Mary Swanson, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Mary Swanson
SUICIDE.
Mrs. Mary Swanson Shuffles of This Mortal Coil with "Rough on Rats."
On Friday, Nov. 27th Mrs. Mary Swanson, wife of Chas. Swanson a well-to-do farmer living 2 miles south of old Porter, died from the effects of a dose of poison administered by herself. 56 years and 10 months.
On the morning of that day it appears that Mrs. Swanson had determined to take the poison; and to mislead the family, complained of having a pain in her side, and told her husband she did not think she would live very long. Mr. S. thought but little of it, as she often complained, and after finishing his breakfast, went to the field to work as usual. Returning at noon, however, he found his wife in a very percarious condition. He immediately sent for a physician. Dr. Miller getting there about 12:30 p. m. finding her cold, almost rigid, and cyanosed, that is of a bluish cast all over for want of proper oxidation of the blood or return of it through the venus system.
The family thought Mrs. Swanson had taken something poisonous, judging from the remark she made in the morning, and from the daughter, aged 16, who saw her have a cup and spoon about 9 o'clock, just a short time before she manifested very severe syptoms. But even then they did not apprehend anything serious the matter. The physician questioned Mrs. Swanson, who was still able to talk. She admitted taking a spoonful of something from a box in the other room, but could not tell what it was. Search was then made, but the box could not be found. The daughter then asked her mother where it was, and she was told 'in the summer kitchen.' Looking there a box of rat poison (Rough on Rats) was found partly empty. This being shown her, Mrs. Swanson said "that was the stuff she took." She had taken a spoonful. When she was asked why she had done this she answered "I feel so sad and sorry sometimes." To the question if she would like to get well, replied, "yes, if I can" and took the remedies taken readily.
Counsel was deemed advisable and Dr. Green was summoned, who arrived in a short time, but all efforts were unavailing, so much of the poison having been absorbed into the circulation, and at about 4 o'clock p. m. she expired.
Why Mrs. Swanson committed the rash act, hard is to say. Surely not from want, as the family are comfortably situated in life, so much so that she could have lived in perfect ease the remainder of her days. It is said that she occasionally had gloomy and dispondent spells, and probably was in one of these moods when she took the poison.
The whole family are highly respected by all who knew them and this calamity is a hard blow on them. The remains were buried last Sunday.
Newspaper: The Tribune
Date of Publication: December 3, 1885
Volume Number: 2
Issue Number: 36
Page: 1
Column(s): 5
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook