Theodore Wesley Bechdoldt
(1858 ~ April 15, 1917)
1858 - 15 April 1917
***
FARMER A SUICIDE
THEODORE BECHDOLDT SHOOTS
HIMSELF WITH A RIFLE
COMMITTED ACT WHILE ALONE
Son Returning Home Late Last Night
Stumbled Over Body - wife Was
Suing for Divorce
From Monday's Daily.
Theodore Bechdoldt, 60 years old, committed suicide last evening at his home, two miles west of Asbury, MO., by shooting himself through the head with a rifle.
The discovery was made last night about 11:40 o'clock by a son, Fred Bechdoldt, who entered the house and stumbled over his father's body before he could strike a match. The son had just returned from Joplin.
Word was quickly carried to the home of a neighbor who notified J. S. McAuley, county coroner. Following an investigation, Mr. McAuley said this morning that it was a plain case of suicide and that no inquest would be held.
Bechdoldt's wife, Annie May Bechdoldt, last Friday bought suit in the Cherokee County district court, asking for a divorce. She alleged extreme cruelty and gross indignities and neglect of duty, charging that she had endured such treatment from her husband for the past 16 years.
An account of the filing of the divorce suit appeared in Saturday's Advocate, and early this morning while making his investigation, Coroner McAuley found the papers which Sheriff Bob Frazier served on Bechdoldt Saturday in connection with the suit. The papers were found lying on top of a bureau.
Used a Small Rifle
Bechdoldt killed himself while sitting at a table. He placed the muzzle of a .22-calibre rifle against the side of his head, just above the ear and reached back far enough with his right hand to pull the trigger. The bullet went through his brain and lodged directly behind the left eye, pushing the eyeball part way out of it's socket. The side off his head where the bullet entered was badly powder burned. Death was instantanteous, and as the body fell to the floor, the chair was overturned and was found lying across his legs. On the table was a well cooked supper, which Bechdoldt had prepared for himself, but it had not been touched.
Although he left no word behind giving any reasons for his act, it is believed that Bechdoldt's domestic trouble, and previous trouble of various kinds, caused him to become mentally unbalanced. Many of his ways were queer. It is said that he managed to keep his family and other persons from knowing where he kept his money. It is said that he owned the home place but that he buried the dead (sic) [deed] somewhere instead of having it recorded in the usual way. He had been nearly deaf for many years.
According to a divorce petition which his wife file last Friday, they were married in 1884 and became the parents of 11 children, 10 of whom are living. Of these three (sic) are minors. They are Fred 26, Frances 15, and Clyde 11. Mrs. Bechdoldt charged that on April 8, her husband told her that if she ever came back home again he would kill her. For this reason, she said she went to Baxter Springs, taking Frances and Clyde with her. Fred was left at home and it was he who discovered his father's body late last night.
According to what Fred told the coroner, he and a boy friend attended a show in Joplin last night and returned on an interurban car which reached Asbury about 11 o'clock. From there they rode a horse to the Bechdoldt home. The house was dark, and as Fred was passing through the second room he stumbled over his father's body. By the use of a flash light, the boy was crmfied (sic) [?horrified?] to find his father lying in a pool of blood. He hurried out to the roadside and was able to call to his friend who had ridden on toward his own home. Together they went to the home of a neighbor and the authorities here were immediately notified.
While Fred was thinking the matter over last night he remembered something which he said happened yesterday morning. Bechdoldt was known as a man who wore a heavy beard but he shaved yesterday morning for the first time in months. Once, Fred said, his father suddenly went through the motion of drawing the razor across his throat but the blade didn't touch the skin.
Mrs. Bechdoldt, who has been at Baxter Springs since she left home on April 8, was not notified until this morning. Up to noon today no funeral arrangements had been made.
The Columbus Weekly Advocate
• 19 April 1917, Thursday
• Page: 2; Columns: 3 & 4.
• (Columbus, Kansas)
~*~
*~*
Theodore W Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1910
Name: Theodore W Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1910
Event Place: Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Relationship to Head of Household: Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Head
Birth Year (Estimated): 1858
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Theodore W Bechdoldt Head M 52 1858 Illinois Father's Birthplace: Germany Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Mary Ann Bechdoldt Wife F 44 1866 Illinois Parent's Birthplace: Virginia
Daisy C Bechdoldt Daughter F 18 1892 Illinois
Julia M Bechdoldt Daughter F 16 1894 Illinois
Essie M Bechdoldt Daughter F 14 1896 Illinois
Flossie R Bechdoldt Daughter F 11 1899 Illinois
Fred T Bechdoldt Son M 9 1901 Illinois
Francis L Bechdoldt Daughter F 7 1903 Missouri
Clyde W Bechdoldt Son M 4 1906 Kansas
District: 34, Sheet Number and Letter: 4A, Household ID: 67, Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Affiliate Publication Number: M1283, GS Film number: 1374447, Digital Folder Number: 004328329, Image Number: 00543
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2HR-LMQ), Theodore W Bechdoldt, Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 34, sheet 4A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T624, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,374,447.
~*~
~*~
Theodore Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1880
Name: Theodore Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1880
Event Place: Montezuma, Pike, Illinois
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Race (Original): W
Occupation: Farmer
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Self
Birth Year (Estimated): 1859
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Film Number: 0243
District: 190, Sheet Number and Letter: 539B, GS Film Number: 1254243, Digital Folder Number: 004240527, Image Number: 00042
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXKW-7HV), Theodore Bechdoldt, Montezuma, Pike, Illinois, United States, 190; citing sheet 539B, film number 0243, NARA microfilm publication T9, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,254,243.
~*~
~*~
Theo Beckdoldt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theo Beckdoldt
mentioned in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Gender: Male
Wife: Anna Vanmeter
Child: Caroline Beckdoldt
Other information in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Caroline Beckdoldt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 15 Nov 1891
Event Place: Florence, Pike, Illinois
Father's Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Mother's Name: Anna Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-8, System Origin: Illinois-ODM, GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-Z3T), Theo Beckdoldt in entry for Caroline Beckdoldt, 15 Nov 1891; Birth, citing Florence, Pike, Illinois; FHL microfilm.
~*~
Theodore Bechdolt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theodore Bechdolt
mentioned in the record of Bechdolt
Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Gender: Male
Wife: May Vanmeter
Child: Bechdolt
Other information in the record of Bechdolt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Bechdolt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 03 Nov 1883
Event Place: Detroit Tp , Ill
Father's Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Mother's Name: May Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-7 , System Origin: Illinois-ODM , GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-C5N), Theodore Bechdolt in entry for Bechdolt, 03 Nov 1883; Birth, citing Detroit Tp, Ill; FHL microfilm.
~*~
*~*
Theodore Bechdoldt (1858 - 1917) – Old Pleasant View Cemetery – Suggested By: Angie Chute #48360784, 19 June 2021.
Middle Name: W; Wesley
Father: Empty; George Bechdoldt (1829-1916)
Mother: Empty; Frances Bechdoldt (1834-1913)
~*~
*~*
(1858 ~ April 15, 1917)
1858 - 15 April 1917
***
FARMER A SUICIDE
THEODORE BECHDOLDT SHOOTS
HIMSELF WITH A RIFLE
COMMITTED ACT WHILE ALONE
Son Returning Home Late Last Night
Stumbled Over Body - wife Was
Suing for Divorce
From Monday's Daily.
Theodore Bechdoldt, 60 years old, committed suicide last evening at his home, two miles west of Asbury, MO., by shooting himself through the head with a rifle.
The discovery was made last night about 11:40 o'clock by a son, Fred Bechdoldt, who entered the house and stumbled over his father's body before he could strike a match. The son had just returned from Joplin.
Word was quickly carried to the home of a neighbor who notified J. S. McAuley, county coroner. Following an investigation, Mr. McAuley said this morning that it was a plain case of suicide and that no inquest would be held.
Bechdoldt's wife, Annie May Bechdoldt, last Friday bought suit in the Cherokee County district court, asking for a divorce. She alleged extreme cruelty and gross indignities and neglect of duty, charging that she had endured such treatment from her husband for the past 16 years.
An account of the filing of the divorce suit appeared in Saturday's Advocate, and early this morning while making his investigation, Coroner McAuley found the papers which Sheriff Bob Frazier served on Bechdoldt Saturday in connection with the suit. The papers were found lying on top of a bureau.
Used a Small Rifle
Bechdoldt killed himself while sitting at a table. He placed the muzzle of a .22-calibre rifle against the side of his head, just above the ear and reached back far enough with his right hand to pull the trigger. The bullet went through his brain and lodged directly behind the left eye, pushing the eyeball part way out of it's socket. The side off his head where the bullet entered was badly powder burned. Death was instantanteous, and as the body fell to the floor, the chair was overturned and was found lying across his legs. On the table was a well cooked supper, which Bechdoldt had prepared for himself, but it had not been touched.
Although he left no word behind giving any reasons for his act, it is believed that Bechdoldt's domestic trouble, and previous trouble of various kinds, caused him to become mentally unbalanced. Many of his ways were queer. It is said that he managed to keep his family and other persons from knowing where he kept his money. It is said that he owned the home place but that he buried the dead (sic) [deed] somewhere instead of having it recorded in the usual way. He had been nearly deaf for many years.
According to a divorce petition which his wife file last Friday, they were married in 1884 and became the parents of 11 children, 10 of whom are living. Of these three (sic) are minors. They are Fred 26, Frances 15, and Clyde 11. Mrs. Bechdoldt charged that on April 8, her husband told her that if she ever came back home again he would kill her. For this reason, she said she went to Baxter Springs, taking Frances and Clyde with her. Fred was left at home and it was he who discovered his father's body late last night.
According to what Fred told the coroner, he and a boy friend attended a show in Joplin last night and returned on an interurban car which reached Asbury about 11 o'clock. From there they rode a horse to the Bechdoldt home. The house was dark, and as Fred was passing through the second room he stumbled over his father's body. By the use of a flash light, the boy was crmfied (sic) [?horrified?] to find his father lying in a pool of blood. He hurried out to the roadside and was able to call to his friend who had ridden on toward his own home. Together they went to the home of a neighbor and the authorities here were immediately notified.
While Fred was thinking the matter over last night he remembered something which he said happened yesterday morning. Bechdoldt was known as a man who wore a heavy beard but he shaved yesterday morning for the first time in months. Once, Fred said, his father suddenly went through the motion of drawing the razor across his throat but the blade didn't touch the skin.
Mrs. Bechdoldt, who has been at Baxter Springs since she left home on April 8, was not notified until this morning. Up to noon today no funeral arrangements had been made.
The Columbus Weekly Advocate
• 19 April 1917, Thursday
• Page: 2; Columns: 3 & 4.
• (Columbus, Kansas)
~*~
*~*
Theodore W Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1910
Name: Theodore W Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1910
Event Place: Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Relationship to Head of Household: Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Head
Birth Year (Estimated): 1858
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Theodore W Bechdoldt Head M 52 1858 Illinois Father's Birthplace: Germany Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Mary Ann Bechdoldt Wife F 44 1866 Illinois Parent's Birthplace: Virginia
Daisy C Bechdoldt Daughter F 18 1892 Illinois
Julia M Bechdoldt Daughter F 16 1894 Illinois
Essie M Bechdoldt Daughter F 14 1896 Illinois
Flossie R Bechdoldt Daughter F 11 1899 Illinois
Fred T Bechdoldt Son M 9 1901 Illinois
Francis L Bechdoldt Daughter F 7 1903 Missouri
Clyde W Bechdoldt Son M 4 1906 Kansas
District: 34, Sheet Number and Letter: 4A, Household ID: 67, Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Affiliate Publication Number: M1283, GS Film number: 1374447, Digital Folder Number: 004328329, Image Number: 00543
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2HR-LMQ), Theodore W Bechdoldt, Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 34, sheet 4A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T624, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,374,447.
~*~
~*~
Theodore Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1880
Name: Theodore Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1880
Event Place: Montezuma, Pike, Illinois
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Race (Original): W
Occupation: Farmer
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Self
Birth Year (Estimated): 1859
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Film Number: 0243
District: 190, Sheet Number and Letter: 539B, GS Film Number: 1254243, Digital Folder Number: 004240527, Image Number: 00042
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXKW-7HV), Theodore Bechdoldt, Montezuma, Pike, Illinois, United States, 190; citing sheet 539B, film number 0243, NARA microfilm publication T9, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,254,243.
