According to family history, he committed suicide.
The Gunnison News-Champion
Gunnison, Colorado, Thursday, July 21, 1927
Harry U. Gavette Suicide Friday; Ascribed to Worry Over Financial Difficulities
Harry U. Gavette, prominant Crested Butte and Gunnison businessman, committed suicide, shortly before 11:00 o'clock, Friday night, when he shot himself through the right temple, with a .32 automatic pistol.
He was sitting in his car, in front of the old Catholic church building, which was recently moved to Taylor Street, between Tomichi and Virginia Avenues.
His wife and little daughter Elinor, were a few steps away when the shots were fired. Mrs. Gavette and the little girl mistook the shot for a tire blowout, and called to Harry about it. Receiving no answer, Mrs. Gavette investigated, and found her husband dead behind the wheel. The coronor and sheriff were notified, and after a short investigation, released the body at midnight, deeming an inquest unnecessary.
Motive for the suicide was ascribed to financial troubles, altho investigations so far have not shown that Gavette was hopelessly in debt.
He had been drinking thruout the day, and that he meditated about taking his own life, is shown by the fact that he visited the cemetery in the afternoon, where he marked out his own grave, beside that of his first wife, and telling Dan Jordan, the sexton, that he would soon be ready to occupy it.
He also told friends in Gunnison that he was going to take his own life, but his statements were regarded lightly.
The deceased was born in Gunnison, June 9, 1890, having just passed his 37th birthday. He was the youngest son of the late Joseph H. and Ida C. Gavette, former well known Gunnison residents. His father took his own life at Grand Junction, in 1914. And his mother died in the same city, in 1922. Harry spent practically all of his life in Gunnison County, following the profession of railroad fireman for some years, and was at two different periods, owner of The Pastime Billiard Parlor here. He sold out for the second time three years ago, to Peter Piloni, the present proprietor.
In the spring of 1926, he established The Pleasure Place Lunchroom at Crested Butte, where he has since resided.
In June, 1913, he was married at Paonia to Miss Ellen Winifred Gabler, a former student at the college here.
One son Harry Jr. was born to them, who still survives. He is living with his aunt, Miss Dora Gabler, at Rialto, California.
For a time, Mr. and Mrs. Gavette operated a ranch, this side of Parlin, but Mrs. Gavette died very suddenly , November 4th, 1918, the first victim of the flu epidemic of Gunnison County.
On June 1st, 1916, Harry was married to Mrs. Mattie Berryhill, who survives him, and together with a daughter Elinor.
Three brothers, Leon E. of Boulder, Ralph U. of Grand Junction, and Dr. William A. of Denver, and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Bumgartner, of Van Buren, Arkansas, also survives him.
All of the brothers were present at the funeral, but Mrs. Bumgartner and the son in California, were not able to attend. Another brother Arbie Gavette, died in 1918, the first victim of the flu outbreak in Mesa County.
It is known that Harry carried at least $5000. life insurance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock from the Community Church. Rev. Donald H. Tippet preached a brief sermon; Miss Marian Ruland sang two numbers.
Pallbearers were W.H. Anderson, Peter Piloni, George Aspey, and Jos. Arnott, Alex O'Neill, and J. Harry Moore.
The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. A large representation of Crested Butte friends were down for the funeral.
The deceased was one of the most active, cheerful men in the county; hence his suicide is surprising to his friends. He was known as an enthusiastic community booster; his residence at Crested Butte, being marked by his active and constant participation in civic affairs.
He was president of the Crested Butte Game and Fish Protective Association, the leading booster of that city.
The sympathy of the county is expressed. (This is where the article ended).
The Gunnison News-Champion
Gunnison, Colorado, Thursday, July 21, 1927
Harry U. Gavette Suicide Friday; Ascribed to Worry Over Financial Difficulities
Harry U. Gavette, prominant Crested Butte and Gunnison businessman, committed suicide, shortly before 11:00 o'clock, Friday night, when he shot himself through the right temple, with a .32 automatic pistol.
He was sitting in his car, in front of the old Catholic church building, which was recently moved to Taylor Street, between Tomichi and Virginia Avenues.
His wife and little daughter Elinor, were a few steps away when the shots were fired. Mrs. Gavette and the little girl mistook the shot for a tire blowout, and called to Harry about it. Receiving no answer, Mrs. Gavette investigated, and found her husband dead behind the wheel. The coronor and sheriff were notified, and after a short investigation, released the body at midnight, deeming an inquest unnecessary.
Motive for the suicide was ascribed to financial troubles, altho investigations so far have not shown that Gavette was hopelessly in debt.
He had been drinking thruout the day, and that he meditated about taking his own life, is shown by the fact that he visited the cemetery in the afternoon, where he marked out his own grave, beside that of his first wife, and telling Dan Jordan, the sexton, that he would soon be ready to occupy it.
