The Waterloo Times
November 12, 1915

YOUTH GOING BLIND ENDS HIS LIFE

John Taake, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Taake, of New Hanover Station, ended 
his life Saturday by shooting himself in the forehead with a 32 caliber revolver in a 
wagonshed close to the family residence.

The boy was 19 years of age and his eyesight had been giving him considerable 
trouble the past year as a result of a severe case of measles. This caused him much 
worry and it is supposed that brooding over same caused him to lose his mind 
temporarily.  

Deputy Coroner Fults was summoned and held an inquest Saturday.  The verdict 
rendered by the jury was in accordance with the facts as above stated.

The remains of the unfortunate young man were laid to rest in the New Hanover 
cemetery Monday afternoon.  A large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends 
followed the remains to their final resting place. 

The bereaved family has the sincere sympathy of all in the loss of their dear one.