DELLA AKERS' SUICIDE
Lifeless Body Found Suspended in the Barn Loft.
Had Left the House but Fifteen Minutes Before. Details of the Fatality and the Circumstances
Which Probably Brought it About.
Miss Della Akers, who lived with her parents, two miles south of town, committed suicide Monday shortly after dinner. No greater surprise could have come to the people of this community. The young lady was known to nearly everyone and was universally admired for her gentle nature, nobility of character and splendid attainments. The word reached town soon after the fatality and many from town hastened to the Akers homestead. THE NEWS editor was among the first to arrive.
The family had finished dinner in the kitchen, when Della arose and passed into the front room. Mr. Akers was reading a paper, the mother was busy, and no especial attention was paid to her leaving the room. In a very short time-- it is thought not more than ten or fifteen minutes-- Mr. Akers and son Vesta left the house to go to the barn and water the horses. The boy went to the old log barn, to water some horses kept there, and the father went to the large barn, nearby, to attend the animals quartered in that building. This building is perhaps 20x40 feet, with a mow above. It stands north and south, across the road east of the house, a distance of about 200 feet.
The door at which Mr. Akers sought entrance was at the north end of the building, and his suspicions were quickly aroused upon finding the same bolted from the inside. He lost no time in gaining admission and at once instituted a search to ascertain what was wrong. Everything below was normal, and he proceeded to make an examination of the haymow. The entrance to it is at the northwest corner, and slats nailed against the upright posts form the means of entrance. It is rather difficult to ascend these steps, more especially because the mow is filled with hay.
The father pressed his way to the south end of the mow, and there, hanging to a rope attached to a cross-piece at the top of rafters, beheld the object of his search. Repeated cries for help brought the son and mother to the scene. An attempt to raise the body and untie the rope proved futile, and it was cut. The body was yet warm, and all possible effort was made to bring back life, but it was too late. The three finally carried the victim into the house and the son came to town to summon Coroner Denaut of Hamlet. The officer arrived on the 3-I train at 4:13 and, accompanied by Dr. Waddell, went to the home of the bereaved family and held an inquest. Mr. Akers was the only witness examined and his story coincided with the facts already set forth. It developed at the inquest that the girl had brooded over love affairs; that her mind seemed at times affected, and that within a few days prior to her death she had threatened to take her own life. On one occasion, when she seemed despondent, she said to her mother: "When the Holy Spirit leaves a person does it ever return?" When her mother inquired what she meant by so strange an assertion, she answered: "Well, I believe the Holy Spirit has left me."
Friday she had made an attempt at suicide and was thwarted by the timely arrival of her mother. The girl secured a razor, and going to an upstairs room, was slashing her throat with it, when Mrs. Akers found her and took the razor from her.Saturday Mrs. Akers talked to her seriously about her inclination to commit suicide, and begged her not to do it. After much persuasion on the part of the mother, the daughter sacredly promised to give up her intention and take on new spirit.
The Chicago American of Tuesday evening contained a dispatch from Rochester concerning the suicide which is so radically misleading that this paper feels constrained to correct it. The dispatch says that the girl committed the deed because Rev. Goss, a Methodist minister here to whom she was engaged, had wedded another girl. Rev. Goss has not preached in North Judson for several years and, anyhow, he had no connection whatever with the case. The minister who did figure in the matter was J. C. Lewis, who preached here a few months ago. He was infatuated with Miss Akers, much to her displeasure, and, it is said, had threatened to kill her if she paid attention to any one else. It is further reported that he told her she would never amount to anything unless she married him--that he would see that she didn't. All this of course worried her greatly and was no doubt largely responsible for her suicide.
The name of J. V. Howard, who preached here several years ago, has been coupled with the affair. It is a fact that he and Miss Akers were betrothed and that some time ago Howard did marry another girl, but their engagement had been mutually broken more than a year previous, and had nothing whatever to do with the suicide. This information is obtained from an intimate friend of Miss Akers, to whom she confided it a few days before her death.
