grave import

Obituary

John A. Zaiser, truck farmer residing on Sunnyside avenue, committed suicide by hanging this morning at 2:30 o'clock in the barn on his property while mentally deranged. Coroner Prugh was summoned and released the lifeless body from its position. John Zaiser's condition for the past two months had been serious. He became mentally deranged and for a time he was confined in a sanitarium at Davenport, then being brought to Burlington hospital in this city. he continued to improve and it was thought that he was well enough to be taken home. However, he continued to act strangely and was closely watched by the members of the family. Mr. Zaiser had previously risen during the night and walked around, but had returned to bed without making any attempt on his life, but the members of the family did not relax their watchfulness. This morning shortly after 2 o'clock he rose and put on all his clothing with the exception of his shoes. He left the house and Mrs. Zaiser, who watched him depart, saw him going toward his father's home. She followed as quickly as she could, but found that her husband was not at his father's home. On returning she noticed the door of the barn open and she entered, finding the lifeless body hanging from a rafter in the hay mow. Coroner Prugh was notified at once and arrived at 3:30 o'clock, taking charge of the remains. John Zaiser had been a successful truck gardener and was well to do. At the present time he was making extensive improvements on his property, putting in new hot beds and piping his home with steam. What caused his mind to become deranged is unknown, although it could not have been financial matters. The deceased was born at Quincy, Ill., Dec. 5, 1856, and was the son of Henry Zaiser. The wife, one son, five daughters, his aged father, five brothers and four sisters survive him. He was a member of Excelsior Lodge, A.O.U.W. it will not be necessary to hold an inquest.