Robert Render

FORMER RESIDENT COMMITS SUICIDE

ROBERT RENDER ENDS LIFE BY CUTTING HIS THROAT WITH BUTCHER KNIFE

This community was shocked a few days ago when it was learned that Robert Render, who formerly lived in West Creek township, but for a number of years has lived at Francisville, had committed suicide by cutting his throat. Mr. Render was a man who had a host of friends here at his former home, and it is with a feeling of deep regret that they learn of his death.

We take the following account of the terrible tragedy from the Monon News of March 11th:

Robert Render, living one mile west and one mile south of Francisville, committed suicide last Friday morning at 8:30 by slashing his throat with a butcher knife. At his home when the deed was committed were his brother, Clifford, and two neighbors, Ezra Eldridge and Charles Weaver, who had come to help him butcher some hogs.

Mr. Render went to the barn to get some straw while the other men had gone to the house. When the latter returned to the place where they were slaughtering, Render was still absent. Waiting some little time for his return, they decided to go into the barn and see what [the] trouble could be, and there they found his lifeless form.

It is said that Mr. Render had worried considerable lately concerning four youths from Francisville who had assaulted one of his daughters, and whom he had caused to be arrested, and that this caused him to be despondent and temporarily lose his mind, causing him to commit the terrible act.

Mr. Render was a prominent farmer and was held in high esteem, and his taking his life shocked the entire community.

Funeral services were held at the M.E. church at Francisville Monday afternoon. Rev. Beebe being in charge.