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Chase County Kansas Obituaries
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Parker, Wesley
Startling Suicide
A number of our young folks went to Elmdale, last Sunday night, for the purpose of attending church. They report a strange and startling attempt to commit suicide by a young man who had been quietly seated by the side of the minister during the services.
Just as the large congregation had risen to receive the pastor's parting benediction, the young man was heard to say, "Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you good bye!"
The next moment a pistol shot rang out upon the silence of the night and the startled congregation saw the life blood spring from the young man's breast, and ere a hand could be raised he staggered and sank by the altar's side.
The scene was indescribable. Men stood horrified, unable to move a muscle, women fainted and the wildest excitement reigned.
Tender hands compassionately raised the young man and bore him to a place where he might receive prompt medical attendance.
His name was Wesley Parker and he is nineteen years of age. He had been attending the State Agricultural College and came to Elmdale to find work. The cause of the rash act was despondency. He was examined a short time ago for admission to West Point, but his physique was not up to the standard. He left a letter addressed to the people of Elmdale, asking them not to judge him too harshly as he was not able to do hard labor and no other mode of making a livelihood presented itself.
His mother is nearly seventy years old and upon her head the blow will fall with fearful force. We have never, to our recollection, heard of a more tragic act. The benediction of the man of God had just been pronounced on the bowed heads of the congregation, when the shot broke the solemn stillness which reigned in the sacred edifice.
The act was rash beyond expression and one never to be forgotten by those who witnessed it.
He is still alive, but few if any hopes are entertained of his recovery.
Chase County Leader-News,Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, August 18, 1887
by Lorna Marvin
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