Like a flash of lightning out of a clear sky the news that John Grelck had taken his own life in Carroll Sunday afternoon reached Manning that day. At the time of the terrible deed he was in a club room with another man, Joe Hof. It seems that the board of supervisors had noticed his books in a bad condition and wanted to get a settlement from him. For several days he eluded the court house officials. His faithful wife and mother-in-law had pledged their property to satisfy all claims, but before he could be found and told the good news he had taken his life. The weapon was a large caliber revolver and although the bullet went clear through, the head he lived several hours.

A coroner's jury was impaneled and after hearing the evidence brought in a verdict of suicide.

The deceased was born December 31, 1863, in Holstein, Germany, and died at Carroll, Iowa, January 12, 1913. He received a fine education in Germany and came to this country while still young. For about twenty-five years he was a resident of Manning leaving here to become county clerk. Shortly after becoming of age he married, Miss Maggie Grube. To this union was born a son and a daughter, Henry and Ida.

He was a member of the Manning lodge of Modern Woodmen and also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He was also a member of the Manning Schuetzen Verein. Wednesday the body was brought from Carroll to be buried here. At the depot the casket was opened that his family and friends might once more look upon his face. The body was then taken to the cemetery. Behind it marched his brother members of the Schuetzen Verein and the Woodmen lodge.

Funeral services were held at the cemetery, Rev. Fruechte speaking consoling words to the bereaved relatives and friends. The Woodmen also held services at the grave.

John Grelck was one of the most accommodating men that ever lived. He would do anything for a friend and this led to his downfall. As long as his money lasted he had friends who patted him on the back and called him a good fellow. With his money gone many of his so-called friends deserted him and are now his worst critics. Politics too shared in his downfall. To be in the political field he had to be a ready spender and share his part of all expenses. Then he is not the first man to try politics and find nothing but delusions and snares.

We are tempted to throw the mantle of charity about our departed friend. It is written that the evil one does lives after him, and that the good is often buried with his bones.

He was tempted and fell. Handing money each day he was tempted beyond human power. Rather than face his friends he sought relief of death. What his shortage is no one knows. The county however is safe as the bonding company will make up the loss which is something less than five thousand dollars.

The deceased carried insurance in the two lodges in which, he was a member and his widow and children will be amply provided for.

Friends in Manning sympathize keenly with, the widow, son and daughter. Their burden is a hard one to bear. May they find strength to bear their burdens and live to again enjoy the happiness which is theirs.