~*~
~*~
Theo Beckdoldt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theo Beckdoldt
mentioned in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Gender: Male
Wife: Anna Vanmeter
Child: Caroline Beckdoldt
Other information in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Caroline Beckdoldt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 15 Nov 1891
Event Place: Florence, Pike, Illinois
Father's Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Mother's Name: Anna Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-8, System Origin: Illinois-ODM, GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-Z3T), Theo Beckdoldt in entry for Caroline Beckdoldt, 15 Nov 1891; Birth, citing Florence, Pike, Illinois; FHL microfilm.
~*~
Theodore Bechdolt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theodore Bechdolt
mentioned in the record of Bechdolt
Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Gender: Male
Wife: May Vanmeter
Child: Bechdolt
Other information in the record of Bechdolt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Bechdolt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 03 Nov 1883
Event Place: Detroit Tp , Ill
Father's Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Mother's Name: May Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-7 , System Origin: Illinois-ODM , GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-C5N), Theodore Bechdolt in entry for Bechdolt, 03 Nov 1883; Birth, citing Detroit Tp, Ill; FHL microfilm.
~*~
*~*
Theodore Bechdoldt (1858 - 1917) – Old Pleasant View Cemetery – Suggested By: Angie Chute #48360784, 19 June 2021.
Middle Name: W; Wesley
Father: Empty; George Bechdoldt (1829-1916)
Mother: Empty; Frances Bechdoldt (1834-1913)
~*~
*~*
Theodore Wesley Bechdoldt
(1858 ~ April 15, 1917)
1858 - 15 April 1917
***
FARMER A SUICIDE
THEODORE BECHDOLDT SHOOTS
HIMSELF WITH A RIFLE
COMMITTED ACT WHILE ALONE
Son Returning Home Late Last Night
Stumbled Over Body - wife Was
Suing for Divorce
From Monday's Daily.
Theodore Bechdoldt, 60 years old, committed suicide last evening at his home, two miles west of Asbury, MO., by shooting himself through the head with a rifle.
The discovery was made last night about 11:40 o'clock by a son, Fred Bechdoldt, who entered the house and stumbled over his father's body before he could strike a match. The son had just returned from Joplin.
Word was quickly carried to the home of a neighbor who notified J. S. McAuley, county coroner. Following an investigation, Mr. McAuley said this morning that it was a plain case of suicide and that no inquest would be held.
Bechdoldt's wife, Annie May Bechdoldt, last Friday bought suit in the Cherokee County district court, asking for a divorce. She alleged extreme cruelty and gross indignities and neglect of duty, charging that she had endured such treatment from her husband for the past 16 years.
An account of the filing of the divorce suit appeared in Saturday's Advocate, and early this morning while making his investigation, Coroner McAuley found the papers which Sheriff Bob Frazier served on Bechdoldt Saturday in connection with the suit. The papers were found lying on top of a bureau.
Used a Small Rifle
Bechdoldt killed himself while sitting at a table. He placed the muzzle of a .22-calibre rifle against the side of his head, just above the ear and reached back far enough with his right hand to pull the trigger. The bullet went through his brain and lodged directly behind the left eye, pushing the eyeball part way out of it's socket. The side off his head where the bullet entered was badly powder burned. Death was instantanteous, and as the body fell to the floor, the chair was overturned and was found lying across his legs. On the table was a well cooked supper, which Bechdoldt had prepared for himself, but it had not been touched.
Although he left no word behind giving any reasons for his act, it is believed that Bechdoldt's domestic trouble, and previous trouble of various kinds, caused him to become mentally unbalanced. Many of his ways were queer. It is said that he managed to keep his family and other persons from knowing where he kept his money. It is said that he owned the home place but that he buried the dead (sic) [deed] somewhere instead of having it recorded in the usual way. He had been nearly deaf for many years.
