November 15, 1907

HIS REMAINS BROUGHT HERE

The Sad Ending of a Well Know [sic] Yorktown Man Who Was Found Dead in Cornfield

The remains of Charles W. MARKLE who committed suicide in a corn field near Asthton, Illinois, were brought here last Saturday accompanied by Leonard HOPKINS and interred in the Yorktown cemetery. Memorial services were held for the deceased last Sunday at the Yorktown Christian Church, Rev. Guy L. ZERBY officiating.

Trouble arose Wednesday, October 2. After being out in the field ploughing [sic] during the morning, he went in for dinner. After dinner he went to the barn about his duties and Conrd having assured his wife everything was all right, went down to his brother's to cut corn. Mrs. PFEIFFER thought MARKLE acted rather strange. After PFEIFER left, MARKLE went back to the house and wanted to hitch up the horse for Mrs. PFEIFFER as she had spoken of driving to town in the afternoon. Mrs. PFEIFFER stated that she could hitch up and retired to her room to change her dress She was followed by MARKLE who made improper advances. When ordered to leave the room, he grabbed Mrs. PFEIFFER by the wrists and jerking away she screamed. He then threw the baby on the floor and threatened to choke the child if the mother did not stop screaming MARKLE grabbed up his shot gun which he kept in the PFEIFFER bed room but Mrs. PFEIFFER held the door to the summer kitchen where the shells were kept. On being told he would shoot her, she ran from the house. MARKLE xxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxx PFEIFER farm, but the xxxx xxxx xxx made good his escape.

At the inquest which was held Friday afternoon his trunk was opened and papers were found by which his relatives were located. His trunk was well stocked with reading matter all the way from a good copy of the Bible down to a Diamond Dick. Letters found showed him to have been a book agent at one time, selling religious works.When his dead body was searched all that was found was his open face watch, six cents and a bunch of keys His printed stationary showed him to be a member of the American Detective association and post office address Yorktown.

After some deliberation the jury reached the following verdict We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Charles MARKLE, deceased, on oath do find that he came to his death by a gun shot wound inflicted by himself on or about October 3, 1907, on the premises of Conrad PFEIFFER in Ashton township, Lee county.

Obituary.

Chas. MARKLE was born in Yorktown township, Henry Co., Illinois, Sept. 7, 1872 where he grew to manhood and helped his father on the farm until Dec. 1906 when his father died after which he settled up the estate and then remained with his sister Minnie until April. He spoke of his intention of going to Minnesota. No letter came concerning his whereabouts but this was not unusual with him and the family looked to his safe return home. But such was not to be, as on Nov. 2 authorities of Ashton that their brother was found dead in the cornfield of a kind and hospitable family, Mr. and Mrs. PFIFFER [sic] who gave the brother a warm welcome The last he was seen alive was on the afternoon of Oct. 2 He was found Nov. 2 and although being a stranger he was given a respectful burial in the beautiful cemetery at Ashton at the age of thirty-five years.

He leaves to mourn his loss one brother, Edwin S. MARKLE; two sisters Miss Minnie MARKLE and Mrs. Leonard HOPKINS besides many other relatives and friends.

November 15, 1907

Card of Thanks.

To all our kind friends and neighbors who extended a hand of sympathy in the time of our sorrow and grief in the death of our dear brother, we extend to you our heartfelt thanks.

Mr. Edwin S. MARKLE,

Miss Minnie MARKLE,

Mrs. Leonard HOPKINS