Whittle, Wesley O. 1929-1950

WHITTLE, JOHNSON

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/20/2024 at 11:37:37

Clayton County Register, 09 Mar. 1950.

Wesley Whittle, 21, Monona, shot himself through the heart Tuesday morning about 8:45 o'clock with a .22 caliber rifle according to Forrest M. Fischer sheriff.

A note to his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Whittle, with whom he lived, said "Dear Ma, it had to be this way." His mother said he had been despondent and had stayed in his room about two hours before taking his life.

He is survived by a sister and brother. His father died two years ago.

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Added by S. Ferrall on 4/22/2024:

Wesley Orville Whittle, 21, was found shot to death in his room at the home of his mother, Mrs. Wyman Whittle, Tuesday night, March 7.

Sheriff Forrest W. Fischer and Coroner E.W. Tuecke were called to investigate the death.

Whittle had been seen on the streets of Monona at 8:30 o'clock, after which he went home and went to his room. His mother heard a shot in his room at 8:45 o'clock, according to Coroner Tuecke. He was found lying on the bed with a .22 caliber rifle lying by his side. The bullet had entered his body above the heart, which was self inflicted, Coroner Tuecke stated.

He left a note in explanation of his act stating, "It has to be this way." He had been suffering for some time with a persecution complex, feeling that everyone had it in for him and that he was going to get even with them in return, local authorities said. This in part accounted for him being picked up by county authorities on various charges in the past when he gave vent to his feelings.

He was born, Feb. 25, 1929, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Wyman Whittle, in Giard township. When his father died several years ago, he moved to Monona with his mother and did various types of work.

He was preceded in death by his father, who died Dec. 13, 1947. In addition to his mother, he is survived by a sister, Mrs. Alvin Johnson, and a brother, Bruce.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Schultz Funeral home with Rev. R.C. Schlueter of St. Paul's Ev. Lutheran church officiating. Burial will be in the city cemetery.

~Monona Leader, Thursday, March 9, 1950; pg 1