Vlotho, Fred, 1860-1926

VLOTHO, FITZPATRICK

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/8/2012 at 08:02:30

Commits Suicide in California

Fred Vlotho, a pioneer citizen of Ireton, was found dead in a park at Pasadena, Calif., Sunday after he had been missing for two days from the home of his sister, Mrs. A. B. Darling, where Mr. and Mrs. Vlotho had been spending the winter. His body, somewhat decomposed, was found by police after his absence had been reported. He committed suicide by shooting himself, according to the police version. He is said to have been in poor health during the past winter and it is believed that this, coupled with financial worries, prompted the tragic act. It is said that he was a heavy depositor in the Northwestern Bank at Ireton at the time it closed last November. Shortly after the bank closed he departed, in company with Mrs. Vlotho, for California and it is believed that the condition of his finances preyed heavily upon his mind. Mr. and Mrs. Vlotho were to have started for their home in Ireton this week.

Mr. Vlotho was 65 years of age and had lived in and near Ireton during the greater part of his mature life. He conducted a general store in Ireton for many years and served at one time as mayor of the town. He retired from active business affairs nearly fifteen years ago, since which time he has devoted himself principally to looking after his farm property. He had been a hard worker during his more active years and was highly esteemed in the community where he had resided for so long. The news of his tragic death came as a severe shock to his many friends.

He is survived by his wife, two sisters, Mrs. A. B. Darling of Pasadena and Mrs. August Vander Hamm of Ireton, a twin brother, John Vlotho Sr., and one other brother, Henry Vlotho, both of Ireton.

Funeral services were held at Pasadena Tuesday and interment was made at that place.

Source: Hawarden Independent, April 8, 1926.

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Fred Vlotho, who died in Carmelita Park at Pasadena, Calif., on Good Friday was born Sept. 3, 1860, near Guttenberg, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. He was baptized and confirmed in the German Lutheran church in 1874 and at the age of 14 years [i.e., 24 years?], in 1885, with his parents moved to a farm three and one-half miles southeast of Ireton where he farmed until the fall of 1888, moving then to Ireton and buying a half interest in the mercantile business of Fred Krouse, finally buying out his partner in this enterprise and continuing in the business until 1917 when he closed out the business with an immense sale. In 1892 he was elected mayor of Ireton and in 1894 was married to Miss Margaret Fitzpatrick of Maurice. They have hosts of friends for miles around who extend their sincere sympathy to the widow in the sad death of her husband, also to the brothers, Henry, John (a twin) and sisters, Mrs. Darling of Pasadena and Mrs. August Vander Hamm of Ireton.

Source: Alton Democrat, April 16, 1926.

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[His widow remarried, to former Ireton resident N. D. Huse, at Pasadena in February 1932 (Hawarden Independent, Feb. 11, 1932)]