For several weeks she had been the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Banks, at Crown Point, and had returned only a few days before her death, having promised her mother to stay at home during the winter. While at Crown Point she seemed despondent at times, although she had never attempted to end her life. For some time before her death she had been very desirous of attending a Chicago training school for nurses and her father had promised to furnish her with money for that purpose. In speaking of the matter two days before her death, however, she said she had changed her mind and didn't want to go.
The rope used was one which had been kept to tie the family dog. It was a half inch in diameter and about ten feet long. Before hanging herself she had dug a hole in the hay, into which she jumped after tying the rope about her neck and attaching it to the cross-piece. The neck was not broken. Death resulted from strangulation.
The unfortunate subject of this sad sketch was born in this county August 27th, 1876, her age being 23 years, 1 month and 25 days. She was a graduate of the North Judson high school, class of 1895, and was an ardent worker in the church and Sunday school. She was an amiable, christian young lady, whose influence for good in the community will be greatly missed. She leaves a father and mother and five grown brothers.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock from the Methodist church in this city, conducted by Rev. Calton. It was largely attended. Interment took place in the city cemetery. The Akers are among the best people of the community and have the sympathy of everyone in their deep bereavement.
Among those from a distance in attendance at the funeral were R. B. Akers and family of South Bend, Mrs. Banks and G. E. Richardson of Crown Point, Mrs. McDermet of Logansport, Jacob Lybrook and wife of Kingsbury, Mrs. Nathan Jarrett of Winamac and Arthur Jarrett of Huntington.
Almost distracted at his mother's grief, Vesta Akers wandered away from the house and refused to attend the funeral. For a time he could not be located and fear was entertained as to his welfare. He was at home, however, when the family returned from the funeral.
--The North Judson News
(North Judson, IN), Oct. 25, 1900, Pgs. 1 and 4
Lifeless Body Found Suspended in the Barn Loft.
Had Left the House but Fifteen Minutes Before. Details of the Fatality and the Circumstances
Which Probably Brought it About.
Miss Della Akers, who lived with her parents, two miles south of town, committed suicide Monday shortly after dinner. No greater surprise could have come to the people of this community. The young lady was known to nearly everyone and was universally admired for her gentle nature, nobility of character and splendid attainments. The word reached town soon after the fatality and many from town hastened to the Akers homestead. THE NEWS editor was among the first to arrive.
The family had finished dinner in the kitchen, when Della arose and passed into the front room. Mr. Akers was reading a paper, the mother was busy, and no especial attention was paid to her leaving the room. In a very short time-- it is thought not more than ten or fifteen minutes-- Mr. Akers and son Vesta left the house to go to the barn and water the horses. The boy went to the old log barn, to water some horses kept there, and the father went to the large barn, nearby, to attend the animals quartered in that building. This building is perhaps 20x40 feet, with a mow above. It stands north and south, across the road east of the house, a distance of about 200 feet.
The door at which Mr. Akers sought entrance was at the north end of the building, and his suspicions were quickly aroused upon finding the same bolted from the inside. He lost no time in gaining admission and at once instituted a search to ascertain what was wrong. Everything below was normal, and he proceeded to make an examination of the haymow. The entrance to it is at the northwest corner, and slats nailed against the upright posts form the means of entrance. It is rather difficult to ascend these steps, more especially because the mow is filled with hay.
