Was He from Baltimore?

New York, 1895

The body of a man was found floating in Flushing Creek Monday afternoon. It is so badly decomposed that it is unrecognizable and had evidently been in the water about six months. The body was in dark clothes of good material. In the pockets were found a match box with the name "J. G. McShane" engraved on it, and a business card with the name "R. Stuart Littlepage, with Henry McShane manufacturing company, Baltimore, Md."

Tuesday the remains were identified as those of R. S. Littlepage, a traveling salesman for the McShane company of Baltimore, who mysteriously disappeared February 5. He was last seen on the morning of that day on the deck of the steamboat New Hampshire of the Stonington line, on the way down Long Island sound to New York. When the steamboat reached her dock in New York it was discovered that Littlepage was not then among the passengers. His coat was found in his stateroom, with a five dollar bill and letters in one of his pockets. All his other clothing was gone, together with his satchel. Two weeks previously Mr. Littlepage had left Baltimore on a trip to New England. He was returning home when he disappeared.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 2.

UPSET IN LITTLE HELL GATE.

New York, 1895

One of Four Persons Drowned — Another Swam Ashore.

Edward Doehn and William Madden of New York went out rowing in the sound Sunday with Thomas Dalton and James Smith, who live on an ice boat. Their boat had two sets of oars, and each took one oar. On their return through Little Hell Gate the tide was against them. When they were in the second eddy their boat drifted against a rock and upset.

The four men got on the upturned boat. Doehn slipped off finally, and was drowned. Smith swam to Randall's Island. The other two men were picked up by a boat.

Patrick J. Casey of Long Island City fell into the Harlem river Sunday. His back struck on a spile, and this incapacitated him from swimming. George Darling jumped in to rescue him, and Policeman Calhane got a rope and pulled them both out.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.

PUSHED OVERBOARD AND DROWNED.

New York, 1895

Charles Davis the Victim of an Unmerciful Captain.

William Adamson, Captain of a barge owned by William A. Price of New York, is locked up in the Town Hall at Flushing, charged with responsibility for the death of Charles Davis, 18 years old, who was drowned from the barge Monday afternoon.

Capt. Adamson tied up at the dye works dock Monday morning with a load of coal for the dye works. He hired Charles Davis and Pleasant Harris to assist in unloading the coal. After working several hours the young men got overheated and decided to take a bath. They sat down on the edge of the barge to rest. The Captain walked up behind the young men, and with the, remark "If you're going to take a swim, why don't you do it?" pushed Davis overboard. He sank instantly.

Harris called on the captain to save the youth's life, but, with a laugh, the captain went back to his work. Harris ran ashore and asked Capt. Hance to arrest Adamson. Hance thought the youth was fooling and paid no attention.

Deputy Sheriff Methven went immediately to the dock and arrested Capt. Adamson. The creek was dragged, and the body of Davis was recovered.

—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, June 28, 1895, p. 1.

Good Fortune Saves Child

1916

Taken From Cistern Apparently Dead — Doctor Passing.

GUELPH, Ontario, Canada. — While playing around the yard the 2-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce McPhail of Rockwood fell into a deep cistern in which there was about four feet of water. Other children gave the alarm, and help was soon at hand.

Fred Hamilton went down in the cistern and got hold of the child, but efforts to get them both out failed, with the result that the little fellow fell back into the water. E. Carton descended to the bottom of the cistern, and finding the child, managed to hold it above the water until those above were able to pull it to the surface. When taken out the little one was black in the face and apparently dead.

With rare good fortune a doctor was seen passing the house, and he lost no time in starting measures for resuscitation. It was some time before his efforts were successful, but eventually the child was restored.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 5.

Her Heroism Defies Skirts

1916

Woman, Fully Dressed, Saves Girl From Drowning.

TRENTON, N. J. — Without stopping to take off her skirt, Mrs. Sadie Carr of Brookville leaped into the Delaware River and saved a 19-year-old girl.

