WIDOW FOLLOWS HUSBAND’S ACT WITH SUICIDE
Mrs. Jemima Geise, Urban, whose Mate Shashed Throat Three Months Ago, Strangles Self With Leather Belt
Apparently despondent over the suicide of her husband, Mrs. Jemima Geise, 65, well known resident of Urban, took her own life shortly after noon Monday [28 November 1938] when she strangled herself at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mark Kebach, in Gratz.
Her late husband, George Geise, a prominent resident of Urban, slashed his throat with a razor in the bathtub of his home early in August.
Like her husband, Mrs. Geise, left no reason for the act, and friends and relatives were without an explanation of either suicide. It was stated that Mrs. Geise was enjoying good health, and apparently had no worries other than the death of her mate, thus leading to the supposition that this may have led her to self destruction.
Mrs. Geise resided alone at the old homestead in Urban until three weeks ago when she went to spend more time with her daughter in Gratz. She apparently was in normal spirits in the morning, and went upstairs to look after some chores which she found delight in accomplishing.
No sound was heard from her for some time, and after failing to answer calls, an investigation was made and she was found dead by her daughter in her bedroom. A man’s leather belt was tide tightly around her neck and attached to a bed post. Her body was slumped to the floor.
An inquest was held by Deputy Coroner George Renn, of Dauphin County, at the home later in the afternoon at which time a verdict of “self destruction” was reached, and the body was ordered removed to the parlors of Charles Shaffer, Mandata undertaker.
Mrs. Geise was born and reared in the vicinity of Urban and spent practically he entire lifetime in that section. She was a member of the Lutheran Church and was active in many community affairs.
Surviving are one son, William Geise, of Harrisburg; and one daughter, Mrs. Kebach.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10 o’clock at the home in Urban. Rev. Charles Herman, pastor of the Urban Lutheran Parish, will officiate and interment will be made in the Urban Cemetery. The remains will be taken to the home in Urban, Thursday evening where they may be viewed by friends.
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From the Sunbury Daily Item, 29 November 1938, via Newspapers.com.
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