The father pressed his way to the south end of the mow, and there, hanging to a rope attached to a cross-piece at the top of rafters, beheld the object of his search. Repeated cries for help brought the son and mother to the scene. An attempt to raise the body and untie the rope proved futile, and it was cut. The body was yet warm, and all possible effort was made to bring back life, but it was too late. The three finally carried the victim into the house and the son came to town to summon Coroner Denaut of Hamlet. The officer arrived on the 3-I train at 4:13 and, accompanied by Dr. Waddell, went to the home of the bereaved family and held an inquest. Mr. Akers was the only witness examined and his story coincided with the facts already set forth. It developed at the inquest that the girl had brooded over love affairs; that her mind seemed at times affected, and that within a few days prior to her death she had threatened to take her own life. On one occasion, when she seemed despondent, she said to her mother: "When the Holy Spirit leaves a person does it ever return?" When her mother inquired what she meant by so strange an assertion, she answered: "Well, I believe the Holy Spirit has left me."
Friday she had made an attempt at suicide and was thwarted by the timely arrival of her mother. The girl secured a razor, and going to an upstairs room, was slashing her throat with it, when Mrs. Akers found her and took the razor from her.Saturday Mrs. Akers talked to her seriously about her inclination to commit suicide, and begged her not to do it. After much persuasion on the part of the mother, the daughter sacredly promised to give up her intention and take on new spirit.
The Chicago American of Tuesday evening contained a dispatch from Rochester concerning the suicide which is so radically misleading that this paper feels constrained to correct it. The dispatch says that the girl committed the deed because Rev. Goss, a Methodist minister here to whom she was engaged, had wedded another girl. Rev. Goss has not preached in North Judson for several years and, anyhow, he had no connection whatever with the case. The minister who did figure in the matter was J. C. Lewis, who preached here a few months ago. He was infatuated with Miss Akers, much to her displeasure, and, it is said, had threatened to kill her if she paid attention to any one else. It is further reported that he told her she would never amount to anything unless she married him--that he would see that she didn't. All this of course worried her greatly and was no doubt largely responsible for her suicide.
The name of J. V. Howard, who preached here several years ago, has been coupled with the affair. It is a fact that he and Miss Akers were betrothed and that some time ago Howard did marry another girl, but their engagement had been mutually broken more than a year previous, and had nothing whatever to do with the suicide. This information is obtained from an intimate friend of Miss Akers, to whom she confided it a few days before her death.
For several weeks she had been the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Banks, at Crown Point, and had returned only a few days before her death, having promised her mother to stay at home during the winter. While at Crown Point she seemed despondent at times, although she had never attempted to end her life. For some time before her death she had been very desirous of attending a Chicago training school for nurses and her father had promised to furnish her with money for that purpose. In speaking of the matter two days before her death, however, she said she had changed her mind and didn't want to go.
The rope used was one which had been kept to tie the family dog. It was a half inch in diameter and about ten feet long. Before hanging herself she had dug a hole in the hay, into which she jumped after tying the rope about her neck and attaching it to the cross-piece. The neck was not broken. Death resulted from strangulation.
The unfortunate subject of this sad sketch was born in this county August 27th, 1876, her age being 23 years, 1 month and 25 days. She was a graduate of the North Judson high school, class of 1895, and was an ardent worker in the church and Sunday school. She was an amiable, christian young lady, whose influence for good in the community will be greatly missed. She leaves a father and mother and five grown brothers.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock from the Methodist church in this city, conducted by Rev. Calton. It was largely attended. Interment took place in the city cemetery. The Akers are among the best people of the community and have the sympathy of everyone in their deep bereavement.
Among those from a distance in attendance at the funeral were R. B. Akers and family of South Bend, Mrs. Banks and G. E. Richardson of Crown Point, Mrs. McDermet of Logansport, Jacob Lybrook and wife of Kingsbury, Mrs. Nathan Jarrett of Winamac and Arthur Jarrett of Huntington.
Almost distracted at his mother's grief, Vesta Akers wandered away from the house and refused to attend the funeral. For a time he could not be located and fear was entertained as to his welfare. He was at home, however, when the family returned from the funeral.
--The North Judson News
(North Judson, IN), Oct. 25, 1900, Pgs. 1 and 4
DELLA AKERS' SUICIDE
Lifeless Body Found Suspended in the Barn Loft.
