aged 61 years

Cut His Throat
Mr. O'Grady(sic) of the town of Franklin, went into the woods a week
ago last Friday morning and attempted to commit suicide by cutting
his throat. He was not found until Thursday. Medical aid was
summoned but he was beyond the power of medical skill. He died
Tuesday morning, last.
Manitowoc Tribune, Thursday, July 10, 1879 P.2
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(NOTE: There is a Thomas Grady who d. July 10, 1879 on the county
death index v.2 p.74./The newspaper was in error on his surname)
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SUICIDE AT FRANKLIN.
On Tuesday last a man named Grady, a resident of Franklin, was seen sharpening
a razor. A short while after he left, carrying with him, as it afterward
transpired, the razor. He was not seen the rest of that day nor Wednesday. His
family grew alarmed and the neighbors were called on to search for the missing
man. He was found on Thursday behind wood pile with his throat cut in a shocking
manner. The windpipe was completely severed; the oesophagus was cut almost clear
through, so that food passes through the cut after the effort of swallowing. It
is almost a miracle the man's living for two days, without assistance of any kind,
and such a gash in his throat.
He states that the Tuesday on which he left the house was the anniversary of the
death of his wife she having died two years before and that he wished to die on
that day. He insists that he does not want to live, and tore away the bandages
with which his neck was bound. At last accounts he was still living though his
ultimate recovery is almost impossible. He was a very industrious, respectable
man, and there was nothing about him which would lead to the belief that he
thought seriously of suicide.
LATER.-Grady died on Tuesday night.
Manitowoc Pilot, July 10, 1879 P. 3
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FRANKLIN…July 8, 1879…
This usually quite community was suddenly startled last Thursday by the report
that a well-to-do farmer living in this town, named Thomas Grady, had attempted
to take his own life. He was seen leaving his house early on Tuesday morning
July 1st, but no particular notice of his absence was taken until the following
morning when not making his appearance, the alarm was given and parties began to
search for him in different places. He was found about ten o'clock Thursday
morning in a piece of woods adjoining his farm, and within rods of his house,
with his throat cut.
It appears he used a razor to accomplish his object, it being the only instrument
known to be missing that would be of any use to him at the time. He made three
attempts before succeeding. At the first effort he merely cut the skin. The
second time the razor struck the projection known as Adam's apple. The third
attempt, made above the other two, nearly severed the trachea, or wind pipe, and
the esophagus, the latter so as to permit liquids to flow out. Dr. O'Connell was
summoned immediately, but medical skill was of little avail. The man had been in
that condition two days and nights, and it was too late to render any assistance.
He cannot now eat or drink anything and his death is but a question of time.
The parties in search of him were deceived as to his whereabouts, from the fact
that he was observed going in th opposite direction from where he was found. No
trace of the instrument used by him could be found, and it is likely he moved
after committing the deed.
No cause except that of temporary insanity can be given. When found he appeared
rational and said he committed the deed Tuesday morning. It is said he has since
made his will. His family consists of three grown persons. His wife died two years
ago.
Manitowoc Pilot, July 10, 1879 P. 3