Iowa
Old Press
Postville Review
Postville, Allamakee co. Iowa
November 7, 1902
A.E. & A.B. Burdick, Pubs & Props.
Bert E. Tuttle, Editor
Dead by His Own Hand - Hangs Himself to a Tree!
On Friday afternoon last at about three o'clock our people were
shocked almost beyond belief by the report that Charley Harris
had committed suicideand many there were who were loth to believe
it true, but close inquiry proved beyond the shadow of a doubt
that such were the unwished for -- unlooked for facts. Strange is
seemed, indeed, that he who but two short days before had
transacted business with people in our midst, apparently his
usual mental and physical health, had met some giant created in
the fancy of a disordered mind, whose vengeance he could not
escape, nor wrath appease save the the taking of a life that was
his and yet was not his to take. Yet cases of this kind are not
of rare occurrence, and the causes which led up to this last sad
act are related to us as follows.
Some months ago, after selling the old home farm, four miles
northeast of Postville, he entered into a financial deal of
considerable size, and afterward either through the machinations
of his own mind or prompted by the mouthings of others, became
enamored of the idea that he would lose all or a major portion of
the money thus advanced which loss he could illy afford to
sustain. This seemed to prey constantly on hiim and cause him
great agony of mind, resulting in quite a serious sick spell
during the summer. From this he apparently recovered, but those
who have frequently conversed with him since then have observed
that at times he would talk and act strangely. Occasionally he
would realize this himself which caused him to become more gloomy
and despondent than before, and he seemed to care not what might
come could he but rid himself of his awful agony, and at times
had even threatened to do himself violence, but this it was
believed he would not do. Several times during the past few
months when in these moods he has driven to town and passed the
night at his brother James for fear he might even do violence to
his family. He has even urged to be taken to a hospital for
treatment, which the family believed he would eventually be
restored to health, refrained from doing. But on Friday last poor
Charley, who could no longer withstand the agonies of a worse
than living death, sought solace from his sorrow by so rash a
means as the suicides hand, taking advantage of his wife's
absence to town to carry out his plans.
Mrs. Harris left home at about nine o'clock that morning, leaving
the children at home with the hired girl. She had scarce got out
of sight of the house when Charley entered the house, passed
through the kitchen into an adjoining bedroom, closing and
fastening the door behind him. While the act seemed somewhat
strange nothing further was thought of it until an hour or more
afterward, when some of the children thought it strange papa did
not come out. Tiptoeing up to the door the little ones peeked
through the key hole but could see no one. They then gently tried
the door, but found it locked, then they called "Papa,
Papa" but the sound of the voice that heretofore had always
bade them welcome, this time responded not. Hastening around the
house to peer in they found the window open but no one in the
room. Then began a search about the house and buildings without
avail, when the hired girl thinking all was not well notified
Mrs. Harris of the facts by phone and she immediately started for
home, followed shortly by Alton Harris and Fred Harrington on
horseback, who made a thorough detour of Charley's entire farm
without finding even a trace of him, and the nearby neighbors
hearing of the affair dropped their work and joined in the
search. But not until about two o'clock was a trace of him
discovered, when as Alton dismounted to open a gate he discovered
fresh footprints by the side of a path leading across the road
toward the big timber on the S.A. Harris farm. He and Fred at
once began a thorough system of search, riding in opposition to
each other back and forth through the woods at a distance of
about twenty feet apart, and when in a most unfrequented spot
near the center of the wood, Alton discovered the lifeless form
of his uncle hanging lifeless from the limb of a tree at a
distance of about two and a half feet from the ground. The other
searchers were at once notified of the discovery as were also the
brothers of the deceased, who quickly reached the scene, and it
was a brother's hand which cut the rope in order that the body
might be lowered and carried home.
The tree from which the body was suspended was an old dead stump
of a tree, the top of which was blown off by a cyclone which
passed through that section a number of years ago. Charley
evidently had adjusted the noose about his neck and climbed the
tree to a large projecting limb on which he crawled out and
attached the rope and then by moving a little farther out the
weight of his body broke the rotted limb and he dropped, the fall
breaking his neck, as was disclosed by a medical examination. The
rope used was one such as is wrapped around bales of binding
twine aobut a half inch rope, which is very flexible and strong.
On a log near the tree where he committed the deed was found the
following note addressed to his wife and written with a lead
pencil on an envelope:
"Alida, forgive me if you can. I am afraid I have poisoned
my whole family. Good by to the children. I wanted them to send
me away, but they would not. Good by brothers and sisiters, don't
blame me too much, for this, I can't stand it to be looked down
on. Be good to Lida and the children."
