Lafayette, Indiana newspaper, ed. unknown
January 27, 1904
CHONKWILER DEAD
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Attempt at Suicide Finally Proves
Successful - Died This Morning
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Marshal Chonkwiler, of Battle Ground, who tried to kill himself on January
8, died at Battle Ground this morning at 9 o'clock. His attempt at suicide
was finally successful. Chonkwiler was taken from St. Elizabeth hospital
last night to Battle Ground, and care for at the home of Henry Watkins, as
noted elsewhere in this paper. Ever since the sensational shooting two
weeks ago, Chonkwiler had been at St. Elizabeth hospital under the care of
Dr. John S. Morrison. It was thought that he would recover and he was taken
to Battle Ground as stated. Dr. Morrison said Chonkwiler refused to have an
operation performed. Dr. Biddle took charge of his case. The suicide will
be remembered as having happened on the Van Natta farm, east of Battle
Ground. Chonkwiler threatened to kill himself, after a discussion with his
wife, and she threw her arm in front of the shotgun, with which he tried to
end his life. Her arm was blown off, and her husband was shot severely.
[Note: Gertrude Shonkwiler was the daughter of Henry Watkins and Jane
Gerard.]