Roder, John 1878-1922

RODER, BOEVER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Source: Remsen Bell Paper (1-19-1922)

Born: February 2, 1878
Died: January 15, 1922

Mary Boever married John Peter Roder on January 23, 1906 in Granville, Iowa. John Roder committed suicide on January 15, 1922 leaving Mary to raise nine children.

John Roder, a prominent Sioux County farmer living nine miles northeast of Remsen, just across the county line, ended his life last Sunday morning by hanging himself. The body was found shortly after the noon hour by a nine-year-old son and Coroner Barnett of Merrill was notified. Mr. Roder was 43 years of age and is survived by his widow and nine children; William, Alphonse, Loretta, Agnes, Joseph, Barbara, Norbert, Zeno, and Jerome; all at home. The funeral was held at Granville on January 18, 1922.

Relatives of the unfortunate man are unable to give any definite reason for the rash act, but it is their opinion that financial troubles may have been the issue. Mr. Roder was the owner of a 320 acre farm and is said to have been in good financial circumstances although he was somewhat in debt. His debts on real estate however were in the opinion of his relatives not sufficient to have caused any particular worry. For several weeks Mr. Roder showed occasional signs of despondency but never complained. His actions at times indicated that he wished to be left to himself, and last Sunday morning when the family was preparing to drive to Granville to attend church services he complained of a slight illness and decided to remain at home alone.

The family left for Granville at about 9:30 and Mr. Roder's lifeless body was found at 1:00 in the afternoon by his nine-year-old son who was sent out to look for him. Just at what hour the tragedy took place will never be known. The body was found in the driveway of a corn crib hanging from a hitching strap attached to an overhead beam.