Arens, Nicholas 1859-1902

ARENS, EHLERINGER

Posted By: Bob Arens (email)
Date: 8/2/2005 at 20:01:16

ARENS, NICHOLAS 1859-1902
Obituary of Nic Arens 1858-1902 in the September 5, 1902 Remsen Bell-Enterprise

DESPAIR AND DRINK Drive Nic Arens To Commit Suicide. A Red-Letter Day.

Saturday August 30 will be marked as a Red-Letter Day in the history of Remsen. When shortly after nine o'clock in the forenoon the news spread around that Nic Arens had been found dead, killed by his own hand, everybody was shocked! Nic Arens killed himself! Isn't that too bad! Isn't that horrible! Sad, but alas, too true!

For about eight years Nic Arens had held the position as manager of the Gehlen flour and feed exchange at Remsen.

About 9 a. m. last Saturday customers called for flour, but Arens was nowhere to be found. J. P. Brucher and Burl Atkinson resolved to open the warehouse, and Burl Atkinson climbed in through a small window to open the door from the inside, where he found the man they looked for, sitting in an easy chair, cold in death, killed by his own hand as all surroundings indicated. Preparations for the cruel proceeding were made by the suicide as only one, whose mind had become fixed on that subject, and deranged for all other thoughts, could arrange them. The front and side door of the wareroom were carefully locked, and there, in the arm chair, his feet crossed on the table before him, his head gently resting against the back of the chair, his left hand resting in his lap, holding the 38 caliber Bull Dog revolver, sat the unfortunate man, cold and stiff in death, when found. The bullet had been fired with a wonderful accuracy, entering the forehead between the eyes, apparently causing instant death. Coroner Beely was notified and he arrived with the 11:35 train. A jury was empanelled and an inquest held in the office of Kass brothers. After having heard all evidence obtainable, the jury returned a verdict, that deceased came to his death by his own hand. The circumstances that lead Nic Arens to the rash act are as follows: -

About the 25th of August Nic Arens was notified in a letter from Gehlen Bros., his employers, that on the first day of Sept, for economical reasons, his place in Remsen would be declared vacant, and the work of the office done by Mr. Brucher. The same letter declared that a job would be open for Arens at the Gehlen mill in LeMars. From the time Arens had received this letter he was restless. He complained to his friends over his misfortune saying, "I am not used to hard work," I cannot work! I am too old to learn to do hard work! What will become of me! But one thing is left for me to do!" The constant brooding over these things and the free use of liquor drove the unfortunate man to madness. On Friday evening he became unruly at home, and an officer had to be called. He declared then. "Tomorrow is my last day." He left his house shortly before 5 o'clock Saturday morning, and was sitting in front of John Kramer's butcher shop about 5 o'clock, when Mr. Kramer bade him good morning, and invited him to a morning drink, which offer was accepted. Mr. Kramer says that Arens appeared sober then, was not talkative as usual and wore a disturbed look. No one claims to have seen Arens after that, until he was found dead in the warehouse. Deceased leaves a wife [Nellie (Vanderberg) Arens] and four children. His aged mother [Elisabeth (Ehleringer) Arens 1822-1916], Mrs. N. Kass [Susan Arens 1867-1945], Mrs. P. Homan [Angeline Arens 1849-1928], Mrs. J. Duster [Antoinette Arens 1861-bet 1928 and 1945], and Mrs. J. P. Mersch [Margaret Arens 1854-1944], his sisters, residing in Remsen, as is Mrs. M. Lehnertz [Mary Arens 1852-1945] who resides in Muenster Texas. Toni Arens of Currie Minn., and Frank Arens of Lake Park, Iowa, are his nearest surviving relatives.

Nic Arens was born in Angelsberg, in the Grand Duche of Luxembourg in 1858 [February 23, 1859]. When but six years old he came with his parents to the United States. He resided later in Alton and for the last 18 or 19 years in Remsen. Sure he had his faults, but the hand of friendship was extended to him from all sides, for his faults were those that injured only himself, and brought on the fatal rash act. If there are those who wish to cast stones, let him who is without fault, be the first. Bear in mind that human prejudice and human judgement do not reach beyond the grave. The departed soul is in the hand of her [the] maker, who has reserved for himself the exercise of revenge. He had in mind the miserable and unfortunate when he said, "Suffer the little ones to come unto me," Let him be the mild and kind judge of his fallen child. Let His will be done. To Him we bow and to Him only.

The funeral was held Monday morning and a large concourse of friends of the sad and bereaved family attended.

The pall bearers were N. B. Miller, J. P. Kieffer, Peter Clement, Louis Singer, J. P. Brucher and Theo Fideler.
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September 5, 1902 Remsen Bell-Enterprise

An unfortunate misunderstanding carried a message meant for Frank Arens of Lake Park, Iowa, to Lake Park, Minnesota, and Frank did therefore not arrive here to attend the funeral of his brother, Nicolas. Toni [Anthony] Arens arrived from Currie Minnesota Sunday morning, and returned Wednesday.