JOHN HERRMANN (d. 1899)

BADE HER GOOD-BYE
Then John Herrmann Left His Wife, Never to Return in Life.
IN THE EMBRACE OF DEATH.
He Was Returned to Her a Few Minutes Later-Had Committed Suicide in
His Own Barn-Mind Was Unbalanced.
John Herrman (sic), a well known contractor of the city, residing on
Madison street, committed suicide by hanging at an early hour this
morning. He arose as usual and after remaining about the house some
time, bade his wife good bye, as was his custom, saying he would go
to the barn, feed the horses and then go down town. This was the last
time he was seen alive. A few minutes later he was brought to the
house, cold in death.
It was 6 o'clock when he left the house and at twenty minutes after 6,
Chas. Zimmer, who was employed by the contracter, went to the barn to
harness his team for the day's work. As he entered the building a
ghastly sight met his eyes. Hanging from a beam was the body of his
employer. He called for help and neighbors rushed to his assistance,
the body was cut down, medical aid was summoned, but it was too late.
His purpose had been accomplished and the spirit had taken its flight.
The body was removed to the house and a corner's jury was summoned to
meet at 10 o'clock. Friends of the dead man can assign no cause for
the rash act. Early in June of last year he suffered an attack of grip
and since that time his health has not been the best. He never
recovered from the effects of the disease and was continually complaining
of severe pains in the head. He would walk the floor for hours and
frequently remarked that unless he could obtain relief soon, he must do
something else. Business in his line has not been the best and he worried
considerably over his inability to secure the work he desired. It is
thought that his trouble unbalanced his mind and that he committed
suicide while in a fit of temporary insanity. His wife is prostrated by
the shock.
John Herrmann was born in this city May 18, 1859 and was at the time of
his death, 40 years of age. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hermann
and was one of a family of eleven children. He was married March 18, 1881,
to Miss Bertha Winke, the ceremony being perfomed in this city. For a
number of years he has been prominent as a contracter and road grader and
his services were in demand. His family relations have been the most happy.
Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herrmann, all of whom are living,
the youngest being only nine months old. He was a loving father, a kind
husband and a good neighbor. Honest and upright, he numbered his friends
by the score and his death will bring a pang of sorrow to many a heart. The
funeral will probably be held Monday afternoon at the late home.
The Coroner's inquest was held at the office of Justice Falge at 10 o'clock.
The jury consisted of Wm. Barkholm, Henry Schweitzer, Jr., Jos. Trestek, Ed.
Hermann, Gustave Uek, Jos. Pfeffer, returned a verdict in accordance with
the evidence presented, as follows:
"We, the jury, summoned to act in the matter of the death of John Herrmann,
find that said John Herrmann came to his death through hanging himself in
his barn by a rope."
Manitowoc Daily Herald, April 1, 1899
*******
The funeral services over the remains of the late John Herrmann
were held from the home on Madison street yesterday afternoon at
2 o'clock. Henry Falge conducted the services and the attendance
was large. Numerous floral tributes testified the esteem of
friends and the interment was at Evergereen. The pall bearers
were: J. Trestek, C. Freidl, C. Heingarten, W. Menge, G. Streich
and P. Riderera.
Manitowoc Daily Herald, Manitowoc, Wis. Tuesday, April 4, 1899 P.1
*******
[John HERMAN/bur. 04-01-1899/cause: suicide]