The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1911-05-25
DIVORCE ACTION The CAUSE
Hearing for Divorce Action Had Been
Set fer Tuesday and Defendant
Blows Out Brains Shortly After
Papers are Served on Him,

action for divorce filed in the circuit
court of Racine county last Saturday
by his wife, are supposed to have caus-
ed the suicide of John Harcus, a form
er prominent resident of the town of
Somers, Kenosha county, who on Tues
day blew out his brains, while stand
ing il front of his home in the town
of Norway, Racine county.
Harcus was alone at the farm at the
time of the tragedy and no one saw
the act, but a few moments later the
body still warm, was discovered by
Walter Jensen, the 10 year old son of
a neighbor. Jensen notified his father
and the latter communicated with DR..
Hanson of North Cape, who in turn
notified Sheriff Robert Wherry and
Coroner Hoyle.
These officials Immediately left for
the Harcus home to investigate the
matter.
The Harcus family resided in Som.
ers for years. There their children
were born and raised. According to
the statement of neighbors, various
rumors have been afoat for over year
past as to the conditions under which
Harcus and his wife were living and
it was generally understood that there
was constant trouble.
Last March, in the belief it is claim
ed, that a change of neighborhood and
environment nlighf effect = reconelIia-
ton, Harcus left his Kenosha county
farm and moved to the farm of J. w.
Johnson in the town Of Norway, Racine
county.
1t is understood that conditions re-
NAMED the same, however, as on the
fifteenth Of this month, Mrs. Harcus
with the nine children who comprise
the family, left her husband and went
to live at the home of Elmer Sheldon,
a rural mail carrier residing in Corliss.
Last Saturday Mrs. Harcus filed ac-
ton for divorce in the Racine court,
alleging cruel and inhuman treat
ment. Hearing on this action was set
for 10 o'clock Tuesday, but the death
of the defendant made needless the le-
gal separation which the wife desired.
Although irreparably estranged from
him, the tragic and unexpected death
of Mr. .Harcus affected the wife deep
Iy and it is understood that she is in
an extremely weak and precarious con
dition.
Neighbors Of Harcus who have seen
him at frequent intervals during the
last several days, are of the opinion
that the man deliberately killed him
self rather than face the charges of his
wife and have his marital troubles
aired in court.
He was last seen shortly before dark
Monday evening when, while guarding
his cows which were feeding on the
highway, he chatted with passing
friends and sang several songs for. the
edifcation OF number of young men
who, in passing, stopped for a brief
chat.
An examination of the house and
premises showed that Harcus had arts
en- early in the morning.. prepared and
eaten his breakfast and completed his
morning chores, indicating that he had
prepared to come to Racine for the
hearing of his suit
No one heard. the shot which ended
his life, but Walter Jensen found his
dead body lying in the path what leads
from the road up to the front gate Of
the farm yard.
That the man had been dead but
few moments was plainly evident. The
revolver with which the deed was
committed was lying close by and a
small black dog of which Harcus was
very fond, was sitting beside the body
licking the hands and face.
Harcus was As years of age and has
lived all his life in this section of the
state. Besides his wife and nine child
rem, four boys and five girls, ranging
in age from six months to seventeen
years, he is survived by several broth
ers and other relatives.