----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 09/20/1904

Goerbing, William (1864? - 17 Sep 1904)

William Goerbing committed suicide by shooting himself in the left breast with a Winchester rifle about 11:00 a.m. on Monday. The deed was committed in the woodshed located near his residence in the southeast part of the village (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.), death taking place almost instantly. Mr. Goerbing resided for many years on a farm in the town of Reseburg. Abut one year ago he sold his farm and purchased a home here since which time he has followed the business of selling windmills and pumps. Not finding this business as promising as he expected, his constant brooding over his business affairs are thought to have affected his mind and during a fit of despondency, ended it all by taking his life. To that end he had arranged his affairs on Monday morning by paying several accounts not yet due, and was about the streets until about 10:00 a.m. A jury sworn in by Justice George Burke rendered a verdict of death by suicide on Monday afternoon. Mr. Goerbing was strictly honest in all his dealings and in good financial circumstances, a kind neighbor and a steadfast friend to all. He was forty years of age and leaves a wife, an aged father, August Goerbing of Medford, two brothers, Charles of Medford and August of Seattle, Wash, and two sisters, Mrs. Wm. Kurz of Medford and Miss Mamie Goerbing of Chicago. The funeral took place yesterday from the residence, Rev. J. B. Bachman and Henry Schultz officiating in English and German, respectively, burial taking place in the cemetery in the town of Reseburg.