Benjamin Hornbaker 1870-1894

HORNBAKER, CARR

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/16/2001 at 09:09:11

A SAD AFFAIR
A Young Farmer Attempts Suicide

Late last Sunday evening a messenger came into town for physicians to go at once to the Hornbaker home, two miles south of town, and render medical assistance to Frank Hornbaker who had shot himself in the left breast with a 32-calibre revolver. Drs. Young and Pearson were soon on their way out and found the unfortunate young man badly wounded.

The facts in regard to the affair are as follows: Frank Hornbaker has been living upon his farm for some time, and since the death of his wife, which occurred last spring, he has continued to farm the place, sleeping in his house and taking meals with his mother, who lives a short distance away. Frank not appearing at supper Sunday evening, his uncle, David Brower, started out to learn the cause of the absence. Going to his house, he entered and found Frank lying in one corner of a room, apparently badly hurt, and a revolver lying in another corner. His breast and face were terribly burned and blood was oozing out of the wound in his left breast. It seems the bullet set fire to his clothing, and it had been put out by him but not until his breast, neck and face had been burned to a charred condition.

Being questioned as to how it happened, he told Dr. Young he had attempted to kill himself, but assigned no cause. It is thought that grief at the recent loss of his wife prompted him to the awful deed.

At the time of this writing he is resting quietly.

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Benjamin Franklin Hornbaker was born near Bonaparte, Iowa, Dec. 13, 1870, and died near the place of his birth Oct. 1, 1896, aged 25 years, 10 months and 18 days.

He was married October 24, 1894, to Miss Carrie Carr, of Farmington. She died April 19, 1896, leaving one child who still survives both its parents. He also leaves to mourn his untimely departure a mother, to [sic] sisters and six brothers, besides many friends and distant relatives.

Deceased was a member of Bachelor Camp, No. 165, Sons of Veterans, of Vernon, many members of which were present at his funeral, and the pall bearers were also selected from that organization, in which Frank had held various high offices.

The funeral services occurred at his late home, conducted by Rev. G. W. Barber, of Kossuth, Iowa, and the remains were reposed in the Farmington cemetery.
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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.