C.A. Harris
While there was no suspicion of foul play it was deemed best to
hold an inquest, and Justice Wm. Shepherd was deputized to act as
coroner, who empaneled a jury composed of John Waters, Evan
Swenson and Bert E. Tuttle, who after hearing the testimony of
Fred Harrington and L.L. Van Horn, and reading the note, the hand
writing of which was identified by several, rendered a verdict of
death by his own hand in accordance with the facts above cited.
Several things now point to the fact that Charley had been
planning his destruction for several days before, one of which is
the fact that just the day before he accomplished his purpose he
killed a little dog which always followed him about, giving as a
reason for such act that the dog had sore eyes and he was afraid
he would give it to the children.
Charles A. Harris was born in Post township, Allamakee county,
Iowa, 36 years ago last May, and has always resided on the
homestead which gave him birth. He was a member of one of the
oldest, wealthiest and most respected families of this section,
and in all his dealings none ever found him otherswise than
honorable, upright and square. He was by nature of a jovial
disposition, and his genial ways drew about him a host of friends
who will learn with sorrow of his life's sad ending. He leaves to
mourn his loss a faithful little wife and five small children,
several brothers and sisters, and numerous relatives and friends.
His family is left in good circumstances, he having several
thousand dollars of life insurance beside considerable personal
means. The funeral was held from the United Brethern church in
Bethel and was conducted by Rev. Ross of Castalia and the
attendance was unusually large. Interment in Minert cemetery.
For Sale
I have for sale the dwelling known as the Aug Tangeman property;
good in every respect. Also one and one-half story dwelling
situated on lot 1, block 2, Ellis & Co.'s 2d addition to
Postville. A bargain in each if sold soon. W.S. Webster.
Public Sale of Stock.
At the farm 2 1/2 miles south of Waukon, on Thursday, November
13th at ten o'clock, will be sold 22 head of Aberdeen Angus
cattle, 30 head of Grade Cattle, 13 head of Horses, 60 head of
Poland and Chester Hogs, all eligible for record. Blooded
Poultry, Farm Machinery, Grain, etc. Parties whose purchases
amount to over $160 will have their expenses paid while here.
G.W. Berrier & Co., Waukon.
The Postville Lumber Yard
Geo. W. Goetz, proprietor. A complete and full stock of Lumber,
Lath, Shingles, Sash, Doors, Blinds, Mouldings and Building
Paper, yellow pine Flooring and Ceiling oak, ash and maple
Flooring. Best of grades only handled.
November Nuptials.
On Thursday, Nov. 6, 1902, at Flint Mich., occurred the marriage
of Mr. Gilbert C. Chase, of Postville, to Miss Wena R. Wood, an
estimable young lady of that city, whose acquaintance Gilbert
made while stopping with his brother, Prof. A.L. Chase, at
Monticello, Iowa, which place was at that time her home. While
the bride is unknown to Postville people, none doubt Gilbert's
wisdom in selecting a spouse who will be a helpmeet and who knows
exactly how to make his home a happy one. The groom is a son of
Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Chase of this city, a thorough going, upright
and industrious young man, whose myriad [of] friends hereabouts
will wish him and his a pleasant journey on the sea of life. The
happy couple are expected to arrive in Postville tomorrow morning
to receive the congratulations of our people, and in the evening
a reception in their honor will be given by Mr. and Mrs. W.I.
Chase to a number of invited guests.
Locals
- Full blood short horn bulls for sale by J.B. Hart and W.A.
Martin.
- Try those fine candies at Millers.
- Smoked Halibut. At John Thoma's.
- House to rent; see J. Reuckdaschel [sic Ruckdaschel]
- Oysters by the dish, quart or gallon. Just rec'd a full line of
fancy French briar pipes. At Sheehy's Cafe.
- Miss Edna Lucas left Thursday morning for her home at Milford.
- Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Webster returned Saturday from Sioux Falls.
- Mr. and Mrs. E. Snodgrass left today for their home in Viroqua,
Wis.
- Born - to Mr. and Mrs. John Bray, of Myron, Thursday morning,
Nov. 6th, a boy.
- Mr. and Mrs. S.H. Adams, of Minneapolis, are guests at the
Weber home in this city.
- Sheet iron stoves are just the thing these frosty mornings.
Three sizes of them at Durno & Nicolay's.
- Miss Edna Ames, of Hardin, returned Saturday from a week's
visit with Mr. Mell Lange at Oelwein.
- We have it from good authority that Wm. Harris has purchased
the Dr. Green residence property in this city.
- Henry Webb is now so far improved as to be able to sit at the
family table and eat his meals. Let the good work go on.
- M.C. Mead left for Cedar Rapids Tuesday evening with the
expectation of securing work at his trade, that of printer.
- Frank Fay couldn't withstand the temptation any longer, so he
came in election day and gave us some glue for the
"Gimlet."
- M.Y. McMaster returned Friday from a two weeks visit at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. M.B. Morgan, in Marshalltown.
- Farm for sale or rent, situated in Post township, four miles
from Postville. Address all inquires to Carl M. Beeman, Waukon,
Iowa
- Mrs. A.E. Wright returned from a week's visit at Decorah on
Tuesday, accompanied by Mrs. J.N. Topliff who is visiting with
old time friends.
- Louis Salageber wishes to inform the farmers that he is ready
to do their butchering in a skillful manner, on short notice and
at reasonable prices.
- M.L. McKinley came out victorious in his race for
representative in the 6th district of Illinois last Tuesday, and
many friends in this locality congratulate him.
-The Whist club are being entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs.
W.E. Durno this evening, and we regret our inability to accept
the kind invitation to be present.
- Mrs. H.W. Clasen and Willard are expected home from their
Milwaukee [remainder cut off]
- 'Mose' McMaster dropped in the first of the week to inform us
that Mrs. 'Me' purchased the Robbe residence during his absence,
but that she called on him for the cash to liquidate when he
returned.
- Supervisor-elect Iver Iverson, died at his home in Hanover
township, at 5 o'clock in the evening of election day, which will
make it necessary to fill the vacancy by appointment until the
next general election. [WPA records give birth year as 1840]
- The music furnished for the firemen's ball by Prof. Nehl's
orchestra, composed of Gus Nehls, D.E. Harrington, Martin
Soukoup, Gus Dietsch and Fred Phippen, gave the very best of
satisfaction and elicited much favorable comment.
- Prof. Anderson will organize a night class in bookkeeping and
will begin next Wednesday night. Tuition $3.00 for 23 nights,
including books.
- Eugene Read, of Forest Mills, is a new member of the Review
family, having joined this week.
- John R. Mott returned to his home in Chicago Monday afternoon,
accompanied by his sister, Miss Hattie.
- Clerk-elect Colsch was in the city Wednesday evening and is the
happiest man we have met in a long time and he certainly has
reasons to congratulate himself on the victory he achieved at the
polls on Tuesday, which was the biggest political suprise party
ever perpetrated on the people of Allamakee county.
Halloween Party
[top portion illegible] ... of charge. This form of amusement
elicited much merriment. The gentlemen then went upstairs and
enjoyed a smoker, while the music from a gramaphone furnished
entertainment for all 'til the hour of twelve, when the guests
departed with a hearty vote of thanks to their excellent hose and
hostess and an "I'm so happy but so tired" feeling on
their countenances. Those present were:
Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Hart
Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Perry
Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Tuller
Mr. and Mrs. Chas Sonnkalb
Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Burdick
Mr. and Mrs. G. Staadt
Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Durno
Mr. and Mrs. H.H. Lien
Mr. and Mrs. Bert E. Tuttle
Miss Josephine Durno
Miss Anna Leui
Miss Mae Prior
Mr. Ed P. Durno
Mr. Ralph Tuller
Area News
- Virgil Jennings, who was sent to jail from here for stealing a
watch, was let out on parole and was working for a man outside.
He had only four more days to serve when he jumped his job and
was taken back to jail in irons by the deputy sheriff. -- Elgin
Echo
- Three members of the John Dryer family near Sumner have died
from typhoid fever within as many months, and a fourth one is
very low with the same disease, so the Sumner Gazette
relates.
- Misses Emily and Carrie Orr spent Saturday and Sunday at
Postville, says the Monona Leader.
- Ed. H. Prior and wife of Postville, attended the reception
given by the Business Men's club in this city on last Wednesday
evening -- Elkader Democrat.
- The McGregor News, Farmersburg correspondent tells
that Mrs. Frank Eaton and daughter of Postville, are visiting at
the home of her brother, C.F. Meier.
- The little town of Ionia, west of New Hampton, has organized a
land investment company with $20,000 in capital.
- Jim Wampler has been practicing braking on a freight train the
past week but has not yet accepted a steady run, remarks the Ridgeway
Review.
- We notice Bro. Hobson of the West Union Argo got into
our 'twenty-six years ago' department two weeks ago and had T.C.
Barclay slated as a new comer to that vicinity.
- The Luana correspondent to the McGregor News ways
Selden Candee is feeling fairly well this fall, is around each
day, splits the wood and does the chores about the home, and
holds down his seat on the "board" of trade.
[transcribed by S.F., February 2008]