Beckham County, OK - Deaths: Al L. McDonald, 1927
21 August 2008
Submitted by: delma25@pldi.net (Delma Tindell)

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MC DONALD, AL L.
(11 Feb 1927, The Carter Express, Carter, Beckham Co, OK):
The citizens of the Retrop and surrounding communities were greatly
shocked Saturday morning when the tragic news was phoned around that Mr.
Al McDonald, a well known farmer of the Retrop community, had taken his
own life that morning by hanging himself in his barn.
Mr. McDonald had gotten up a little early that morning, as reported to us,
and when he went to the barn, Mrs. McDonald thought he had gone over to
her father's Mr. Riley's, so she did not discover the tragedy till some
time later and when she first discovered what had happened she ran over to
her near neighbor's, Mr. O. M. Dodd, Mr. Dodd going over and cutting the
rope and letting the corpse down.
Mr. McDonald leaves a wife and six children to mourn his sad and tragic
death.  The children range in age from 2 months up to 16 years.
The funeral was held at the Poarch cemetery on Sunday afternoon following
his death.  A large crowd of the relatives and friends of the family were
present.
The citizens of the entire country around deeply sympathize with the wife
and children, his father and mother, who reside here in Carter, and other
relatives.
(17 Feb 1927, Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK):
Al L. McDonald, 40 years old, committed suicide at his home 1 1/2 miles
north of Retrop school house Saturday morning by hanging.  His wife found
his body suspended to a rope which was tied to a rafter in the barn.
Mrs. McDonald stated that her husband arose about 6 o'clock Saturday
morning and after building the fires left the house.  At 8:30 she went to
the barn in search of him and discovered the body.  She called J. W. Dodd,
a neighbor, who cut the body down.
Mrs. McDonald said her husband had frequently threatened to commit suicide
and on one occasion had attempted it by hanging.  Their sons cut the rope
and by throwing water in his face revived him.  The deceased was in
financial difficulties and was in depressed spirits most of the time.  A
collection was taken up at the cemetery Sunday morning and given to the
widow.  - Sentinel Leader.

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