John Maier (1841-1921)

MAIER

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/9/2008 at 11:30:51

Aged Man Cuts His Throat

Avoca, Ia., May 25----John Maier, 80, was found in his house on the Dominick Gross farm, six miles southwest of here with his throat cut from ear to ear. A bloody butcher knife lying near his body bore evidence of the tragedy. Maier had been ill.

Deceased came from Germany when a young man. He was employed by the Dominick (Gross) family until a few years ago when he retired on account of infirmities of age. In announcing his retirement to the Gross family he expressed a desire to be near them. They fitted up a small house on their premises for him.

He had been ill with rheumatism and recently suffered severe attacks which made him nearly helpless. Sunday morning members of the family called and found him preparing breakfast. An hour later he (Will Gross) made a second visit and found his body on the floor in a pool of blood.

He has no near relatives and funeral arrangements have not been made.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Council Bluffs Nonpareil