Obit: Schutte, Henry (1859 - 16 Dec 1898)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: SCHUTTE SCHUETTE

----Source: Clark County Republican Press (Neillsville, Wis.) 12/22/1898

Schutte, Henry (1859 - 16 Dec 1898)

Henry Schutte, a resident of the North Side (Neillsville, Clark County), killed himself last Friday morning, by shooting himself in the head with a revolver.

Schutte was an employee of the furniture factory, and has for some time past complained of severe pain in his head and neck. He quit work about five o'clock Thursday evening, saying that he was suffering great pain. Friday morning Mrs. Schutte left him in bed (it being about 6:30) while she went to the barn to milk the cow. Soon she heard the report of a firearm, and upon entering the sleeping apartment she discovered Mr. Schutte lying on the bed with a hole in his fore head. He lay upon his back with eyes closed, the revolver (a 32-calibre) lying upon his breast. Death was instantaneous.

From what could be gleaned from the surroundings, it would seem that Schutte had held the muzzle of the weapon close to his forehead, about an inch and a half above the bridge of the nose. There being no powder marks it seems plausible that the muzzle was held close. The ball did not come out but could be felt at the back of the head, where it had penetrated the skull. The charge tore a hole in his forehead about the size of a 25-cent piece.

It is supposed the deed was done in a fit of insanity, brought on no doubt by the excruciating pain from which he was suffering.

Deceased was a member of the German Lutheran Church and was 39 years of age. He was also a member of Iron Wedge Camp No. 683, M.W.A. Funeral occurred Sunday afternoon from the Congregational Church under the auspices of the Woodmen order. He leaves a wife and four children.