Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 80, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 June 1908 — William Howell Takes Own Life. [ARTICLE]

William Howell Takes Own Life.

The vicinity of Kouts was thrown into a fever of excitement Monday morning -when it was learned that William Howell, a prominent land owner and farmer had committed su‘cide. The scene of the tragedy was the home of the late Lee G. Howell. It is supposed the rash act was committed about three o’clock in the morning as Mrs. Howell heard the report of a gun at that hour, but paid no attention to it Monday morning, at five o’c.o'k. Miss Ruth Howell entered the word shed near the house and disco ver.d the body of her uncle lying in a pool of blood. He was still alive, but unconscious.

The frightened girl hastily summoned her brother, Dr. Harry Howell, and the injured mra was taken into the house. A doctor from Kouts was soon on the scene, but was unable to prolong the life whlcn had been so rudely shattered. Af*e-- lingering five hours life passed from the body at eight o’clock that morning.

A si ivey of the scene leites Re irr.f region *hat Mr. Howe’l ru st have mounted a ladder in the w-nd-shed, placed the muzzle of a 32callbre rifle Just over his right ear and touched the trigger which sent the bullet crashing into his brain. In falling from the ladder bis head struck the sill of the building and was badly crushed. He never regained consciousness after being discovered. Mr. Howell had been in feeble health for some time and it is thought tnat he became mentally deranged and was irresponsible. Deteahcd was forty-seven years of age and was unmarried. He was a brothei of the late Leo G. Howell, who died a short time ago. He leaves one broth* r, Frame Ylowell, and one sister, Mrs. Bozarth, both living in Chicago.