William G. Rex aka Rehrig (1881-1940)

REHRIG, REX

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 7/14/2023 at 19:35:31

From The Slater News May 23, 1940 (page 1)

Huxley Resident Commits Suicide

William H. Rehrig, 60, was found dying at about 8:45 o'clock Tuesday morning, the victim of a self-inflicted bullet wound. The fatal charge was fired from a .22 caliber rifle. The bullet entered above the right temple and passed completely through his head. Despondency over business conditions was believed responsible for the deed.

The suicide occurred in a building which had been used as a meat-curing house by Mr. Rehrig. A group of men, fearing that something was amiss, forced an entrance and discovered the suicide. A physician was called but the man was beyond aid when he arrived.

Mr. Rehrig had made Huxley his home since last fall when he moved there from Ames where he had engaged in carpenter work. Since coming to Huxley he had worked at the meat-curing trade, the rendering of lard and making of bologna. He was formerly a resident of Pennsylvania.

It is believed a wife and daughter had preceded him in death and a brother-in-law in Pennsylvania was the only known survivor.

Sheriff C. V. McGriff, County Attorney Frank Lounsberry and the county coroner investigated and decided an inquest was not necessary.

The body was taken to the Riis Funeral Home in Slater.

From The Slater News July 18, 1940

Learn True Identity Of Huxley Resident

Positive identification of a man known as William G. Rehrig of Huxley, who committed suicide there May 21, has been established.

His name is William G. Rex and he formerly lived in Allentown, Pa. He had been a resident of Allentown and vicinity for more than 20 years and during that time had been employed as a huckster, silk worker, builder and operator of a stand at the market. He was described as often succumbing to a "wanderlust" habit and once is said to have disappeared for three and one-half year.

Mr. Rex ended his life at Huxley by shooting himself in the head with a .22 caliber rifle. He had been engaged in rendering lard, making bologna and smoking meat. Despondency over business conditions was believed to be responsible for the act.

The remains were taken to the Riis Funeral Home and Nr. Riis immediately began a search for any surviving relatives. He was assisted by Charles Miler of Ames, a former employer of Rex. Information and photographs were sent to about 20 newspapers in Pennsylvania and identification followed.

No arrangements for the burial have as yet been made.

William Rex to be Buried Sunday

Arrangements have been made for the burial of William G. Rex (Rehrig).

Our readers will remember that Mr. Rex took his own life a Huxley, May 21. While in Huxley he had been engaged in the meat curing business and in rendering lard and making bologna. Formerly he had been employed by Charles Miller at Ames.

Untiring efforts to locate relatives were made and after finally locating members of his family in Souderton, Pa., it was found that the family was uninterested in making plans for the return of the body or for the burial.

Those who wish to attend the last rites are to be at the Riis Funeral Home Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. E. R. Rorem will officiate at the burial service.

Interment will be in the Slater cemetery, south of town.