An aged man of Sugar Valley Monday resorted to the suicidal method of taking himself off. His name was Adam Reuther, and his age was about 85 years. The news of his suicide, which it evidently was, startled the valley and created no little excitement here in Lock Haven, as the man was well known throughout the valley and in this place, having been a resident within Clinton's borders for many years. He, 'tis true, was always a man inclined toward eccentricity, yet those who knew him best did not entertain the most remote idea that he would ever resort to self destruction. He was a man who reared a family and that family is highly respected.
Adam Reuther committed suicide by placing the muzzle of a gun, loaded with a ball, to his left breast, and either used the ramrod or his foot to push the trigger. The ball entered the old man's left breast, near the heart, passed through the body, coming out just below the rear of the right shoulder, from thence lodging itself in the ceiling. The deed was a terrible one, and that the man contemplated suicide is evident from the manner in which he proceeded.
The blood was flowing copiously and all who visited the scene, as far as we have learned, were horrified at the sight.
The man had several children, and at the time of his death was living with his son Hermon, who dwells at Carroll, this county, and where he had recently been making his home, although in his latest years he had gone from the home of one child to another, always to find a welcome.
We are told that he was somewhat distressed in regard to a paper upon which his name appeared and which would soon fall due. As to that we are not positive.
At noon Monday a grandson of the deceased noticed smoke rising from the window of the old gentleman's room. The boy immediately notified his mother, who at once became alarmed and started a tour of investigation. Hastening to the room of the old gentleman she made a horrible discovery. There she saw the man dead. The bed clothing was burned by powder and such a scene as was presented to the surprised and then distracted woman can not be described, and hardly imagined. Deceased was for many years a shoemaker in the valley and has done work for boys who are now gray-haired men. He always was exact in transactions but not unjust. He was consistent inasmuch as he wanted his own and paid for what he got. These facts are given us by a man who knew him for fifty years. At the same time deceased always displayed peculiar actions. The case is a sad one and we extend sincere sympathy to his relatives, among whom is 'Squire Rosser, of Mill Hall, who is a son-in-law.
W. R. Berry, justice of the peace at Loganton, summoned a jury for the purpose of holding an inquest, but the verdict has not as yet been rendered.
From the Clinton County Democrat, 11 Aug 1892.