He also told friends in Gunnison that he was going to take his own life, but his statements were regarded lightly.
The deceased was born in Gunnison, June 9, 1890, having just passed his 37th birthday. He was the youngest son of the late Joseph H. and Ida C. Gavette, former well known Gunnison residents. His father took his own life at Grand Junction, in 1914. And his mother died in the same city, in 1922. Harry spent practically all of his life in Gunnison County, following the profession of railroad fireman for some years, and was at two different periods, owner of The Pastime Billiard Parlor here. He sold out for the second time three years ago, to Peter Piloni, the present proprietor.
In the spring of 1926, he established The Pleasure Place Lunchroom at Crested Butte, where he has since resided.
In June, 1913, he was married at Paonia to Miss Ellen Winifred Gabler, a former student at the college here.
One son Harry Jr. was born to them, who still survives. He is living with his aunt, Miss Dora Gabler, at Rialto, California.
For a time, Mr. and Mrs. Gavette operated a ranch, this side of Parlin, but Mrs. Gavette died very suddenly , November 4th, 1918, the first victim of the flu epidemic of Gunnison County.
On June 1st, 1916, Harry was married to Mrs. Mattie Berryhill, who survives him, and together with a daughter Elinor.
Three brothers, Leon E. of Boulder, Ralph U. of Grand Junction, and Dr. William A. of Denver, and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Bumgartner, of Van Buren, Arkansas, also survives him.
All of the brothers were present at the funeral, but Mrs. Bumgartner and the son in California, were not able to attend. Another brother Arbie Gavette, died in 1918, the first victim of the flu outbreak in Mesa County.
It is known that Harry carried at least $5000. life insurance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock from the Community Church. Rev. Donald H. Tippet preached a brief sermon; Miss Marian Ruland sang two numbers.
Pallbearers were W.H. Anderson, Peter Piloni, George Aspey, and Jos. Arnott, Alex O'Neill, and J. Harry Moore.
The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. A large representation of Crested Butte friends were down for the funeral.
The deceased was one of the most active, cheerful men in the county; hence his suicide is surprising to his friends. He was known as an enthusiastic community booster; his residence at Crested Butte, being marked by his active and constant participation in civic affairs.
He was president of the Crested Butte Game and Fish Protective Association, the leading booster of that city.
The sympathy of the county is expressed. (This is where the article ended).
According to family history, he committed suicide.
The Gunnison News-Champion
Gunnison, Colorado, Thursday, July 21, 1927
Harry U. Gavette Suicide Friday; Ascribed to Worry Over Financial Difficulities
Harry U. Gavette, prominant Crested Butte and Gunnison businessman, committed suicide, shortly before 11:00 o'clock, Friday night, when he shot himself through the right temple, with a .32 automatic pistol.
He was sitting in his car, in front of the old Catholic church building, which was recently moved to Taylor Street, between Tomichi and Virginia Avenues.
His wife and little daughter Elinor, were a few steps away when the shots were fired. Mrs. Gavette and the little girl mistook the shot for a tire blowout, and called to Harry about it. Receiving no answer, Mrs. Gavette investigated, and found her husband dead behind the wheel. The coronor and sheriff were notified, and after a short investigation, released the body at midnight, deeming an inquest unnecessary.
Motive for the suicide was ascribed to financial troubles, altho investigations so far have not shown that Gavette was hopelessly in debt.
He had been drinking thruout the day, and that he meditated about taking his own life, is shown by the fact that he visited the cemetery in the afternoon, where he marked out his own grave, beside that of his first wife, and telling Dan Jordan, the sexton, that he would soon be ready to occupy it.
He also told friends in Gunnison that he was going to take his own life, but his statements were regarded lightly.
The deceased was born in Gunnison, June 9, 1890, having just passed his 37th birthday. He was the youngest son of the late Joseph H. and Ida C. Gavette, former well known Gunnison residents. His father took his own life at Grand Junction, in 1914. And his mother died in the same city, in 1922. Harry spent practically all of his life in Gunnison County, following the profession of railroad fireman for some years, and was at two different periods, owner of The Pastime Billiard Parlor here. He sold out for the second time three years ago, to Peter Piloni, the present proprietor.
In the spring of 1926, he established The Pleasure Place Lunchroom at Crested Butte, where he has since resided.
In June, 1913, he was married at Paonia to Miss Ellen Winifred Gabler, a former student at the college here.
One son Harry Jr. was born to them, who still survives. He is living with his aunt, Miss Dora Gabler, at Rialto, California.
For a time, Mr. and Mrs. Gavette operated a ranch, this side of Parlin, but Mrs. Gavette died very suddenly , November 4th, 1918, the first victim of the flu epidemic of Gunnison County.
On June 1st, 1916, Harry was married to Mrs. Mattie Berryhill, who survives him, and together with a daughter Elinor.