According to a divorce petition which his wife file last Friday, they were married in 1884 and became the parents of 11 children, 10 of whom are living. Of these three (sic) are minors. They are Fred 26, Frances 15, and Clyde 11. Mrs. Bechdoldt charged that on April 8, her husband told her that if she ever came back home again he would kill her. For this reason, she said she went to Baxter Springs, taking Frances and Clyde with her. Fred was left at home and it was he who discovered his father's body late last night.
According to what Fred told the coroner, he and a boy friend attended a show in Joplin last night and returned on an interurban car which reached Asbury about 11 o'clock. From there they rode a horse to the Bechdoldt home. The house was dark, and as Fred was passing through the second room he stumbled over his father's body. By the use of a flash light, the boy was crmfied (sic) [?horrified?] to find his father lying in a pool of blood. He hurried out to the roadside and was able to call to his friend who had ridden on toward his own home. Together they went to the home of a neighbor and the authorities here were immediately notified.
While Fred was thinking the matter over last night he remembered something which he said happened yesterday morning. Bechdoldt was known as a man who wore a heavy beard but he shaved yesterday morning for the first time in months. Once, Fred said, his father suddenly went through the motion of drawing the razor across his throat but the blade didn't touch the skin.
Mrs. Bechdoldt, who has been at Baxter Springs since she left home on April 8, was not notified until this morning. Up to noon today no funeral arrangements had been made.
The Columbus Weekly Advocate
• 19 April 1917, Thursday
• Page: 2; Columns: 3 & 4.
• (Columbus, Kansas)
~*~
*~*
Theodore W Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1910
Name: Theodore W Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1910
Event Place: Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Relationship to Head of Household: Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Head
Birth Year (Estimated): 1858
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Theodore W Bechdoldt Head M 52 1858 Illinois Father's Birthplace: Germany Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Mary Ann Bechdoldt Wife F 44 1866 Illinois Parent's Birthplace: Virginia
Daisy C Bechdoldt Daughter F 18 1892 Illinois
Julia M Bechdoldt Daughter F 16 1894 Illinois
Essie M Bechdoldt Daughter F 14 1896 Illinois
Flossie R Bechdoldt Daughter F 11 1899 Illinois
Fred T Bechdoldt Son M 9 1901 Illinois
Francis L Bechdoldt Daughter F 7 1903 Missouri
Clyde W Bechdoldt Son M 4 1906 Kansas
District: 34, Sheet Number and Letter: 4A, Household ID: 67, Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Affiliate Publication Number: M1283, GS Film number: 1374447, Digital Folder Number: 004328329, Image Number: 00543
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2HR-LMQ), Theodore W Bechdoldt, Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 34, sheet 4A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T624, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,374,447.
~*~
~*~
Theodore Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1880
Name: Theodore Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1880
Event Place: Montezuma, Pike, Illinois
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Race (Original): W
Occupation: Farmer
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Self
Birth Year (Estimated): 1859
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Film Number: 0243
District: 190, Sheet Number and Letter: 539B, GS Film Number: 1254243, Digital Folder Number: 004240527, Image Number: 00042
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXKW-7HV), Theodore Bechdoldt, Montezuma, Pike, Illinois, United States, 190; citing sheet 539B, film number 0243, NARA microfilm publication T9, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,254,243.
~*~
~*~
Theo Beckdoldt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theo Beckdoldt
mentioned in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Gender: Male
Wife: Anna Vanmeter
Child: Caroline Beckdoldt
Other information in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Caroline Beckdoldt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 15 Nov 1891
Event Place: Florence, Pike, Illinois
Father's Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Mother's Name: Anna Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-8, System Origin: Illinois-ODM, GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-Z3T), Theo Beckdoldt in entry for Caroline Beckdoldt, 15 Nov 1891; Birth, citing Florence, Pike, Illinois; FHL microfilm.
~*~
Theodore Bechdolt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theodore Bechdolt
mentioned in the record of Bechdolt
Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Gender: Male
Wife: May Vanmeter
Child: Bechdolt
Other information in the record of Bechdolt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Bechdolt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 03 Nov 1883
Event Place: Detroit Tp , Ill
Father's Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Mother's Name: May Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-7 , System Origin: Illinois-ODM , GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-C5N), Theodore Bechdolt in entry for Bechdolt, 03 Nov 1883; Birth, citing Detroit Tp, Ill; FHL microfilm.
