JOHN SHANKS TAKE HIS LIFE BY HANGING.

On Sunday afternoon March 9, 1919 the community was shacked and grieved to hear of the death by hanging of Mr. John Shanks. Mr. Shanks had been in poor health for some time, having lost his mind, which undoubtedly caused him to hang himself. The body was found in his barn Sunday afternoon shortly after the deed was committed.

John Gamble Shanks a highly7 esteemed resident of the city of Greenwood, who during a long and active career has taken a prominent part in the development of the county along various lines, was born in County Down, Ireland, August 19, 1938, son of Hugh and Mary Shanks. In 1842 he together with his parents emigrated to Canada, where he attended a log schoolhouse, accquired his education, and grew to manhood.

On beginning industrial life, he became connected with farming interests gaining Practical experience in everything pertaining to agriculture. In 1863 he came to Clark County with his brothers, who had been here before, and after his arrival began working in the woods, in which manner he was occupied for three years. On Oct. 19, 1866 he was married to Margaret Ann McMahon, after his marriage Mr. Shanks located, with his wife, 2 miles south of Greenwood on a tract of 160 acres. Later, for about 3 years, he was engaged in lumbering on his own account, and altogether he spent some 15 or 20 years in lumber business, in on occupation or another.

About 1881 he sold his farm and took up his residence in Greenwood where he has since remained. In 1893, Mr. Shanks built the Greenwood House, which he conducted for about 3 years. At the time of his death he was Vice-Pres. of the Greenwood State Bank. Mr. Shanks served as Mayor of Greenwood for four years, and has at different times held township offices. He had no children but he and his wife had an adopted daughter, Grace, who died in Arizona in 1915 at the age of 29.

His heart was always young, and his kind disposition and genial manners, gained for him numerous friends throughout Clark County.

Deceased is survived by his wife and two brothers, Robert of Watertown, S.D., and David of Eau Claire, Wis., besides other relatives and a host of friends.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon with interment in the Greenwood cemetery.

As a mark of respect the business places of the the city were closed during the funeral.

Source: Greenwood Gleaner 3/13/1919