This community was terribly shocked Thursday when news spread that Frank G. Beaty, a prominent, highly respected, life-long resident of Woodland township had committed suicide by hanging himself in the barn at his home one and a fourth miles east of Summum, Thursday afternoon of last week.
Mr. Beaty had been in poor health for several years following a paralytic stroke and it is said that he had indicated at times that he might end his life.
Thursday after the noon meal, Mr. and Mrs. Beaty laid down for a rest as was their custom. Mrs. Beaty woke up at around 4 o'clock, finding that her husband had gone. She immediately began a search for him. Around five o'clock she found his lifeless body hanging in the hay mow of the barn. Neighbors were notified and it was found he had taken the step-ladder up in the mow to stand on; that he had placed the heavy large hay rope around his neck and stepped off the ladder.
By permission of Coroner Dr. C. Lester Lambert, the body was removed by Cline Horton, undertaker, and brought to his establishment, where an inquest was held at 2:30 o'clock Friday afternoon with a jury composed of T. W. Everitt, foreman, A. N. Price, Dr. A. E. Clark, Chas. Blemler, S. E. Oehler, and Allen Blue.
Two witnesses were examined, being Fay Beaty, a son, and Russell Thompson, a neighbor. The verdict was to the effect that Frank G. Beaty had come to his death by hanging himself, with suicidal intent.
Mr. Beaty was born May 2, 1883 in Kerton township, a son of Daniel and Mary (Ralston) Beaty. He spent practically all of his life as a farmer near Summum. He was an industrious, honest, honorable citizen and possessed many friends who sincerely regret his rash act, which ended his life. Mr. Beaty united with the Christian church at Ipava in 1905. He was chairman of the church board for 23 years and was a faithful attendant at church and at Sunday school when his health permitted.
Survivors include the widow, the former Miss Birdie Martin, to whom he was married on Sept. 6, 1903; three daughters, Mrs. Ferne Schisler, Summum; Mrs. Ethel Thompson, Lewistown; Mrs. Maxine Haney of Vermont; two sons, Fay M. Beaty of Summum, and Dwight Beaty of Avon; also 14 grandchildren, and one brother, Hiram Beaty, of Astoria.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Christian church in Summum, conducted by Rev. Fred Thompson. Burial in Summum cemetery.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus