William KOPLIN, a well known farmer aged about 65, and residing about a mile from Engelsville, hanged himself in the barn on Tuesday morning. He fastened one end of a rope to the rung of a ladder leading to a mow overhead and placed the other end around his neck after which he either jumped or descended the ladder till the rope tightened around the neck and the feet about touched the floor. Mr. KOPLIN arose about 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning and went to the barn to feed his stock as usual. About an hour later he had not returned for breakfast. Mrs. KERNS, a neighbor, who had prepared breakfast, called him when it was ready, but receiving no reply, she went to the barn in search of Mr. KOPLIN, and was horrified to find the body hanging almost lifeless. She was too excited to cut him down and ran for help. When assistance came life had departed. The deceased had worried a great deal lately on account of his work, feeling that he could not attend to it properly. In addition to this, his wife had an apoplectic stroke about three weeks ago and was rendered helpless. These matters seemingly preyed on his mind and finally led to the rash act. The wife and one daughter survive. 'Squire Henry DAVIDHEISER, of Gilbertsville, was notified and proceeded to the place. After inquiring into the details of the suicide he did not deem it necessary to hold a formal inquest.
David SCHAEFFER, aged 82, of Kutztown, father of N.C. SCHAEFFER, Superintendent of Public Instruction, died on Monday of illness incident to old age. Deceased was a farmer by occupation. He was a charter member of the board of trustees of the Keystone State Normal School and served continuously in that capacity since the founding of the institution till his death. He is survived by five sons, all of whom are professional men.
Charles SMITH, of Sumneytown, died on Friday, aged 83 years. He was sickly during the last eight years from a sunstroke. Interment was made on Thursday at the Sumneytown church. Rev. W.B. FOX officiated.
Ellen NACE, the eight-year-old daughter of Abraham and Lizzie NACE, of Steinsburg, died last Monday of Diphtheria, and was buried last Thursday at the West Swamp Mennonite cemetery. There was no service at the house on account of the disease.
Myrtle CHRISTMAN, youngest daughter of John and Laura CHRISTMAN, of Gratersford, died on Sunday of marasmus and pneumonia. The funeral was held privately on Monday and interment was made in the Evangelical Church cemetery.
Henry SNYDER, a retired and highly respected citizen of Green Lane died after a short illness on Thursday morning at his home. He attended services conducted by Rev. FETTER in chapel on Sunday a week ago for the last time, and then seemed in good spirits. He will be buried on Wednesday.
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