Schuyler Colfax Messenger
Aug. 16, 1861-Dec. 13, 1913
The Niles Daily Star (Niles, Berrien Co, MI) Saturday, December 13, 1913, page 1, column 1 (Microfilm Niles District Library)
SCHUYLER MESSENGER SUICIDED
Only Cause Is That He Suffered From Melanchony
LIFELONG RESIDENT
Leaves a Widow and Eight Children
--Member of Royal Arcanum—
Resided In House of His Birth
Schuyler Colfax Messenger is a suicide. The deed was deliberate and not the slightest inkling of the affair was suspected by any member of the family; it seemed the furthest from anyone’s mind that such a rash act would be perpetrated.
Mr. Messenger retired at the usual early hour last night and arose at 6 o’clock this morning. Going to the barn, evidently to do chores, as was his custom, but instead he placed a small rope about his neck and hung himself in the buggy shed.
His sons went to another part of the barn an hour later and performed some duties about the place, then returned for breakfast. After eating they returned to the barn again, wondering where their father could be, only to find his dead body suspended from a joist in the buggy shed. They cut him down, this 8:40 o’clock.
The family and neighbors were notified, also Dr. Ullery. Melancholy is given as the real motive of the rash act. The Messenger home is four miles southwest of Niles, in Bertrand township, and there the deceased the born Aug. 16, 1861. The parents were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Messenger, old-time residents of Niles and vicinity, the father having been born in Pennsylvania, coming here when a young man. He died about three years ago.
Mr. Messenger was a member of the Royal Arcanum of Niles.
Besides the widow, eight children remain as follows: Anna Mary, Carrie Louis, Samuel Arthur, Charles Simmons, LaRue Hamilton, William Hall, Genevieve, Elizabeth and Eva Helen, all at home.
Mr. Messenger was a thirfty[sic] farmer, a good citizen, a man who won the love and respect of all his associates, and above all, the members of his family.
His home life was beautiful, a man not addicted to politics, satisfied with the companionship of his wife, children and a few close friends.
The neighbors, who have lived beside him for years, are unanimous in their praise of him, saying that he will be greatly missed for the kindnesses and consideration which he always showed. The praise from one’s neighbors and the members of the family is the greatest tribute which can be paid to any man.
Funeral from house, Tuesday afternoon at 1 o’clock, services to be conducted by Rev. Yonkers. Interment at Silver Brook cemetery.