Three brothers, Leon E. of Boulder, Ralph U. of Grand Junction, and Dr. William A. of Denver, and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Bumgartner, of Van Buren, Arkansas, also survives him.
All of the brothers were present at the funeral, but Mrs. Bumgartner and the son in California, were not able to attend. Another brother Arbie Gavette, died in 1918, the first victim of the flu outbreak in Mesa County.
It is known that Harry carried at least $5000. life insurance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock from the Community Church. Rev. Donald H. Tippet preached a brief sermon; Miss Marian Ruland sang two numbers.
Pallbearers were W.H. Anderson, Peter Piloni, George Aspey, and Jos. Arnott, Alex O'Neill, and J. Harry Moore.
The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. A large representation of Crested Butte friends were down for the funeral.
The deceased was one of the most active, cheerful men in the county; hence his suicide is surprising to his friends. He was known as an enthusiastic community booster; his residence at Crested Butte, being marked by his active and constant participation in civic affairs.
He was president of the Crested Butte Game and Fish Protective Association, the leading booster of that city.
The sympathy of the county is expressed. (This is where the article ended).
The Gunnison News-Champion
Gunnison, Colorado, Thursday, July 21, 1927
Harry U. Gavette Suicide Friday; Ascribed to Worry Over Financial Difficulities
Harry U. Gavette, prominant Crested Butte and Gunnison businessman, committed suicide, shortly before 11:00 o'clock, Friday night, when he shot himself through the right temple, with a .32 automatic pistol.
He was sitting in his car, in front of the old Catholic church building, which was recently moved to Taylor Street, between Tomichi and Virginia Avenues.
His wife and little daughter Elinor, were a few steps away when the shots were fired. Mrs. Gavette and the little girl mistook the shot for a tire blowout, and called to Harry about it. Receiving no answer, Mrs. Gavette investigated, and found her husband dead behind the wheel. The coronor and sheriff were notified, and after a short investigation, released the body at midnight, deeming an inquest unnecessary.
Motive for the suicide was ascribed to financial troubles, altho investigations so far have not shown that Gavette was hopelessly in debt.
He had been drinking thruout the day, and that he meditated about taking his own life, is shown by the fact that he visited the cemetery in the afternoon, where he marked out his own grave, beside that of his first wife, and telling Dan Jordan, the sexton, that he would soon be ready to occupy it.
He also told friends in Gunnison that he was going to take his own life, but his statements were regarded lightly.
The deceased was born in Gunnison, June 9, 1890, having just passed his 37th birthday. He was the youngest son of the late Joseph H. and Ida C. Gavette, former well known Gunnison residents. His father took his own life at Grand Junction, in 1914. And his mother died in the same city, in 1922. Harry spent practically all of his life in Gunnison County, following the profession of railroad fireman for some years, and was at two different periods, owner of The Pastime Billiard Parlor here. He sold out for the second time three years ago, to Peter Piloni, the present proprietor.
In the spring of 1926, he established The Pleasure Place Lunchroom at Crested Butte, where he has since resided.
In June, 1913, he was married at Paonia to Miss Ellen Winifred Gabler, a former student at the college here.
One son Harry Jr. was born to them, who still survives. He is living with his aunt, Miss Dora Gabler, at Rialto, California.
For a time, Mr. and Mrs. Gavette operated a ranch, this side of Parlin, but Mrs. Gavette died very suddenly , November 4th, 1918, the first victim of the flu epidemic of Gunnison County.
On June 1st, 1916, Harry was married to Mrs. Mattie Berryhill, who survives him, and together with a daughter Elinor.
Three brothers, Leon E. of Boulder, Ralph U. of Grand Junction, and Dr. William A. of Denver, and a sister, Mrs. Ethel Bumgartner, of Van Buren, Arkansas, also survives him.
All of the brothers were present at the funeral, but Mrs. Bumgartner and the son in California, were not able to attend. Another brother Arbie Gavette, died in 1918, the first victim of the flu outbreak in Mesa County.
It is known that Harry carried at least $5000. life insurance.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, at 2:00 o'clock from the Community Church. Rev. Donald H. Tippet preached a brief sermon; Miss Marian Ruland sang two numbers.
Pallbearers were W.H. Anderson, Peter Piloni, George Aspey, and Jos. Arnott, Alex O'Neill, and J. Harry Moore.
The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery. A large representation of Crested Butte friends were down for the funeral.
The deceased was one of the most active, cheerful men in the county; hence his suicide is surprising to his friends. He was known as an enthusiastic community booster; his residence at Crested Butte, being marked by his active and constant participation in civic affairs.
He was president of the Crested Butte Game and Fish Protective Association, the leading booster of that city.
The sympathy of the county is expressed. (This is where the article ended).
Gravesite Details
DATE IS BURIAL DATE, NOT DEATH DATE
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