Obituary Record

James Thomas Frye
Died on 2/15/1937

#1-18 Feb., 1937 - The Enterprise

ARLINGTON HAS SUICIDE

James T. Frye, age 89 years, shot himself at his home in Arlington on Monday morning. It is thought that he was despondent on account of moving, having sold his residence several months ago. Prior to moving to Arlington several years ago, he lived near Elk City for a number of years. He lived in Arlington with his two younger sons, Virgil and Henry.

His son, Virgil, left home in the morning at 9:30, at which time his father seemed as usual. About 10:30 he was last seen by a neighbor who called at the house, and at 12:30, when Virgil returned home, he found a note on the table telling him he would find his father in the wood shed. Virgil called his brother-in-law, Ralph Decker, who with James Hall, went to the woodshed and found the body. It is thought he had been dead but a short time.

He also stated in the note to notify Frank Gelstin of Elk City.

The trigger of the shotgun had been pulled by means of a string tied to it, and it was lying at Mr. Frye’s feet.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ralph Decker of this place and Mrs. Henry Peterson of Weston; and three sons, Lawrence of Elk City, Henry and Virgil of Arlington.

#2-February 18, 1937- Arlington Review Herald- James Thomas Frye

Arlington citizens were shocked Monday when word was passed around about noon that James Frye had committed suicide by shooting himself with his shotgun.

His son, Virgil, returned about noon from the country and found a note on the table written by his father and stating that his body was in the wood house and to notify various parties. Mr. Frye had placed the muzzle of the gun against his chest and used a piece of string tied to the trigger as a means of firing the gun.

James Thomas Frye was born May 6, 1868 at New Windsor, Ill. and died at his home in Arlington on February 15, 1937.

He came to Nebraska with his parents in 1877 and resided in Douglas County for the greater part of sixty years.

He was united in marriage on December 23, 1902, to Clara Widgery in Omaha. His wife preceded him in death four years ago.

He is survived by six children, Jonas Frye of Valley, Mrs. Henry Peterson of Weston, Lawrence Frye of Elk City, Mrs. Ralph Decker, Henry and Virgil Frye of Arlington; one granddaughter, Kay Corrine Frye of Elk City; two brothers Jonas A. Frye of Omaha and Samuel A. Frye of Emerson.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Ralph P. Rasmussen of Arlington, assisted by Rev. Harold Baker, at the Elk City Methodist church at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon. Therlo Reckmeyer sang two solos, ”Sometime, Somewhere We’ll Understand” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Mrs. Lester Somers accompanied him at the piano.

Pallbearers were Richard Melvard, Pete Farrens, Arthur Gifford and Bern Decker of Arlington, Sam Wilke and Henry Gelston of Elk City.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #107561394

Printed in the Washington County Enterprise on 2/18/1937


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