1 Apr 1918: Persons living in the vicinity of Pansy Hill were startled this morning by a rumor that a man had hanged himself on the Hill. Investigation proved the rumor to be correct. John Runkle, aged about 70 years, was found suspended by his neck from one of the trees and by the appearance of the body he had died peacefully. A raw hide throng about an inch wide was used. It was knotted and twisted with great deliberation with the largest knot directly back of the left ear of the victim. Mr. Runkle chose a tree in the rear of the Pansy Hill school house, about a half block from the road leading to the Water Works. Thought it April Joke: No one can state just at what hour Mr. Runkle hanged himself. Several workmen who have occasion to use this section of the hill or the road, passed there early this morning and saw the body hanging, but knowing that today is April 1st, the majority of them imagined it was some boys playing a joke on the unthinking passerby. About nine o'clock Elias Kreider discovered that it was a man hanging to the tree and he began spreading the report. In a short while the hillside was dotted with curious neighbors and Mr. Sholly, keeper of the pump house, identified the dead man as John Runkle.

Mr. Runkle had no permanent residence. He stayed with his son and daughters for several months at a time, and his most recent home was with his daughter, Amanda, wife of Stephen A. Erwin, of West Lebanon. Erwins now live in (illegible). When the body was found it looked most natural. There was no grim disfigurations of the features. The eyes and mouth were closed and an expression of peace marked the features. The body was fully clothed even to the collar and hat. One's first impression was that Mr. Runkle was standing at the tree instead of hanging by his neck. Made Repeated Threats: For a number of years Mr. Runkle lived a retired life. Persons who are well acquainted with him state that his financial condition was good and no reason for the rash act can be accounted for other than that he was queer at intervals and many times he spoke of taking his own life by hanging. About thirteen years ago his wife died, and since then Mr. Runkle seemed to wander about with no particular ambition or desire to do anything. Persons with whom he lived stated that it was necessary to watch him practically all the time for fear he would make good his threats of hanging. An Iron Worker: In his earlier life Mr. Runkle was employed at the local iron mills as a laborer. He had many friends throughout the city who are shocked to learn of his tragic end. He leave one son, George Runkel of West Lebanon; and three daughters, Sarah, Amanda, wife of Stephen Erwin, and Elizabeth, wife of Cyrus Gross. Coroner Investigates: Dr. John Light, the coroner, was notified about ten o'clock and sent his deputy to the scene. The body was (illegible) down and taken in charge by Undertaker Frank McGovern. It was viewed later by Coroner Light at the McGovern morgue, who issued a certificate of death by suicide. [Lebanon Daily News]