Transient Found Dead in Seager Orchard
Henry DeBea (sic), aged about 65, a transient peach picker, was found dead in the apple orchard of Bernard Seager Tuesday morning about 10 o'clock. He had been employed by Mr. Seager during the peach harvest and had not been seen by anyone since Saturday morning.
Tuesday morning when John Wodtke went to the orchard he found the body lying beneath an apple tree. The only evidence of any kind that might have caused his death was a pint bottle containing a small amount of liquid which smelled strongly of bay rum.
The only information about the man was told by Mr. Wodtke, who stated that Henry had told him that he was raised on a farm near Kankakee, Illinois. When about 27 years of age he married. Shortly after his wife died and he lost everything. He had been a transient ever since.
An inquest was held in the Stonecipher Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon with Frank Woerner serving as foreman of the jury. Other members of the jury were Delbert Burkett, James Green, Thomas Dew, Phil May, and Wm. Hohlt.
A verdict of "natural death from causes unknown" was rendered by the jury.
A sister, Mrs. Lewis Bolduce of Earl Park, Ind., and a brother Steve Dubea of Watseka, Illinois arrived in Farina Wednesday to view the body. Burial was made in the Farina Cemetery Wednesday afternoon.