Had Left the House but Fifteen Minutes Before. Details of the Fatality and the Circumstances
Which Probably Brought it About.
Miss Della Akers, who lived with her parents, two miles south of town, committed suicide Monday shortly after dinner. No greater surprise could have come to the people of this community. The young lady was known to nearly everyone and was universally admired for her gentle nature, nobility of character and splendid attainments. The word reached town soon after the fatality and many from town hastened to the Akers homestead. THE NEWS editor was among the first to arrive.
The family had finished dinner in the kitchen, when Della arose and passed into the front room. Mr. Akers was reading a paper, the mother was busy, and no especial attention was paid to her leaving the room. In a very short time-- it is thought not more than ten or fifteen minutes-- Mr. Akers and son Vesta left the house to go to the barn and water the horses. The boy went to the old log barn, to water some horses kept there, and the father went to the large barn, nearby, to attend the animals quartered in that building. This building is perhaps 20x40 feet, with a mow above. It stands north and south, across the road east of the house, a distance of about 200 feet.
The door at which Mr. Akers sought entrance was at the north end of the building, and his suspicions were quickly aroused upon finding the same bolted from the inside. He lost no time in gaining admission and at once instituted a search to ascertain what was wrong. Everything below was normal, and he proceeded to make an examination of the haymow. The entrance to it is at the northwest corner, and slats nailed against the upright posts form the means of entrance. It is rather difficult to ascend these steps, more especially because the mow is filled with hay.
The father pressed his way to the south end of the mow, and there, hanging to a rope attached to a cross-piece at the top of rafters, beheld the object of his search. Repeated cries for help brought the son and mother to the scene. An attempt to raise the body and untie the rope proved futile, and it was cut. The body was yet warm, and all possible effort was made to bring back life, but it was too late. The three finally carried the victim into the house and the son came to town to summon Coroner Denaut of Hamlet. The officer arrived on the 3-I train at 4:13 and, accompanied by Dr. Waddell, went to the home of the bereaved family and held an inquest. Mr. Akers was the only witness examined and his story coincided with the facts already set forth. It developed at the inquest that the girl had brooded over love affairs; that her mind seemed at times affected, and that within a few days prior to her death she had threatened to take her own life. On one occasion, when she seemed despondent, she said to her mother: "When the Holy Spirit leaves a person does it ever return?" When her mother inquired what she meant by so strange an assertion, she answered: "Well, I believe the Holy Spirit has left me."
Friday she had made an attempt at suicide and was thwarted by the timely arrival of her mother. The girl secured a razor, and going to an upstairs room, was slashing her throat with it, when Mrs. Akers found her and took the razor from her.Saturday Mrs. Akers talked to her seriously about her inclination to commit suicide, and begged her not to do it. After much persuasion on the part of the mother, the daughter sacredly promised to give up her intention and take on new spirit.
The Chicago American of Tuesday evening contained a dispatch from Rochester concerning the suicide which is so radically misleading that this paper feels constrained to correct it. The dispatch says that the girl committed the deed because Rev. Goss, a Methodist minister here to whom she was engaged, had wedded another girl. Rev. Goss has not preached in North Judson for several years and, anyhow, he had no connection whatever with the case. The minister who did figure in the matter was J. C. Lewis, who preached here a few months ago. He was infatuated with Miss Akers, much to her displeasure, and, it is said, had threatened to kill her if she paid attention to any one else. It is further reported that he told her she would never amount to anything unless she married him--that he would see that she didn't. All this of course worried her greatly and was no doubt largely responsible for her suicide.
The name of J. V. Howard, who preached here several years ago, has been coupled with the affair. It is a fact that he and Miss Akers were betrothed and that some time ago Howard did marry another girl, but their engagement had been mutually broken more than a year previous, and had nothing whatever to do with the suicide. This information is obtained from an intimate friend of Miss Akers, to whom she confided it a few days before her death.