A Y.W.C.A. party is camping at Brookville and several members went swimming. Miss Jeannette Paul, a stenographer, became frightened when she found herself far from shore, and screamed. So did the other girls.

Mrs. Carr, who lives in a bungalow near by, ran out and saw the girl. Without a moment's hesitation she plunged in and brought Miss Paul to shore. Stimulants were given the girl, and she was soon able to return to camp with her friends.

—The Saturday Blade, Sept. 16, 1916, p. 3.

Froze To Death Before A Crowd

Printed Jan. 1908

Friends Unable To Give Aid

Providence, Rhode Island — In view of 200 persons who were powerless to extend aid, Alfred Jackson, aged 22, a Providence clerk, was frozen to death while his right foot was imprisoned by a rock on which he was standing under the falls of the Pawtucket river, in Pawtucket, the other afternoon.

Jackson, his brother Arthur, aged 20, and Earl T. Mathewson, aged 19, of East Providence, left the Pawtucket Canoe clubhouse about three o'clock and paddled slowly down stream. When just above the falls they allowed the canoe to drift too near the edge and were carried over. All were thrown into the water. Alfred Jackson was able to reach a half-submerged rock at the foot of the falls, grasped his brother Arthur, and kept him from drowning, although the water from the falls fell on them.

Finally persons on shore threw a line. Alfred caught it and fastened it around his brother, Arthur, who, shorter than himself, was gasping in water that was up to his chin. Arthur was pulled ashore and so was Mathewson, who had floated down stream.

They were removed to the Rhode Island hospital in a critical condition from exposure.

Alfred Jackson in the meanwhile remained standing up to his waist in water close under the falls, and when the rescuers threw a line to him expecting to pull him to a place of safety, they found they were unable to move him.

In the roar of the cataract his shouts could not be heard, but it was evident that his feet had been caught under water.

Several attempts were made to rescue him. Adelard Potvin, the strongest man in the village, popularly known as "Nervy Nat," risked his own life by climbing out hand over hand on a slender rope to the side of the drowning man. When he reached Alfred Jackson's side he used all of his great strength in a useless attempt to release the captive foot from the treacherous crevice, but, chilled to the marrow, he was forced to give up the attempt, crying like a baby when he realized that his work had resulted in nothing.

Dr. Clinton Westcott attempted to reach the perishing lad, and almost lost his life by a boat upsetting.

For two hours the rescuers worked hard and valiantly, Jackson standing calmly under the fall up to his armpits in water and the spray breaking over him, awaiting his doom bravely and uncomplainingly.

Finally, frozen stiff, the unconscious body sunk in the foamy waters, only a white life-buoy bobbing up and down in the water marking the place where he had gone down.

Squirrels Raid An Attic

1915

Confiscate Winter Supply of Black Walnuts, But Family Capitulates

Huntington, Indiana — A squadron of flyers has laid siege to and captured one stronghold in the heart of the residence district of Huntington. The besiegers have appropriated a winter's stock of supplies and those assailed have capitulated.

The squadron comprises a number of flying squirrels. A winter's supply of walnuts was scented in the attic at the home of Clinton Butler, an Erie engineer. An opening into the attic was discovered and possession taken by the squirrels. The scamperings of the squirrels were heard by the Butler family during the day and their chatter disturbed the sleep of the family at night. Investigation resulted in solving the disappearance of the nuts.

In an effort to win the friendship of the little animals food is set out for them.


Flower Stems Saved Her Life

Newport, Kentucky — Mrs. Ida Muth owes her escape from death by drowning to a large bunch of withered canna stalks and flowers she intended throwing away. She stepped upon the cover of an abandoned cistern, which gave way and she plunged into 12 feet of water. The canna stalks proved buoyant and for many minutes they kept her head above water. Her screams brought help.

