Wathier, John 1882-1916

WATHIER, REISER

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:38

Source: Alton Democrat (10-21-1916)

Born: October 8, 1882
Died: 1916

SAD DEATH OF JOHN WATHIER

The entire community was shocked to learn Wednesday that John Wathier had shot himself some time in the forenoon out on the old farm northeast of town. Dr. Gleysteen accompanied a coroner’s jury consisting of M.D. Gibbs, George Dethlefs and B.D. McWilliams who rendered a verdict of the death at his own hands while temporarily deranged. The testimony showed that Mr. Wathier suffered a severe sunstroke during last summer and had not been himself since that time. A physician was called to examine him sometime since and advised that he should keep himself occupied. On the morning of Wednesday he was expecting to join his father and brothers in the corn field. At noon the family discovered that no one had seen him. Search was made and the body found in a grove 200 feet from the house, a gun lying by his side, a bullet hole inn his forehead.

John was the oldest son of Sebastian and Susan (Reiser) Wathier, living two and one half miles northeast of Alton. He was born there on the old homestead in the year 1882 on October, 8th, 34 years old at the time of his death. Practically all his life was spent here except for an interesting time while working in western mines. For a number of years he has managed capably the large farm of his father, four miles south of town, specializing in the raising of good stock in which he was successful in a marked degree.

During the years of his life he has made a multitude of friends and it can be truly said, he had no enemy. Honest and upright, a true friend in time of need, more than which it would be hard to say of any man. The entire sympathy of the community has been extended to the bereaved parents, brothers, and sisters.

He was laid to rest at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Alton, Sioux County, Iowa.