Re-printed here with permission by Iowa Old Press

The Manchester Press
Manchester, Delaware Co., Iowa
April 22, 1892

CHARLES HERBERT DAVEY

   SUICIDE-- Herbert, son of Geo Davey of Earlville, committed suicide by hanging, Sunday morning last. Mr. Davey is a sexton of the M. E. church, and before leaving for church, Sunday morning, sent Herbert, a boy of fourteen, to the barn, to do some necessary chores. The family, with the exception of Mrs. Davey, went with their father to church, and when they returned learned that Herbert had not come in from the barn. He was found hanging by the neck, from the rafters of the barn, dead. His legs were bent under him, so as to allow the body to swing clear of the floor, showing how determined he was to take his own life. There are all sorts of stories told as to the reason for this act on the part of the boy. He is said to have been of a naturally jovial disposition, and why a lad of his age, with a good home, should end his life in this manner, is hard to conceive.

[transcribed by Rebecca Hansen, February 2006]