Horse Saves a Child

1906

Pet Animal Seizes Little Girl's Dress with His Teeth and Drags Her from Canal

Jersey City, N. J. — According to a story told to the Jersey City police the other day by Mrs. John Patrino, of 315 Pamrapo avenue, her three-year-old daughter Anna was saved from drowning by a horse named Charley, which is owned by her husband. The house and stable are near the Morris canal, and Anna is in the habit of playing on the canal bank.

The horse, which was a pet of the child, was running up and down the field, when Mrs. Patrino saw the child topple over into the water. She ran screaming to the canal, but before she reached it, she says, Charley had seized the child's dress with his teeth and dragged her to safety. As the mother reached them Charley set the child gently at her feet.

When Patrino heard his wife's statement he said Charley should have a padded stall and an extra feed of oats every day of his life. The police Were inclined to doubt Mrs. Patrino's story, but it was corroborated by two of her neighbors.


Housewife for Every Soldier

The war department has decided to furnish every soldier in the army with a housewife. This announcement though made with full authority, need cause no flutter of joy in their hearts of the waiting army of spinsters, for the "housewife" is not to be the helpmeet and partner that the bond of matrimony gives to man, but only a part of the soldier's kit. It will not exceed four ounces in weight and will contain assorted buttons, thread, needles, safety pins, ordinary pins, and if practicable, a small pair of scissors.

Peg Leg Foils Texan's Attempt at Suicide

1920

Wooden Prop Sticks in River Bank and Stops His Plunge

Is Sued for Fish Slain in His Mad Scramble to Swim Out

SHIRO, Texas, Feb. 26. — John Relmer's peg leg not only prevented him from ending his life here, but landed him in jail on a charge of wanton destruction of private property. Relmer is 40 years old, and has been wearing a wooden leg of the peg variety for twenty-one years. Lately his physical disability has prevented him from earning a comfortable living on the farms or in this little town. He had had a hard winter of it and to add to his misfortunes he took the "flu."

Finally he decided he would end it all.

Relmer decided it would be easier to go via the water route. He knew of such a pleasant place where the blue waters were deep and the banks mossy and shady. It was in the field of J. G. Anderson, a prosperous farmer and fish breeder.

But here's the strange part of the story. When Relmer made up his mind, he at once hobbled over to the place he had selected to end it all. He wrote a little note and laid it on the bank, telling the people why he drowned himself. Then he leaped toward the still, blue water, peg leg and all. That blasted peg leg stuck in the bank of the stream and Relmer's troubles began to double!

Before he could wrench the peg out of the soft bank he had changed his mind about dying. He decided he would begin life anew, provided he could get out. He finally pulled the peg out of the mud, but found the bank so steep he could not climb it. There was nothing to do but swim across to the other side.

Here's more trouble, real trouble, was added to Relmer's burdens. With that peg leg as he swam across the stream he clubbed several of Mr. Anderson's fine fish to death. They were his breeding fish and he had paid a fancy price for them. When he found the dead fish with their head and bodies beaten up and the note Relmer left on the bank he discovered what killed his fish. Anderson had Relmer arrested.

"He should have more sense than to try to drown himself in my fish pond," said Anderson. "Even if he had succeeded it would have injured my fish. He should have tried a rope and a limb."

"I didn't intend to kill the fish," said Relmer, "but I'm glad I'm alive."

Insane Folk Rescue Four From Drowning

Insane Folk Rescue Four From Drowning

1916

Dive Into River Near Illinois Hospital and Save Women

Kankakee, Ill., July 29. — The heroism of three male patients of the state insane hospital and an attendant saved four women from drowning in the Kankakee river near the hospital yesterday, Miss Rose Homolka of Braidwood, a nurse at the hospital, was drowned before help could reach her. The other women were taken out of the river unconscious. Miss Homolka's body was not located for thirty-five minutes after she sank and all efforts to revive her were futile.