For several weeks she had been the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Banks, at Crown Point, and had returned only a few days before her death, having promised her mother to stay at home during the winter. While at Crown Point she seemed despondent at times, although she had never attempted to end her life. For some time before her death she had been very desirous of attending a Chicago training school for nurses and her father had promised to furnish her with money for that purpose. In speaking of the matter two days before her death, however, she said she had changed her mind and didn't want to go.
The rope used was one which had been kept to tie the family dog. It was a half inch in diameter and about ten feet long. Before hanging herself she had dug a hole in the hay, into which she jumped after tying the rope about her neck and attaching it to the cross-piece. The neck was not broken. Death resulted from strangulation.
The unfortunate subject of this sad sketch was born in this county August 27th, 1876, her age being 23 years, 1 month and 25 days. She was a graduate of the North Judson high school, class of 1895, and was an ardent worker in the church and Sunday school. She was an amiable, christian young lady, whose influence for good in the community will be greatly missed. She leaves a father and mother and five grown brothers.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock from the Methodist church in this city, conducted by Rev. Calton. It was largely attended. Interment took place in the city cemetery. The Akers are among the best people of the community and have the sympathy of everyone in their deep bereavement.
Among those from a distance in attendance at the funeral were R. B. Akers and family of South Bend, Mrs. Banks and G. E. Richardson of Crown Point, Mrs. McDermet of Logansport, Jacob Lybrook and wife of Kingsbury, Mrs. Nathan Jarrett of Winamac and Arthur Jarrett of Huntington.
Almost distracted at his mother's grief, Vesta Akers wandered away from the house and refused to attend the funeral. For a time he could not be located and fear was entertained as to his welfare. He was at home, however, when the family returned from the funeral.
--The North Judson News
(North Judson, IN), Oct. 25, 1900, Pgs. 1 and 4
Lifeless Body Found Suspended in the Barn Loft.
Had Left the House but Fifteen Minutes Before. Details of the Fatality and the Circumstances
Which Probably Brought it About.
Miss Della Akers, who lived with her parents, two miles south of town, committed suicide Monday shortly after dinner. No greater surprise could have come to the people of this community. The young lady was known to nearly everyone and was universally admired for her gentle nature, nobility of character and splendid attainments. The word reached town soon after the fatality and many from town hastened to the Akers homestead. THE NEWS editor was among the first to arrive.
The family had finished dinner in the kitchen, when Della arose and passed into the front room. Mr. Akers was reading a paper, the mother was busy, and no especial attention was paid to her leaving the room. In a very short time-- it is thought not more than ten or fifteen minutes-- Mr. Akers and son Vesta left the house to go to the barn and water the horses. The boy went to the old log barn, to water some horses kept there, and the father went to the large barn, nearby, to attend the animals quartered in that building. This building is perhaps 20x40 feet, with a mow above. It stands north and south, across the road east of the house, a distance of about 200 feet.
The door at which Mr. Akers sought entrance was at the north end of the building, and his suspicions were quickly aroused upon finding the same bolted from the inside. He lost no time in gaining admission and at once instituted a search to ascertain what was wrong. Everything below was normal, and he proceeded to make an examination of the haymow. The entrance to it is at the northwest corner, and slats nailed against the upright posts form the means of entrance. It is rather difficult to ascend these steps, more especially because the mow is filled with hay.
The father pressed his way to the south end of the mow, and there, hanging to a rope attached to a cross-piece at the top of rafters, beheld the object of his search. Repeated cries for help brought the son and mother to the scene. An attempt to raise the body and untie the rope proved futile, and it was cut. The body was yet warm, and all possible effort was made to bring back life, but it was too late. The three finally carried the victim into the house and the son came to town to summon Coroner Denaut of Hamlet. The officer arrived on the 3-I train at 4:13 and, accompanied by Dr. Waddell, went to the home of the bereaved family and held an inquest. Mr. Akers was the only witness examined and his story coincided with the facts already set forth. It developed at the inquest that the girl had brooded over love affairs; that her mind seemed at times affected, and that within a few days prior to her death she had threatened to take her own life. On one occasion, when she seemed despondent, she said to her mother: "When the Holy Spirit leaves a person does it ever return?" When her mother inquired what she meant by so strange an assertion, she answered: "Well, I believe the Holy Spirit has left me."
