Clarence L. Banks (1895-1921)

BANKS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 6/19/2024 at 14:39:43

From Story City Herald November 24, 1921 (page 1)

YOUNG FARMER COMMITS SUICIDE

Tries to Talk with Wife, Then Swallows Strychnine

Clarence Banks, 26, a farmer residing two miles east of Jordan committed suicide in Ames Sunday night at 9:30 by taking strychnine.

It is believed that Banks had been worried over domestic troubles. His wife left him several months ago and after asking her to return, and meeting with a refusal, he took poison.

Sunday night Banks and his brother attended church in Ames where the former intended to meet his wife. His wife, however, rode to the Latherow home where she had been staying for several days, in another car.

Banks followed and stopped her before she went into the house and asked her if he might talk with her. She asked him to come into the house, which he refused to do, saying he was going to take poison. A moment later she heard him throw a bottle and asked him if he had taken poison. He said he had, but after looking at the bottle which he had thrown away she refused to believe him.

Soon after, Latherow learned that Banks had taken strychnine and immediately called Dr. Aplin but the poison had done its work.

Clarence Banks is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Banks, two small sons, three brothers and two sisters.