Surnames: BEAVER HOFFENBREDL

----Sources: Loyal Tribune 30 June 1932

Beaver, Peter (23 Nov 1895 - 28 JUN 1932)

Despondency that probably culminated into temporary insanity came to a climax in the life of Peter Beaver Tuesday morning when he committed suicide on his farm 7 miles north of Loyal. He employed two methods to end his mortal life, shooting and hanging.

According to Bernard Beaver, who has been employed on the Peter Beaver farm, his brother stated he was going to sleepm awhile in the hay mow. This was at about 7:15 a.m. Bernie then left him and after breakfast mowed grass with a team and mower. During the forenoon Haskell Catlin, local standard Oil Co. Agent, drove to the Beaver farm to see Peter about some oil. Bernie stated he would awaken him and walked to the barn for that purpose. Looking in, he saw his brother hanging at the end of the barn. Bernie called Mr. Catlin, who immediately informed neighbors and the Town Chairman Lee Clouse. Mr. Clouse immediately notified Dist. Attorney Hugh Haight. W. & E. Nichols Furniture and Undertaking Establishment was also notified. The Nichol’s Ambulance took the body to their undertaking establishment in this village. After neighbors and Town Chairman Clouse arrived it was found that Mr. Beaver had a gun shot wound in his head. A 20 gauge shot gun was found a few feet from the hanging body.

Peter Beaver was well known in this community. He is a World War Veteran, having served his country as a soldier overseas.

On October 5, 1931, his wife passed away, leaving her husband with three children. This bereavement caused Mr., Beaver to become despondent and it is believed May be largely responsible for his taking his own life. Possible after effects of the World War is also believed to have contributed to a probable temporary derangement. He was an industrious farmer having cleared about 40 acres of his 80 acre farm and built a house and barn on the farm.

Peter had a pleasant disposition and made many friends. The news of his suicide shoked the community and was a complete surprise. He leaves his three children who are living with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Benedict Hoffenbredl at Auburndale.

A complete obituary will be in our next issue.