne and his father, about 68 years old, left home on Sunday morning to visit for a short time at the home of a sister of Mr. Gill, living a short distance from Merrill.

When Mr. Gill and his son returned to their home, they thought Mrs. Gill was out to visit a neighbor, and unaware of the tragedy, started to prepare a meal. Going to the basement to get some eggs, Wayne found the body.

Beside her widower and son, Wayne, she is survived by another son, Chester; also a brother and sister.

Mrs. Gill, nee’ Crow, was born August 9, 1869, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Crow. The family has lived in Merrill for many years, and Mrs. Gill’s tragic demise is sincerely mourned by the entire community.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, October 4, 1932

WOMAN ENDS LIFE IN NOOSE
Brooding Over Sickness Is Thought To Have Prompted Rash Act
A LIFE LONG RESIDENT
Mrs. Ralph Gill Was Well Known in Community.

Despondency over sickness is ascribed as the cause prompting Mrs. R. R. Gill, 63 years old, a resident of Merrill, to end her life Sunday by hanging herself in the basement at her home.

The body was found by a son of the victim, Wayne Gill, when he returned to the house after a visit with relatives. Mr. Gill and son, Wayne, left home in the morning to visit a sister of Mr. Gill, who lives a short distance from Merrill. When Mr. Gill and his son returned to their home, they began to prepare a meal, unaware of the tragedy. They thought that Mrs. Gill was out visiting a neighbor. When Wayne went to the basement for some eggs, he discovered the body.

Mrs. Gill had taken a piece of clothes line, thrown it over a beam and encircled a noose around her neck. She left a note stating she could bear the weight of woe and illness no longer.

Coroner is Called.
S. H. Luken, of LeMars, county coroner, was called to Merrill to make an official investigation. The coroner decided it was a case of suicide and no inquest was necessary.

Mrs. Gill is survived by her husband and two sons, Wayne and Chester Gill.

She was born in Wisconsin, August 6, 1869, her maiden name being Mary Crow. She was a daughter of John Crow, one of the early settlers in the vicinity of Merrill and was a lifelong resident of the county.

The funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at the White funeral chapel in Merrill at 2 o’clock, Rev. A. Z. McGogney officiating.
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