MIDDLETON, Percy: Died 1904

MIDDLETON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 9/27/2016 at 09:26:42

**Handwritten: St. Line Dem. Wed. 6 April 1904

BULLET THROUGH HIS BRAIN.
Percy Middleton of Bonaparte Killed Himself Monday Afternoon.

From our Regular Correspondent. -
Bonaparte, April 5. - Our people received a terrible shock when it was discovered that Perry Middleton had shot and killed himself at Dr. Croy's barn just back of Sharp's hotel on Monday at about 4.30 o'clock. He was discovered shortly after the crack of a revolver was heard by some boys who were passing along. The news of his sad death was phoned all over town and there was soon quite a crowd gathered. Squire Hogan, as acting coroner, summoned a coroner's jury consisting of Joseph Scheyley, Daniel Macklin and Dr. Percival. Up to this time we have not heard the result of their deliberations. It is not known or never will be known whether it was done by accident or with suicidal intentions, but from what he told his father when he got the revolver that he was going to shoot at some rats in the barn the opinion of most people is that it was an accident. He had unharnessed his horse before the deed was done. The bullet entered his head not far from the right ear. He was dead when found. The affair cast a gloom over the whole community as "Peck," as people called him, was admired and loved by everyone.

[Deceased was a son of C.H. Meddleton, the grocer, and was a clerk in the store. He was 23 years old. He was married two years ago, but he and his wife had separated. it is reported he told Mrs. James Sharp he intended to take his own life a few minutes before it happened and bade her good bye. The coroner's jury did not decide between suicide and accidental theories. Deceased has $2,000 life insurance in favor of his mother.]

**Handwritten: also see page 27C

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 214, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA

Van Buren Obituaries maintained by Rich Lowe.
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