My great grandfather, James Allen Brower, at the age of 58, decides to take his own life. It was said he was upset over financial matters. His net worth was $500 at the time of his death and his wife Sadie received a bond of $1000 after he killed himself. From census records and tax records, it doesn't appear that James was making an income from farming. He was leasing out farm land. Back in 1912, his cousin Dr. William Stumbaugh shot himself on this farm and later died from the injuries. Although his brother, Adam Cortex Stumbaugh was found hung at his farm in Rock County, NE after suffering in illness for months, it may have been assumed Dr. William Stumbaugh killed himself because of his brother.
Read articles on William Stumbaugh in this blog.
Chariton Herald Patriot
July 22, 1920
The name used in this article was an error by the journalist. He never used the name John, however, he did sometimes go by Jim instead of James.
The barn where he ended his life is still erect today. These pictures were taken by my father this summer, 2016.
