The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1903-07-15
Committed Suicide on His Wedding Day.

Kellettville, this county, was severely
shocked on the Sd of July by the dis
covery of the self-destrucoon OF one of
the towns most steady-going, industri-
Gus and exemplary young men, George,
only son of Mr.. and Mrs. A. II. Down
ing, life long residents of Kingsley town
ship. There is no known cause for the
young mans act, unless it be that his
health had been falling somewhat of late,
affecting his mind to some extent.
George lived with his parents and was a
steady worker, being at the time of this
sad occurrence employed as setter on the
Salmon Creek Lumber Co.'S mill. The
mill had shut down on the evening of
the second of July till after the 4th, and
the young man was not employed on the
following day. Some time during the
fatal day he purchased a revolver and
cartridges at the company's store. In
the afternoon he walked down the rail-
road track, to some secluded spot short
distance below town, which was the last
seen of him alive. Failing to return to
his home at supper time inquiry was
made, and 1t was discovered that he had
purchased revolver. Search was made
by the people, and about seven o'clock in
the evening his body was found. He was
lying under tree on his back as though
asleep. II is left arm lay across his body,
and in his right hand by his side was the
thi ty-eight calibre revolver with one
chamber emptied. A bullet had pierced
his heart.
The young man was to have been mar
ried on the 4th to worthy young lady OF
Kellettville, but so far as known there
was nothing in his love affair to cause
him to take his life. George Downing
was aged "A years. He was young man
of good moral habits, a dutiful son, and
very highly esteemed by all who knew
him. The funeral was held on Sunday,
9TH inst, the interment taking place in
the Zuendel church yard on German
Hill, Rev. ID. B. Tobey conducted the
services and spoke feelingly of the death
Of the young man and gave words of
comfort to the bereavsd parents, who
have the sympathy of the entire COM
munity.
After the above was put in type we re.
ceved the following account of this sad
affair:
Kellettville, Pa, July 10, 1908.
The death ofGeorge B. Downing only
son of Mr.. and Mrs. Humphry Downing,
which occurred by his own hand Friday,
July 3, 1908, was terrible shock to the
people of this vicinity. He was to have
been married in the evening of that day
to an estimable young lady of this place.
Telling his mother in the morning lie
was going down town to make a few pur-
chases, and feeling somewhat alarmed
when he did not return by noon, his
father began to make inquiries about
him. A terrible storm coming up they
thought that had delayed him, but when
he had not returned by o clock his par
ents went to look for him, and others
Joined in the search. Finding he had
purchased a revolver at the Salmon Creek
Store grave fears were entertained. A
man by the name of Sharp Watson search
ing FOR his COW came across his body, be-
low the Salmon Creek II. II. bridge, un-
der large birch tree about 20 feet from
the S. & T. tracks. He called to the first
man he saw, which happened TO be
Georges uncle G. +. Watson. Justice of
Peace John Shaw was deputized to hold
an inquest, and from the position IN
which the body was found-the head ly-
ing on limb, his legs crossed, his left
hand placed over his heart, the first and
second fingers burned, his right hand
lying on Lis breast clenching 32-calibre
revolver, and bullet hole through his
heart-a verdict of suicide was rendered.
Some time ago he overworke1 and
strained himself which brought on
disease which was unknown TO anyone
except his mother, who was his confident
in all things, and he had worried over
this until his mind left him and he was
temporarily insane.
George was a steady, industrious young
man, and for some time past he was en-
ployed as setter at the Salmon Greek
Mills. He was one of the most popular
young men of the town and was a favor
ite with all his companions; his friends
were legion and he will be greatly missed.
His death cast a gloom over every one
and made it the saddest Fourth ever
passed in Kellettville.
Il. B. CATLIN.