~*~
*~*
Theodore Bechdoldt (1858 - 1917) – Old Pleasant View Cemetery – Suggested By: Angie Chute #48360784, 19 June 2021.
Middle Name: W; Wesley
Father: Empty; George Bechdoldt (1829-1916)
Mother: Empty; Frances Bechdoldt (1834-1913)
~*~
*~*
(1858 ~ April 15, 1917)
1858 - 15 April 1917
***
FARMER A SUICIDE
THEODORE BECHDOLDT SHOOTS
HIMSELF WITH A RIFLE
COMMITTED ACT WHILE ALONE
Son Returning Home Late Last Night
Stumbled Over Body - wife Was
Suing for Divorce
From Monday's Daily.
Theodore Bechdoldt, 60 years old, committed suicide last evening at his home, two miles west of Asbury, MO., by shooting himself through the head with a rifle.
The discovery was made last night about 11:40 o'clock by a son, Fred Bechdoldt, who entered the house and stumbled over his father's body before he could strike a match. The son had just returned from Joplin.
Word was quickly carried to the home of a neighbor who notified J. S. McAuley, county coroner. Following an investigation, Mr. McAuley said this morning that it was a plain case of suicide and that no inquest would be held.
Bechdoldt's wife, Annie May Bechdoldt, last Friday bought suit in the Cherokee County district court, asking for a divorce. She alleged extreme cruelty and gross indignities and neglect of duty, charging that she had endured such treatment from her husband for the past 16 years.
An account of the filing of the divorce suit appeared in Saturday's Advocate, and early this morning while making his investigation, Coroner McAuley found the papers which Sheriff Bob Frazier served on Bechdoldt Saturday in connection with the suit. The papers were found lying on top of a bureau.
Used a Small Rifle
Bechdoldt killed himself while sitting at a table. He placed the muzzle of a .22-calibre rifle against the side of his head, just above the ear and reached back far enough with his right hand to pull the trigger. The bullet went through his brain and lodged directly behind the left eye, pushing the eyeball part way out of it's socket. The side off his head where the bullet entered was badly powder burned. Death was instantanteous, and as the body fell to the floor, the chair was overturned and was found lying across his legs. On the table was a well cooked supper, which Bechdoldt had prepared for himself, but it had not been touched.
Although he left no word behind giving any reasons for his act, it is believed that Bechdoldt's domestic trouble, and previous trouble of various kinds, caused him to become mentally unbalanced. Many of his ways were queer. It is said that he managed to keep his family and other persons from knowing where he kept his money. It is said that he owned the home place but that he buried the dead (sic) [deed] somewhere instead of having it recorded in the usual way. He had been nearly deaf for many years.
According to a divorce petition which his wife file last Friday, they were married in 1884 and became the parents of 11 children, 10 of whom are living. Of these three (sic) are minors. They are Fred 26, Frances 15, and Clyde 11. Mrs. Bechdoldt charged that on April 8, her husband told her that if she ever came back home again he would kill her. For this reason, she said she went to Baxter Springs, taking Frances and Clyde with her. Fred was left at home and it was he who discovered his father's body late last night.
According to what Fred told the coroner, he and a boy friend attended a show in Joplin last night and returned on an interurban car which reached Asbury about 11 o'clock. From there they rode a horse to the Bechdoldt home. The house was dark, and as Fred was passing through the second room he stumbled over his father's body. By the use of a flash light, the boy was crmfied (sic) [?horrified?] to find his father lying in a pool of blood. He hurried out to the roadside and was able to call to his friend who had ridden on toward his own home. Together they went to the home of a neighbor and the authorities here were immediately notified.
While Fred was thinking the matter over last night he remembered something which he said happened yesterday morning. Bechdoldt was known as a man who wore a heavy beard but he shaved yesterday morning for the first time in months. Once, Fred said, his father suddenly went through the motion of drawing the razor across his throat but the blade didn't touch the skin.
Mrs. Bechdoldt, who has been at Baxter Springs since she left home on April 8, was not notified until this morning. Up to noon today no funeral arrangements had been made.
The Columbus Weekly Advocate
• 19 April 1917, Thursday
• Page: 2; Columns: 3 & 4.
• (Columbus, Kansas)
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Theodore W Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1910
Name: Theodore W Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1910
Event Place: Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas
Gender: Male
Age: 52
Marital Status: Married
Race: White
Race (Original): White
Relationship to Head of Household: Head
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Head
Birth Year (Estimated): 1858
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Household Role Gender Age Birthplace
Theodore W Bechdoldt Head M 52 1858 Illinois Father's Birthplace: Germany Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Mary Ann Bechdoldt Wife F 44 1866 Illinois Parent's Birthplace: Virginia
Daisy C Bechdoldt Daughter F 18 1892 Illinois
Julia M Bechdoldt Daughter F 16 1894 Illinois
Essie M Bechdoldt Daughter F 14 1896 Illinois
Flossie R Bechdoldt Daughter F 11 1899 Illinois
Fred T Bechdoldt Son M 9 1901 Illinois
Francis L Bechdoldt Daughter F 7 1903 Missouri
Clyde W Bechdoldt Son M 4 1906 Kansas
District: 34, Sheet Number and Letter: 4A, Household ID: 67, Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Affiliate Publication Number: M1283, GS Film number: 1374447, Digital Folder Number: 004328329, Image Number: 00543
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M2HR-LMQ), Theodore W Bechdoldt, Pleasant View, Cherokee, Kansas, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 34, sheet 4A, family 67, NARA microfilm publication T624, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,374,447.
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Theodore Bechdoldt
Head
United States Census, 1880
Name: Theodore Bechdoldt
Event Type: Census
Event Year: 1880
Event Place: Montezuma, Pike, Illinois
Gender: Male
Age: 21
Marital Status: Single
Race: White
Race (Original): W
Occupation: Farmer
Relationship to Head of Household: Self
Relationship to Head of Household (Original): Self
Birth Year (Estimated): 1859
Birthplace: Illinois
Father's Birthplace: Germany
Mother's Birthplace: Illinois
Affiliate Name: The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
Affiliate Publication Number: T9
Affiliate Film Number: 0243
District: 190, Sheet Number and Letter: 539B, GS Film Number: 1254243, Digital Folder Number: 004240527, Image Number: 00042
Citing this Record
"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MXKW-7HV), Theodore Bechdoldt, Montezuma, Pike, Illinois, United States, 190; citing sheet 539B, film number 0243, NARA microfilm publication T9, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington D.C.; FHL microfilm 1,254,243.
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Theo Beckdoldt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theo Beckdoldt
mentioned in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Gender: Male
Wife: Anna Vanmeter
Child: Caroline Beckdoldt
Other information in the record of Caroline Beckdoldt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Caroline Beckdoldt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 15 Nov 1891
Event Place: Florence, Pike, Illinois
Father's Name: Theo Beckdoldt
Mother's Name: Anna Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-8, System Origin: Illinois-ODM, GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-Z3T), Theo Beckdoldt in entry for Caroline Beckdoldt, 15 Nov 1891; Birth, citing Florence, Pike, Illinois; FHL microfilm.
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Theodore Bechdolt
Father
Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940
Theodore Bechdolt
mentioned in the record of Bechdolt
Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Gender: Male
Wife: May Vanmeter
Child: Bechdolt
Other information in the record of Bechdolt
from Illinois Births and Christenings
Name: Bechdolt
Gender: Female
Event Type: Birth
Event Date: 03 Nov 1883
Event Place: Detroit Tp , Ill
Father's Name: Theodore Bechdolt
Mother's Name: May Vanmeter
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C74433-7 , System Origin: Illinois-ODM , GS Film number: 1314767 IT 1-2
No image available
Citing this Record
"Illinois Births and Christenings, 1824-1940," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2LD-C5N), Theodore Bechdolt in entry for Bechdolt, 03 Nov 1883; Birth, citing Detroit Tp, Ill; FHL microfilm.
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Theodore Bechdoldt (1858 - 1917) – Old Pleasant View Cemetery – Suggested By: Angie Chute #48360784, 19 June 2021.
Middle Name: W; Wesley
Father: Empty; George Bechdoldt (1829-1916)
Mother: Empty; Frances Bechdoldt (1834-1913)
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