Holm, Roscoe 'Wattie' 1902 -1950

HOLM, POWELL

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/19/2012 at 12:40:58

Alton Democrat of May 25, 1950 p.1
'Wattie' Holm Slays Wife, Kills Self In Everly Tragedy
Alton friends were shocked and saddened by the tragedy at Everly Friday morning when Roscoe (Wattie) Holm shot and killed his wife, the former Ella Powell, wounded his 14-
year old daughter Margaret, and then killed himself.
He had been mentally ill for some time, discouraged and depressed because every business. enterprise he had been in since quitting baseball apparently failed, so he told close friends here.
A few weeks ago there had been some discussion in the local baseball Assn. of the possibilities of securing' Holm as manager and President J. T. Even went to Everly to interview the former baseball star, whom he had known since childhood.
His friend was a sick man at that time, according to Mr. Even, so he could not recommend him as manager of the local club.
Some years ago Roscoe's brother. Dr. Marcel Holm, of Grand Junction committed suicide after suffering from a brain tumor, apparently caused by financial worries.
Roscoe Holm came to Alton with his parents. the late Station Agent and Mrs. R. L. (Bob) Holm, and his brother, when he was a youngster in grade school.
He was a rather quiet and secretive lad, not a student, but a natural athlete and ball player. His talent was developed under the tutelage of his father, veteran manager of the Alton
baseball team.
His father encouraged him to enter Iowa University and study the dental profession like his brother, since the average baseball player's career is short.
He did go to the University for one year, but the lure of professional baseball was enticing and after playing with semiprofessional teams a few summers he finally secured a berth in a major league; the St. Louis Cardinals, as outfielder and took part in the 1926 and 1928 world series. Injuries, however, made his career brief, as his father had prophesied, and he left the major league soon thereafter, going to the Rochester NY club of the International league for a few years. Later he bought a service station at Storm Lake and managed the White caps, semi pro club for some years. He formed a partnership to manufacture baseball bats, but that did not prove successful and he has since held several jobs only to lose them on account of his increasing illness.
It was in school here that he got his nickname of ‘Wattie’ an it was in Alton that he met his future devoted wife, Ella Polly Powell, who had come here to teach school. His father died suddenly some years ago, but lived to see his son’s success as a ballplayer. A few years later his mother passed on.
Surviving are a son. Robert age 20, of Humboldt and the daughter, who is reported improving from the wound in her arm.
At the time of the tragedy Mrs. Holm, a teacher at Everly, was packing in preparation for moving to Linn Grove, where the family formerly lived. She remained faithful to her husband through both success and failure, and gave him every encouragement to his normal outlook, which was carefree and friendly.
Roscoe Holm was 48 years old, and the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mrs. Holm is survived by two brothers, Irvin Powell of Linn Grove and Albert Powell of Storm Lake. Funeral services for the couple were held Monday at Spencer with burial in Linn Grove. J. T. Even of Alton was one of the pallbearers.
Hawarden Independent of May 25, 1950
Victim Known By Many in Hawarden
Roscoe A. ("Wattie") Holm of Everly—who last Friday killed his wife, wounded his daughter and then killed himself—was well known by many in Hawarden. He was a nephew of Frank Jacobe.
Mr. Holm played ball in Hawarden when he was a member of the Alton baseball team. At one time Mr. Holm was an outfielder with the St. Louis Cardinals. He took part in the 1926 and 1928 world series with the Cards. He left the major leagues shortly after because of a bad arm.
The son works at Humboldt, Iowa, and was not at home at the time of the shooting.