Five young women attendants at the institution had gone to the river to bathe. The girls who made up the party were Miss Homolka, Marie Wesley, Elia Clanahan, Nettie Sima, and Cuma McMorris. Miss Homolka, who was the only one of the part who could swim, was teaching the others. She had assisted one of the women to a considerable distance from the shore when suddenly she stepped into deep water. Both Miss Homolka and the young woman with her became excited and floundered about calling for help. Two of the party who were near the bank in shallow water bravely went to their rescue and in the excitement all got beyond their depth and, not being able to swim, floundered about helplessly, crying for aid.

Attendant Bert White and two male patients, who were assisting him with some work at the icehouse, ran at once to the spot, where they were joined by O'Donnell, another patient. All four of the men went to the rescue, but had great difficulty getting the women ashore, three of the women being unconscious when landed.

—The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, Indiana, July 29, 1916, page 2.

Death and Sadness in the News

Iowa, 1898

STATE NEWS

John Burk was instantly killed in a horse race at Winthrop, Iowa.

Mrs. Mary Christensen of Council Bluffs has gone insane through worry.

Charles Andrews, aged 20, was drowned while bathing in the Coon River at Farnhamville.

It is supposed that the four weeks' old child of J. W. Warford of Des Moines came to its death by reason of a wound inflicted by a pin near its ear.

John Gibbins, a switchman at Ottumwa, was struck by an engine in the yards at that city and injured so severely that he died within a short time.

While the little daughter of Mr. Gullander, living near Denison, was leaning over a fence of a hog lot, the animals caught her by the dress and pulled her over. She was twice severely bitten before being rescued.

Horse, the 7-year-old son of James Maualtt of Brooklyn, was playing with a number of companions, the game being practice in throwing the lasso. The rope was thrown over his head and tightened with a quick jerk, throwing the little fellow to the ground, breaking the collar bone and rupturing a blood vessel in the head. The little fellow died in about three hours.

--Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, September 6, 1898, page 7.

Horse is Drowned in City Street

1920

Animal Sinks in Slush and Water 5 Feet Deep

MANCHESTER, N. H. — Alderman John Dana French lost one of a pair of roan horses, valued at $400, when the team sank through the honeycombed ice and slush on a residence street, East Manchester, and the horse went out of sight in four and one-half feet of water. The driver, Joe Beauais, was injured and suffered from exposure in the cold, slush and water while trying to save the animals.

The other animal of the pair was saved from death by the heroic efforts of the driver who, using some boards from the nearby dump, made an improvised boat and reached the animal, which was then in about four feet of water. He cut all the harness from the animal's back, thus allowing the horse to be dragged to safety later by a rope, which was attached to its back.

The central station of the fire department was notified of the accident and Chief French and Deputy Chief Merrill went to the scene to offer all possible assistance. But it was too late, for the horse in trying to get out of the position into which it had so suddenly dropped, fought harder to relieve itself only to become entangled in the harness and sink beneath the surface.

—The Saturday Blade, Chicago, March 27, 1920, page 2.

Civil War Veteran Starves to Death

1912

TOO PROUD TO BEG; STARVES TO DEATH

By the United Press Associations.

Chicago, Ill., Dec. 17.—Harry West, 70, a veteran of the civil war, was found starved to death in a little room in a lodging house today. In his hand was clasped a button of the Grand Army of the Republic. He had been too proud to ask help.


YOUTHFUL SKATER DIES IN LAKE WINNEBAGO

Menasha, Wis., Dec. 17.—Paul Marx 11 years old, was drowned in Lake Winnebago when he skated into an air hole. Nothing was known of the accident until twenty-four hours later when a boy companion who was with the Marx boy at the time notified Mr. and Mrs. Marx. The body has been recovered.


CRIPPLE DROWNS

Necedah, Wis., Dec. 17. — Charles McGuire a cripple, 17 years old, was drowned through the ice on the Yellow river. He was pushing himself about the ice on a sled and it is supposed crashed through thin ice.

—The Daily Commonwealth, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, December 17, 1912, page 1.

