SKINNER, E.P.

SKINNER, JACKSON

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 10/20/2016 at 00:15:07

WAS TIRED OF LIFE
E.P. Skinner Kills Himself this Morning of Des Moines.

[Iowa Capital.}
Monday morning last E.P. Skinner of Tenth and Railroad avenue, put a bullet through his cranium and ended his earthly troubles.

Skinner was a man 34 years of age. He was married February 13, 1895, to his wife who is left to mourn his death. His home was at Birmingham, Iowa. Some time since Mrs. Skinner came to this city to visit with his sister, Mrs. L.E. Jackson. About two weeks ago her husband also came to the city. By occupation Skinner is a paper hanger. He has been out of work for a long time and has been despondent and has not only made life a burden to himself but also to all with whom he came in contact. He frequently quarreled with his wife. This morning at an early hour he threatened his wife with a razor, but was thwarted in his design by Mrs. Jackson, the sister of Mrs. Skinner.

Skinner then said he would kill himself as he had frequently said before. Nothing was thought of the matter at the time. At 8:45 the family were startled to hear a report of a pistol. Opening the back door a horrible sight met their eyes. Flat on his back with is head to the north, lay Skinner; at his feet the deadly pistol. In his left hand was a note which he had written just before killing himself.

Deceased had been married before, but left his former wife. He was given money this morning to leave the city as he had become unbearable and his wife and those with whom she was staying thought he had departed. The report of the pistol startled the entire family. At once they knew that Skinner had made good on his word and taken his life. The features of the dead man were ghastly and as he lay in front of the door, a crown quickly gathered waiting for the police and the coroner to come. They did not reach the house until more than an hour had passed after the word had been sent to the station.

The note left by Skinner was addressed to his wife and asked her that she have enough respect for him to follow him to the grave. The coroner's jury composed of John Campbell, E.F. Wickesham and W.S. McAnnich are investigating the affair.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book G, Page 255, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA