Robert Bartrum Burns
June 28, 1907-April 18, 1927
Benton Harbor News Palladium, April 19, 1927; page 15, col. 1, www.newspaperarchives.com
CLAIMS BODY OF HIS DEAD SON
No Motive Apparent for Suicide of Robert Burns At Centre College
(Special to the News-Palladium)
NILES, April 19 – Accompanied by his father, Attorney Wilber N. Burns, the body of Robert Burns, 19-year old Niles boy who was a student at Centre college, Danville, Ky., will be brought home Wednesday for burial.
According to advices received here young Burns shot himself to death in the presence of his bride at their apartment in Danville Monday noon.
No Motive Apparent
The family here could give no motive for the young man’s act. So far as they knew the young couple, who were both attending Centre college, were happy and contented.
It is understood, however, that young Burns was of a moody disposition and it is surmised that in a fit of despondency he took his life.
Attorney Burns, the father, prominently known here and in the county at large, left yesterday afternoon for Danville. He drove by auto and was accompanied by Dr. Robert Henderson and Charles Smith.
Miss Mary Burns, only daughter of the Burns and a sophomore at the University of Michigan, was about to return to school Monday afternoon when news of the tragedy came.
Well Known Athlete
Bob Burns was one of the graduating class of 1925 from the Niles high school where he was a leader in school activities and an athlete of exceptional ability. He was the two-mile runner on the Niles track team, which won the state championship, with which team he won first place in this event and was considered one of the most promising athletes in the state at that time. At Centre college he had continued his athletic work. Bob also had made quite a record as a student during his two years at the college.
Young Burns was married last June to Miss Loy Neiman, of Louisville, Ky. He brought his bride here for a visit at the home of his parents on Oak street during the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Burns visited with her son and his wife at Danville but a few days ago.