Many immigrants came to this country in search of a better life. Some of our pioneers found it; others worked hard but never found the satisfaction and success that was part of their dream. Whether one became a prominent citizen, a lumberjack, or a tradesman, if they came here in our infant years, they were all pioneers of Bemidji.
Axel Frick, woodsman, worked in lumber industry. He never married. Single. Died by hanging with suicidal intent. Buried at Poor farm on Feb 9, 1938. Signed off by Charles Vandesluis, County Coroner.
Axel Frick Hangs Self on Home-Made Gallows
Longtime Resident of Bemidji Leaves Note Saying He did Not Want to Live Longer
Leaving a note saying, “I don’t want to live any longer,” Axel Frick, 68-year-old long-time resident of Bemidji, looped a piece of clothesline around his neck and hanged himself from the rafters of his home on Bachelors’ Hill, west of the city, sometime early Monday.
Neighbors found the body about 10 a.m. Monday. Frick had used a piece of cordwood for a beam of his homemade gallows, fitted the noose about his neck and stepped off a chair. Dr. Charles Vandersluis, Beltrami county coroner called to the scene, cut the body down and called an undertaker.
Outside of the note, there was no evidence of a motive for the suicide other than Frick’s explanation that he was tired of living. There will be no formal investigation.
The note, written in Swedish, said “I don’t want to live any longer. Alex Swanstrom should have my house and land.” Swanstrom is a friend living in the Bachelor Hill district.
Frick apparently was not in need. His house was tidy and well-kept and there was enough food to keep him for some time, besides adequate clothing. He received aid through the county old age assistance department. Several friends came to his home Sunday night to talk and listen to the radio.
Born in Sweden on April 11, 1869, he came to the United States 46 years ago. He had lived in the Bemidji region during most of that time earning a living as a lumberjack in the camps here until the big lumbering interests moved west.
He had not married and it is not known whether he had any living relatives in this country or not. The body was removed to the McGrath and Pickett Funeral chapel until arrangements can be made for the funeral. (Bemidji Daily Pioneer, Feb 7, 1938)
No relatives were located. The funeral was held with a few friends present. He had come to Bemidji in 1898.