The Mount Ayr Record-News, 1925

The lifeless body of W[infield]. H. SCOTT, for more than a third of a century a respected citizen of Ringgold county, was found yesterday afternoon [May 26, 1925] about three o'clock in the woodshed at his home in the SWANK property in west Mount Ayr, where it had lain for several days. The body was first discovered by Mrs. Rachel OLNEY, the next door neighbor, who reported to J. E. WOOD, and Sheriff STEPHENS and Dr. Samuel BAILEY, county coroner, were called. A .38-calibre "Special" Smith & Wesson revolver, which lay beside the body with one hand still resting on the grip, showed that death had been self-inflicted and a note found on the table in the dining room left no doubt that despondency had led the man to take his own life. The note read as follows:

"May 26 - I have got to the place where life is a torment. I am completely broken down in body and mind. I have not been right for the past month. I would far rather be dead than to be alive in the condition I am in. So don't worry. Think it for the best. Goodby."

The note lay on the table in the dining room, in the open tablet where it had evidently been written by the light of a lamp which sat near by.

Relatives were notified and the body was taken to the Rhoades undertaking parlors, where it was prepared for burial. The funeral was held this afternoon at the undertaking parlors, conducted by Rev. Jay KIRKENDALL, pastor of the Methodist church, and the interment was in Rose Hill cemetery [Mount Ayr].

Mr. SCOTT was a man of quiet and unassuming disposition and although he had resided in Mount Ayr for two years had formed few acquaintanceships. Most of his time was spent at his home, where he had a good garden. He was industrious and to all appearances was content to live a quiet and secluded life.

Mr. SCOTT was born March 20, 1856, at Glenwood, Iowa, the son of Dr. W. A. SCOTT. In childhood he moved with his parents to Marion county, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. About forty years ago he came to Ringgold county, settling in the Redding vicinity, and thirty-two years ago was united in marriage with Miss Belle GLENDENNING. For many years Mr. and Mrs. SCOTT lived in the vicinity of Redding and Delphos. Nelson MASON, a nephew of Mr. SCOTT, now serving as secretary to Senator FRAZIER of North Dakota, was reared in their home and they became the foster parents of two daughters of Mr. MASON whose mother passed away several years ago. The daughters make their home with Mrs. SCOTT at Oskaloosa and last fall visited at the home of their foster father in this city.

A few days before his death Mr. SCOTT filed in the office of the clerk of the district court a will, which was today opened and read. The will leaves to Mrs. SCOTT the use of his property until her death when it goes to the daughters of Mr. MASON.

The only near relative residing in this community is a half-sister, Mrs. John RICHMOND, of the Ellston vicinity, who came to Mount Ayr this morning. Mrs. SCOTT also arrived this morning from Oskaloosa. One sister lives in Los Angeles, Calif., and three half-sisters and three half-brothers reside in the state of Washington.

Mr. SCOTT was a member of the United Brethren church and his life in the community, where he had resided for almost forty years, with the exception of about a year prior to last September which he spent in Washington, D.C., serving as a guard at the capitol building, was such as to command respect.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, 2008

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