Evening Republican, Volume 19, Number 298, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 December 1915 — DETAILED ACCOUNT OF VANCE’S SUICIDE [ARTICLE]

DETAILED ACCOUNT OF VANCE’S SUICIDE

Love AffAJr Reported to Be Cause of Self-Destruction of Brtfak Man At Marseilles, 111.

The Brook Reporter publishes the following account of the death of E. E. Vance, formerly of that city: This community was shocked on receiving word from Marseilles, 111., on Tuesday that E. E. Vance had committed suicide. It was difficult to get any information and the Reporter wired the Evening Register at that plate and they sent the following message:

“Brook Reporter, Brook, Ind. E. E. Vance took his life in Marseilles in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 14, by slashing his throat with a razor. He was found on the door step of Mrs. Allard’s home about 7:30 a. m., lying in* a pool of blood, with a razor by his side, and also two grips, umbrella, and hat. A special delivery letter from Chicago mailed at 10:30 p. m., Dec. 13, was received by the chief of police at Marseilles and 'was in Vance’s handwriting, and reads as follows: “ ‘To the Marshal of Marseilles, 111. You will find the body of some one, somewhere in Marseilles tomorrow morning. See that the proper care is taken of it and that his personal possessions at his side and in his pockets are cared for. Yours, The Owner of the Body.’ ” “Two sealed envelopes in his pockets bearing inscriptions ‘To be opened by proper authority in case of death.’ The body and personal property remain here awaiting word from relatives. Vance •was employed as stock salesman for A. B. Smith here. Smith talked' with him in Chicago at 5 p. m. Dec. 13th, and Vance disclosed trouble over a love affair with a Marseilles woman and, it is rumored this ended in a quarrel, and may have caused suicide. 11l health is also given as cause. —Reporter Register.” Mr. Vance had taught in the town schools for many years in this county. He was principal 'bf the Goodland high school before coming to Brook, and his wife also taught in the same school. He "was a man' of excellent qualifications, being a graduate of the state university. A week ago Monday he submitted to an examination by Dr. Collier, of Brook, and it was discovered that he had a cancer on hi's side. From an investigation of his personal belongings and remarks it if now thought that he had made all arrangements to take his life some time ago. He was a member of the Masons. Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias of Brook and had a host of friends here 'who deplore his untimely death.