Deaf and Dumb, Insane 42 Years, Ends His Life

1913

ESCAPES ASYLUM BY SUICIDE

Pauper, Born Deaf and Dumb, Ends Long Life As Public Charge

BEACON, N. Y., Nov. 12 — Levi Bodine, deaf and dumb since his birth in an almshouse sixty-five years ago, committed suicide today by leaping into an ice pond of the Matteawan State Hospital, where he was an inmate. Forty-two years of his life had been spent in insane asylums. Bodine was born in the Ulster County almshouse and taken from there by a respectable farmer whom he later killed. At his trial he was declared insane and was committed to Auburn. He was one of the first patients to arrive in Matteawan when this hospital was opened.

—The Indianapolis Star, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 13, 1913, page 15.

Night Watchman Wants Vacation, Kills Himself

Waukesha, Wisconsin, 1915

AN EVERLASTING VACATION

Watchman at Walworth Almshouse Jumps From Water Tower at Night

On last Sunday evening, says The Elkhorn Independent, August Belk, employed at the county farm as night watch jumped to his death from a window in the fourth story of the water tower. He has been an employee of the county, working at the county farm for the past five years. For several years he has been in poor health and lately has been speaking of taking a vacation.


PATIENT LEAPS TO HIS DEATH

Wm. Blessing of Milwaukee a Suicide at Oconomowoc Resort

William A. Blessing of Milwaukee was drowned in a pond on the Tweeden farm near Okauchee last Wednesday afternoon, says the Oconomowoc Enterprise.

Mr. Blessing went to a sanitarium here a few weeks ago as a mental patient. On Wednesday while out for a walk, accompanied by a nurse, Miss Margaret Bauer, he broke away, through a fence and into this pond. Miss Bauer was almost as quick as her patient and ran into the water after him, and her calls for assistance brought Melvin Tweeden to her aid, but Mr. Blessing had drowned before they could get him out.

He was 48 years of age and leaves a wife. The remains were taken to Milwaukee on Thursday.


AUTO WRECKS HORSE RIG

Pitches Wagon From Road and Driver Refuses to Lend Aid

Charles Flemming, while returning to his home from Menomonee Falls last Tuesday evening, narrowly escaped serious injury. His horse became frightened at an oncoming auto and threw the rig and the four occupants into the ditch. No one was seriously injured though the buggy was wrecked. The auto stopped but it is said, refused to convey the people in the wreck to their home. The accident happened near the home of W. P. Connell on the county line and aid was given by members of that family.


JITNEY SMASH AT MENOMONEE

Glaring Headlight Causes Bus Driver To Leave Road and Wreck Car

Menomonee Falls News—Last Sunday night, with seven passengers in his jitney, Milton A. Perrin, had a serious accident, resulting in the total wreck of his car.

According to the best accounts the accident which happened near Muensberg's, Fond du Lac road, was due to the glare of an oncoming automobile and a dog crossing the road. The car with its load hit the dog and was ditched.

The first reports that the machine struck a telephone pole were untrue. The pipe connections to the gasoline tank were broken, and it is thought the tail light set the gasoline on fire and soon the machine was a mass of flames. The tank contained about eight gallons of gas.

None of the passengers in the car sustained serious injuries, though some received slight scratches and a bad scare. Dr. Rohr of North Milwaukee was promptly summoned and the passengers were taken to Muensberg's saloon. All of the occupants were later taken to Milwaukee by R. A. German, who also operates a jitney between Menomonee Falls and Milwaukee.

-The Waukesha Freeman, Waukesha, Wisconsin, August 19, 1915, page 6.

Swimming Cat Saves 9 U.S. Sailors

1920

Feline's Instinct Leads Crew of Boat to Safety

GRANGEMOUTH, Firth of Forth, Scotland, March 25. -- Nine men of the crew of the American steamer Lake Eliko were saved from drowning recently by the instinct of the ship's cat to swim toward the steamer in a storm and darkness when their small boat foundered at midnight between the ship and the shore. John Shortne, 33, a sailor of Marlboro, Mass., and Gilmer Stroud, 17, the messroom boy, of North Carolina, were drowned.

The eleven members of the crew had been ashore on leave. They had with them the ship's cat. A storm began while they were ashore, and when they were some distance out on their return journey to the steamer the boat capsized.

In the darkness no one could make out the lights of the ship. Tabby, however, with her instinctive desire to get out of the water as quickly as possible, swam directly toward the steamer. The men swam after her and nine of them reached the ship. The other two went down.

The Lake Eliko cleared for Norfolk, Va.

--The Saturday Blade, Chicago, March 27, 1920, page 1.

Man Drowns In River, Friends on Bank Thought He Was "Fooling"

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 1909--

RESULT OF A BLAST.

Thrown Into the Sioux River by an Explosion and was Drowned Before He Could be Rescued.

Sioux Falls, S. D., Aug. 17—Harold Clein, who only about two weeks ago came to Sioux Falls and accepted a position with the Bennett Light and Power company, was drowned this afternoon as the result of being thrown into the Big Sioux river by the force of a blast which himself and other workmen had set off in the granite bank of the river. It appears that Clein, when off duty, had been accustomed to perform a number of stunts in the water for the edification of his companions, and that when he virtually was blown into the river and floundered around in the effort to save himself his companions believed he was only "fooling" and did not go to his assistance until too late. No blame whatever attaches to the company, as the usual precautions were taken before the blast was fired. With the exception of a brother, who worked with him, the dead man had no relatives in the west so far as known.

--Weekly State Spirit and Dakota Huronite, Huron, South Dakota, August 26, 1909, page 4.


A Separated Separator.

Hurley, S. D., Aug. 16.—Annie Nelson, the daughter of a well known farmer living near Hurley, was injured in a peculiar manner. A cream separator being run at high speed by her brother suddenly went to pieces. The disks in the separating tank were revolving at tremendous speed and they were hurled with great velocity all over the room. The flying fragments cut Miss Nelson severely about the face and neck, though the injuries will not prove fatal. Her younger brother, who was turning the crank, was also injured, but not so severely.

--Weekly State Spirit and Dakota Huronite, Huron, South Dakota, August 26, 1909, page 4.

Railroad Workers: Sick Children and Some Die

Huron, South Dakota, 1909--

Among the Railroad Workers

Happenings in Shop and Home

Engineer Vance has been on sick list for some days.

E. G. Ball has been constructing cement walks at his residence, 611 Frank.

Miss Linnie Kesler was quite sick the last of last week.

The Infant child of Conductor Gross, who has been quite ill is said to be entirely out of danger.

Little Howard Rilplogal, the infant son of Walter Riplogal is under the care of Dr. Foxton. He is suffering from bowel trouble, as are so many little ones this weather.

Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Ball, parents Mrs. G. R. Dickson and E. G. Ball are visiting at the Dickson home. They arrived Monday evening from Egan, S. D., where another daughter lives. During the last year Mr. and Mrs. Ball have traveled in the southern and eastern portions of the United States and after a short visit here will probably tour the western states.

No. 16 came running two sections this morning, owing to the many Elks en route to their convention.

T. F. Keater has been laying for several days.

Mr. Joseph Thorsness has taken a 30-day leave of absence and gone to North Dakota, where he will, perhaps run a threshing engine.

Harry, the little nephew of Mr. Koerner (the foreman of the Co. blacksmith shops) was drowned while fishing with a crowd of little boys Monday forenoon. Harry has made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Koerner for two years since the death of his mother and they have come to look upon the boy as almost their own. He was a bright and winning little fellow and will be missed by his little playmates. The sympathy of all is with Mr. and Mrs. Koerner in this affliction.

Margarette Adell Dickson, only daughter of George R. and Margarette B. Dickson, passed away Saturday morning, August 14th, aged seven months and four days. The little one was suffering with ilio-colitis aggravated by the intensely hot weather and the fact that she was teething; she lingered but a few days after the illness manifested itself. All that loving hearts and helpful hands could do, all that medical science could lend was taxed to the uttermost but the mission of the little life had been fulfilled and the angels whispered softly, in her ear — "Child, thy Father calls thee, stay not here," as they gently bore her, robed in shining white to their blissful realms of light. At two o'clock Sunday afternoon funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Rifenbark, who spoke most beautifully from the text — "Suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." The choir rendered "Sometime we'll understand" and "Safe in the arms of Jesus" while a friend sang "Beautiful Baby hands." Sympathizing friends filled the house with blossoms and beautiful floral emblems were received from both the B. of L. F. & E. and Prairie Rose No. 5.

God never does nor suffers to be done aught but what we ourselves would choose if we could see the end of all events as well as He.

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R. Dickson wish to tender their heartfelt thanks to the friends and neighbors who assisted so kindly, and aided in so many ways during the last illness of their beloved little daughter and especially to express sincere gratitude to Prairie Rose lodge, to the B. of L. F. & E., and to Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Eldridge, Mrs. Thorsness and Mr. Kester particular for their untiring efforts in her behalf.

--Weekly State Spirit and Dakota Huronite, Huron, South Dakota, August 19, 1909, page 1.


DEATH OF BABY GIRL.

Seven Months Old Child of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Dickson Died Suddenly This Morning.

Margarette Adell Dickson, aged seven months and four days, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Dickson died suddenly this morning at 8:35 o'clock of ilio-colitis. The little one was taken sick on Monday morning, but yesterday was thought to be improved and today appeared to be almost recovered, when at eight o'clock she was taken with convulsions and died in a short time. She was a happy natured child and one that everyone loved, and the sincere sympathy of all will be extended to her parents.

The funeral services were held from the house at 617 Frank street at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon. Four young ladies acted as the pall-bearers.

--Weekly State Spirit and Dakota Huronite, Huron, South Dakota, August 26, 1909, page 4.

Comment: Even though the article of the 26th says she died "this morning," obviously the funeral was a Sunday past, and the first article says she died August 14. So it just took a little while to get this formal obituary in the paper.

The Razor Was Still Clutched in Her Hand

----------
MRS. BAILEY CUTS THROAT WITH RAZOR

Suicide of the Wife of a Young Morgan County Farmer.

SHE HAD BEEN DESPONDENT

And Her Suicide Is Attributed to Insanity.

HER BODY FOUND YESTERDAY MORNING

The Razor Was Still Clutched in the Hand -- Suicide Caused a Sensation.

Madison, Ga., January 13.-(Special.)- News was received over a private telephone wire from Moxeys, Ga., this morning concerning a sensational suicide which occurred there last night. Mrs. T. B. Bailey, wife of a prominent young farmer, who resided at Moxeys, cut her throat with a razor. When found about 9 o'clock her body was in a woodshed cold and stiff in death, the razor still in her hand. Her mind is supposed to have been unbalanced, as she was gloomy and despondent several days previous to her death. She leaves a little babe two months old. The affair created quite a sensation in that section.

--The Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Georgia, January 14, 1900, page 4.



HER LOVE AFFAIR CAUSES SUICIDE

Miss Lena Mierson of Marinette, Takes a Dose of Corrosive Sublimate.

Marinett, Wis., Jan. 26-[Special Telegram] - Miss Lena Mierson, a domestic employed at the home of A. D. Curtis, committed suicide last night. She took corrosive sublimate. She refused to take antidotes. Disappointment over a love affair was the cause.

--The Daily Gazette, Janesville, Wisconsin, January 26, 1900, page 1.



Kills Baby and Self.

Mrs. Valentine Roullier, committed suicide at Two Rivers by drowning, taking with her her two-year-old daughter. The bodies were recovered. The cause of the deed is attributed to constant worrying because her husband intended to take up farming, to which she had a decided aversion.

--Monroe Weekly Times, Monroe, Wisconsin, October 18, 1900, page 3.

