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Drowned in a Rain Barrel
Mrs. J.C. Seely, wife of one of Maynard’s wealthiest citizens and a retired farmer, committed suicide by immersing her head and should in a rain barrel. Although she had for several days been despondent, having been in poor health, and had threatened to take her own life, at one time with laudanum and once with a butcher knife, the family were not greatly alarmed, for she was of a very nervous temperament and highly demonstrative. She was evidently insane.
Published in the Northern Vindicator, May 23, 1895 page 2
The following item should have appeared in the Maynard correspondence but was overlooked in the make up – EDS
The town was startled late Wednesday evening May 8th, with the news that Mrs. J.C. Seely had committed suicide by droning. She had been in poor health for some time although not confined to her bed, was very despondent at times and the same day had attempted self-destruction in other forms. Her husband and daughter slept up stairs. The daughter endeavored to persuade her mother to allow her to lie down with her in the bed room down stairs but she would not allow it. Said she was going to pump some water in a barrel at the kitchen pump to use in the morning to see if the exertion would not tire her so she could sleep. After pumping the water she deliberately threw herself head first into the barrel. He son coming in later went to his mother’s bedroom to see how she was feeling, to find the room empty. Search was made for her and she was found as described. Neighbors were summoned but she was beyond help. The funeral was held at the house Thursday afternoon, the W.R.C., of which she was a member, taking charge. Rev. Goodsell made a few remarks and prayer after which she was buried in the cemetery here. She was born in Ohio in 1840, married to Mr. Seeley in 1871 and had lived in this town 18 years. She was 55 years and 5 days old when she committed the rash act. An aged husband and two children mourn her loss.
Published in the Oelwein Register, May 16, 1895 page 4
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