Tucker, John abt 1836-1898

TUCKER, SULLIVAN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 11/4/2011 at 08:13:50

Sioux county Index Hull of Sep 2, 1898
Another Pioneer Gone
This community was startled Monday about noon by the report that John Tucker whose home was 5 miles south west of Hull was dead. The report also came that his body was found in a corn field close by and that the indications were that he had taken his own life during a temporary fit of despondency or aberration of mind the day before. No reason can be assigned for his committing the rash act and neither did there appear anything unusual in his mental condition on the day he did the deed, which might give rise to the least suspicion among the members of the family that he was meditating anything so horrible!
It seems however that on Sunday his mind had been made up to make away with himself; Unbeknown to any member of the family he provided himself with a razor and a quantity of London purple and started out for a walk through the fields as was his custom. Failing to return at night some little alarm was felt but nothing which might have led to the thought that anything so serious had overtaken him. Early the following morning this family having learned that he had not been seen by the neighbors search began to be made but not until near eleven o'clock was his body found. It appeared upon discovery of the body that he had used both the instrument he had provided himself with and the poison. Two gashes, one on each side of the throat, had been made. The poison also was found about his mouth and beard. The razor had been returned to his pocket and it appeared as if he had come to himself and thought to save the very life he had sought to make away with. He had torn off a portion of his shirt to stop the flow of blood no other-conclusion could be arrived at. It is indeed a sad case and our heart goes out in deepest pity for one who may be bereft of their reason even though temporarily.
John Tucker was born in England 62 years ago. His father was an Englishman while his mother was of Irish parentage. He came to America with father and mother when but a lad of seven years of age. The home was in Crawford county, Wis. until 1870 when be moved to Sioux county and took up a Homestead on Sec- 30 in Rock township. In 1878 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Sullivan, daughter of Jerry Sullivan another pioneer whose home is on the boundary line of our little town. Six children, four girls and two boys were the fruits of the union. About two years ago he was stricken with the dread disease consumption which so baffles the skill of medical men all over the world. Much of the time he was confined to the house especially during the inclement seasons. At times hope bouyed him up while at other times he thought that his career on earth was drawing to an end through all the weeks and months of dreary and hoping and wishing for returning health he seemed cheerful. In this, the Irish nature which came from his mother's side asserted itself and made John Tucker a pleasant man to meet on all occasions. At the INDEX office he was a frequent visitor and never entered without receiving a hearty welcome from the entire force. John Tucker had his faults, so have we all and none knew his faults better than himself. Never did we hear him say an evil word of his neighbor. He was one who looked upon all his fellows as his neighbors. He was a great reader of history especially the history of his native and his adopted country. In the history of the Irish race he was well posted. In religion he was tolerant and respected the opinions of others, no matter with what variance they may have been with his own. In politics he had the same consideration for those who differed with him. We part with him as a friend and in the parting our heart goes out in deepest sympathy for the bereaved widow and children. The funeral services were held from the Catholic Church. Tuesday morning, Father Phelan officiating in the mass, and burial.
( in the 1895 census of Rock Tsp. Sioux county. John was 48, Elizabeth was 35, children were Thomas 16, Mary 13, Hannah 11, Clara 8, Mabel 6, John 3.)