Omer B. Dutton (1874-1889)

DUTTON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/1/2011 at 23:12:25

From Story County Watchman February 1, 1889

On Friday evening word was received here that Omer Dutton, a fifteen year old son of O. B. Dutton a former resident had just died and would be buried at this point. The remains reached this point Saturday and were laid to rest in the Nevada Cemetery beside that of his mother. The telegraph to the daily papers give the following account of the death:

Manning, Jan. 26.--Omer Dutton's suicidal attempt resulted in his death at three p. m. yesterdry. The circumstances of this affair are peculiarly sad. About a year ago his mother died, and he has been unable to bear the mention of her name since. Thursday evening his brother and wife, upon their return from an evening's call, found young Dutton lying on the bed, shot through the head. He had placed a 32-caliber revolver in his mouth and the ball went entirely through and out of his head, lodging in the ceiling above. On the table near by was a letter saying in substance that he had long meditated upon this way of leaving the world, that he was not crazy, but tired of this world and wanted to lie beside his mother in Nevada. His brothers and father and other relatives arrived on the train yesterday morning, but of course were unable to do anything. The entire community sympathizes with them in their terrible affliction.

Mr. Dutton was formerly a banker in this place and is well liked and sincere sympathy of the people here go out to him in this his hour of affliction.

PASSED ON.--On the 25th day of January, 1889, in this city the burial services were held over the remains of Omer Dutton, who suddenly passed away at the home of his brother, O. E. Dutton, of Manning, Iowa.

He was the youngest son of O. B. Dutton, of Missouri Valley Junction.

Since his mother passed away in the early spring he has appeared melancholy and devoid of his usual energy. The love existing between them being so great, it has seemed to throw a shadow over him, which could not be dispelled.

Were it not for the assurance by angels given of a nobler and better life, in the happier world where loved ones are never separated, the stricken ones who yet remain, would in this midnight of their lives sink into utter hopelessness. Weep not dear Friends, your loved ones have only laid aside their outer garments and arrayed themselves in brighter apparel.

With the help of the angels and a mothers tender care, this son and brother will quickly enrobe himself in manhood's nobler form and be ready to greet Father, Brothers, and Sisters, at the portal of that home, which also soon will be yours, and gladly welcome you there.

Not dead, is Omer your darling,
The angels accpt him as one.
And out from under this shadow
They have borne to the mother, her son.

O. B.