Edna Brown Despondent Over Mother's "Career," Drowns Herself

----------
DRIVEN TO SUICIDE

Pretty Edna Brown, Well Known in Newark and Granville, Despondent Over Her Mother's Career Drowns Herself at Zanesville in the Muskingum River.

Word was received in Newark late Friday of the suicide of Miss Edna Brown, a charming young woman who was a student in Shepardson college from 1894-96, frequently visited Newark friends. The story of the sad affair follows:

Miss Edna Brown aged 22 years committed suicide by jumping into the Muskingum river. The body was recovered at about noon and was taken to the home of her aunt, Mrs. Orville N. Townsend, with whom she lived for the past 12 years. The motive ascribed for the suicide is temporary insanity caused by constant morbidness due to the conduct of her mother, Mrs. Lizzie Brown.

Thursday evening about 9 o'clock the young woman, with her sister Miss Cora, retired for the night, occupying separate beds in the same room. Not until breakfast was ready was she missed. As soon as her absence was learned an investigation was begun and at about the same time it was reported that a woman's hat and a ten-cent piece were found on the river bank. They were identified and a search of the river bed was begun.

Before leaving the Townsend residence Edna placed a new pair of gloves, her purse and a photograph on the hall stand and moved the stand to the front of the steps. She took only the ten cent piece with her and it is presumed that she started out with the intention of purchasing some drug, but finding the stores closed went to the river.

The young woman, who attended the Shepardson college at Granville, and graduated from the Putnam Seminary three years ago, has been employed in the art studio of the Weller Pottery for the past two years. While going back and forth to the seminary and the pottery she was compelled to pass the resort kept by her mother, and she frequently returned to the Townsend house in tears, and exclaimed that she would have to turn her face in an opposite direction to keep from seeing the shameful life which her mother leads, the Brown House on Muskingum avenue being most notorious.

It was this constant shame and disgrace from which she could not escape that caused Edna Brown to become despondent, and when she was stricken ill a week ago from the effects of a carbuncle on her forehead she appeared to give more thought to her mother's career. The swelling caused from the carbuncle prevented her from reading, sewing or painting, and she had much time to think of her troubles.

Edna Brown, a pretty little brunette, was a social favorite in Zanesville, no function in society circles being considered complete without the presence of herself and her sister. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend took the Brown sisters from their mother 12 years ago, and have given them a home which wealth makes happy and refined. The young ladies have been carefully trained and educated and society has taken them in and treated them with a hearty consideration calculated to drive away their natural inclination to despondency. But Edna ever seemed to fear that the world in its baser mood kept a finger of shame pointing toward her. A bright companionable girl, she had little to wish for had it not been for the influence which her mother's life had upon her. It was the one great sorrow that overshadowed her every pleasure. The unfortunate mother, upon learning of her daughter's sad death, became hysterical, but her grief was quite in contrast with the tears of love and affection that streamed from the eyes of Mrs. Townsend when the frail little body was carried into her home. Mrs. Brown's wailings aroused the neighborhood, but there was none to sympathize with her grief.

It has even been said that Mrs. Brown with one or more of her boon companions, has been wont to promenade in front of the Townsend residence frequently. Her husband, who was of a good family, died about 15 years ago, and it was after his death that the woman adopted the life she now leads.

Before leaving her home Edna put on a walking skirt, a silk waist, jacket, walking shoes and white kid gloves. She was scantily clad.

At the last ball of the Assembly Dancing Club two weeks ago, Edna Brown wore a fashionable gown of pale blue, and her dark hair was dressed in Janice Meredith style. Her splendid beauty was frequently commented upon. She seemed unusually happy and bright. Her tragic death and the sad circumstances surrounding it have caused universal gloom.

A sequel of the tragedy may be found in the threats against her mother. The woman will probably be compelled to leave the city.

--Newark Daily Advocate, Newark, Ohio, December 15, 1900, page 7.