Wallace, John W. - 1856-1918

WALLACE, BRIDGE, THOMAS

Posted By: Linda Vander Linden-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/26/2011 at 13:45:05

Hawarden Independent, July 18, 1918

J. W. WALLACE IS FOUND DEAD IN HIS BARN - COMMITS RASH ACT BY HANGING WHILE IN AN UNBALANCED CONDITION OF MIND

J. W. Wallace, an old resident of Hawarden and community, took his own life about 11 o'clock last Friday night by hanging himself in the loft of the barn. He had been in a partially unbalanced state of mind for a number of years, but of late his condition had been growing worse, and it was owing to this state that he committed the rash deed.

He had gone to bed shortly after 10 o'clock, but had gotten up without the knowledge of his wife and disappeared. She discovered his absence about 11 o'clock and summoned assistance to make a search for him. Nighwatch J. F. Myers, assisted by Horace Reid and others, searched the premises and finally attempted to get into the hay mow. They found the trap door weighted down with a bale of hay, but were able to raise it sufficiently to throw a searchlight above and discovered the body hanging from a rafter.

A log chain with hook and ring had been used. The hook had been caught over the rafter and the large ring had been used to slip the chain through and form a noose. A ladder leaning against the side of the barn had been used for making the ascension from the floor and after adjusting the noose he had evidently jumped from this. The neck was broken and death was almost instantaneous. He had been at the barn for quite a time during the afternoon and it was very evident that he had placed the chain in position and made all the preliminary arrangements at that time, as they could not well have been done in the dark. He had partially dressed and put on his stockings when he had gotten up, but did not wear his shoes.

John W. Wallace, was born in DeKalb County, IL, Nov. 24, 1856. On April 10, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Dollie Bridge. They came to Sioux County in 1881 and located on a farm near Ireton where they remained for a couple of years. In 1883 they located on a homestead near Alcester. His first wife died in 1895. Seven children was born to this union, only two of whom are now living, Nathan Wallace of Philip, SD, and Mrs. B. Boggess of Hawarden.

His second marriage was with Miss Ruth Thomas of Alcester in Sept. 1896. They resided near Alcester for a few years and then moved to Omaha, coming to Hawarden in 1904, where they have since made their home. Four sons were born to this union. The oldest son, Bryan, died five years ago, and the younger sons, Jack, Willie and Charlie, together with his wife, survive him. He is also survived by two brothers, Frank of Hawarden and Charles of Minneapolis, and three sisters, Mrs. Geo. Vearrier of Hawarden, Mrs. G. W. McCormick of Marshall, MN, and Mrs. Ida McInnes of Webster City, Iowa.

Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church in this city Monday afternoon, Rev. A. M. McIntosh conducting the services. Interment was made in the Alcester cemetery.