Friday she had made an attempt at suicide and was thwarted by the timely arrival of her mother. The girl secured a razor, and going to an upstairs room, was slashing her throat with it, when Mrs. Akers found her and took the razor from her.Saturday Mrs. Akers talked to her seriously about her inclination to commit suicide, and begged her not to do it. After much persuasion on the part of the mother, the daughter sacredly promised to give up her intention and take on new spirit.
The Chicago American of Tuesday evening contained a dispatch from Rochester concerning the suicide which is so radically misleading that this paper feels constrained to correct it. The dispatch says that the girl committed the deed because Rev. Goss, a Methodist minister here to whom she was engaged, had wedded another girl. Rev. Goss has not preached in North Judson for several years and, anyhow, he had no connection whatever with the case. The minister who did figure in the matter was J. C. Lewis, who preached here a few months ago. He was infatuated with Miss Akers, much to her displeasure, and, it is said, had threatened to kill her if she paid attention to any one else. It is further reported that he told her she would never amount to anything unless she married him--that he would see that she didn't. All this of course worried her greatly and was no doubt largely responsible for her suicide.
The name of J. V. Howard, who preached here several years ago, has been coupled with the affair. It is a fact that he and Miss Akers were betrothed and that some time ago Howard did marry another girl, but their engagement had been mutually broken more than a year previous, and had nothing whatever to do with the suicide. This information is obtained from an intimate friend of Miss Akers, to whom she confided it a few days before her death.
For several weeks she had been the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Banks, at Crown Point, and had returned only a few days before her death, having promised her mother to stay at home during the winter. While at Crown Point she seemed despondent at times, although she had never attempted to end her life. For some time before her death she had been very desirous of attending a Chicago training school for nurses and her father had promised to furnish her with money for that purpose. In speaking of the matter two days before her death, however, she said she had changed her mind and didn't want to go.
The rope used was one which had been kept to tie the family dog. It was a half inch in diameter and about ten feet long. Before hanging herself she had dug a hole in the hay, into which she jumped after tying the rope about her neck and attaching it to the cross-piece. The neck was not broken. Death resulted from strangulation.
The unfortunate subject of this sad sketch was born in this county August 27th, 1876, her age being 23 years, 1 month and 25 days. She was a graduate of the North Judson high school, class of 1895, and was an ardent worker in the church and Sunday school. She was an amiable, christian young lady, whose influence for good in the community will be greatly missed. She leaves a father and mother and five grown brothers.
The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at two o'clock from the Methodist church in this city, conducted by Rev. Calton. It was largely attended. Interment took place in the city cemetery. The Akers are among the best people of the community and have the sympathy of everyone in their deep bereavement.
Among those from a distance in attendance at the funeral were R. B. Akers and family of South Bend, Mrs. Banks and G. E. Richardson of Crown Point, Mrs. McDermet of Logansport, Jacob Lybrook and wife of Kingsbury, Mrs. Nathan Jarrett of Winamac and Arthur Jarrett of Huntington.
Almost distracted at his mother's grief, Vesta Akers wandered away from the house and refused to attend the funeral. For a time he could not be located and fear was entertained as to his welfare. He was at home, however, when the family returned from the funeral.
--The North Judson News
(North Judson, IN), Oct. 25, 1900, Pgs. 1 and 4
Inscription
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF
DELLA
DAU. OF J & S AKERS
DIED OCT. 22. 1900
AGED 23 Y. 1 M. 27 D.
Gravesite Details
Age of Death - 23 Years, 1 Month, 27 Days.
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