(401) Frederick Holderhaus , Jan. 24,1896
Verdict: Shortly before noon of the 24th of Jan, 1896 as John
Millholland was walking along the river front between 10th and 13th
streets, New Albany, he chanced into what is called the pit arch, a
building standing on the river bank opposite the glass works when he
discovered the dead body of an old man lying at the far end of the
Arch. An examination showed that the outside white shirt was saturated
with blood. His coat and overcoat and hat were lying close to his head
very much soiled and covered with blood. Near the entrance of the arch
was a pool of blood and a razor lying open beside it. The razor was
bloody. An examination of the body showed a gash in the left wrist
severing the radical artery from which cut, his death was due to
hemorrhage. On the neck was a cut shallow and about an inch long over
the left stem (?) keritoid (?) muscle and several slight cuts
close
beside it. There were several bruises on the head and evidence of a
struggle before death occurred. In his pants pocket was found a closed
knife with blood on the blade. The supposition is that the man had made
an attempt to cut his own throat with the pocket knife, and failing
took the razor and cut the artery in his wrist. In his coat was found a
32 caliber revolver with 3 loaded shells in the chambers. His name was
Frederick Holderhaus and his home was in Louisville, Ky. From
appearance he had been dead about 24 hours when found. His death was
caused by his own hand. W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(402) Joseph Linthacum, Mar. 3,1896
Verdict: I find that Joseph Linthacum came to his death about 12:45
o’clock on the early morning of the 3rd of Mar. 1896 at his home West
5th Street, New Albany, from a knife wound in the neck received at the
hands of his wife Sallie Linthacum . the wound about 2 inches in length
and a inch in depth was on the right side of the neck midway between
the jaw and clavicle extended horizontally with clavicle and cutting
into “trachea” (windpipe) at one end of the incicsion and partly
cutting the right “common carotid artery” at the other.
Wound was
made by large blade of a pocket knife and death was due to hemorrhage
from artery. Said wound was made and hour previous to death
and was
the direct outcome of a quarrel.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(403) Julius S. Johnson, Apr. 17,1896
Verdict: I find that Julius S. Johnson, aged about 60, came to his
death presumably from heart disease during the night of the 16th of
Apr. 1896 at the house of Mrs. B. Arnold, East 14th Street, New
Albany. He had been boarding with Mrs. Arnold for some 3 years. On the
evening of the 16th he came home from Louisville, ate his supper and at
nine o’clock retired in his usual health, at 6 o’clock the next
morning, he was found lying on the floor of his room close to the bed,
cold and stiffend in death, from his appearance he had been dead for a
number of hours, and death was due to the above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(404) Coleman G. Duncan , Apr. 20, 1896
Verdict: I find that Coleman G. Duncan came to his death from heart
disease on the night of the 19th of Apr. 1896 at the home of his mother
on East Oak Street above Vincennes, New Albany. Although
afflicted with heart trouble for a number of years he seemed to be
in his usual health on the morning of the 19th and ate his supper
and retired about 9 o’clock. On going to awaken him the next morning,
his mother found him lying across his bed, dead. Death evidently
occurred before midnight and was doubtless due to the above named
cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(405) Malinda Clark, May,19,1896
Verdict: I find that Malinda Clark came to her death from an Epileptic
convulsion in the afternoon of the 18th of May, 1896, at the home of
her sister, Mrs. Berry on East Spring Street, New Albany. She was
of feeble mind and was subject to Epilepsy attacks at times
although in the best of health otherwise. On the morning of the 18th
she had a convulsion of unusual violence and died without ever
regaining consciousness. No physician was called in and she had been
under the care of no physician previous to her last illness.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(406) August E. Willinghurst, June 8,1896
Verdict: I find that August E. Willinghurst came to his death from an
overdose of morphine, taken with suicidal intent at 11:20 o’clock p.m.
of the 7th of June, 1896 at the “Commercial House” in the city of New
Albany. He came from Louisville, his home, on Friday and stayed
at the hotel all night, returning on Saturday and complained of being
ill, went to bed. The proprietor failing to arouse him on Sunday
morning went to his room, and found him unconscious, a paper
labeled morphine and empty was found lying on the floor and a
note on the table stated that he was tired of living and giving his
name and address. He died that night at the hour stated above. No cause
was assigned other than ill heath for the suicide.
W.L. Starr. F.C.C.
(407) Oscar Krey (Infant) June 14,1896
Verdict; I find that Oscar Krey, infant son of George and Malinda Krey
came to his death from a convulsion during the early morning of the 14
of June, 1896, at the home of his parents in New Albany. The child
though delicate was in his usual health on retiring and on awakening in
the morning the baby found to be dead. The presumption is that
death was due to the above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(408) Edward Miller, July 20,1896
Verdict: I find that Edward Miller came to his death on the morning of
the 20th of July, 1896, at his home 3 miles north of Greenville, Floyd
County, from a rifle shot wound in the forehead received at his own
hands and with suicidal intent. I find further that he had taken his
life shortly after he had killed his wife, by shooting her twice in
the neck with the rifle, a repeating Winchester, 32 caliber.
After the murder he went into the woods a short distance from the
house, removed his right shoe and sock and sitting down by a tree, he
placed the muzzle of the rifle to his forehead over the right eye and
pushed the trigger with his toe, death resulting instantly. There was
no eye witness to the either the murder or the suicide, but the family
relations were unpleasant and on the above morning he had quarreled
with his wife, and sent his boy to the barn to curry the horse. The boy
who had tried to pacify them, while they were quarreling hurried
through his work and was leaving the barn, when he heard the report of
the rifle coming from the directions of the house. Not stopping to
learn what had happened, he ran to a neighbors to give the alarm, and
when the neighbors were on the way to the house, they found Miller
lying dead in the woods, with the rifle across his arm and on going to
the house found Mrs. Miller lying dead on the porch with 2 rifle shot
wounds in the neck. Miller had written a letter or Will on the day
previous and given it to Mr. Bigley, together with a pocketbook
containing money to give to Mr. Gooble on the morning of the shooting,
probably after he had killed his wife. He doubtless had
premeditated the deed. No cause is assigned for his doing it.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
( Note Edward Miller and number 409 Catherine Miller
are husband and wife)
(409) Mrs. Catherine Miller. July 20,1896
Verdict: I find that Mrs. Catherine Miller, wife of Edward Miller, came
to her death on the morning of the 20th of July, 1896, at her
home north of Greenville, Floyd County, from 2 rifle shot wounds
at the hands of her husband, Edward Miller. It seems that she and
her husband had been quarreling for several days, and had renewed the
quarrel on the above morning, her husband striking her and in her
efforts to retaliate she had been prevented by her son, a boy of
14 years. The father ordered the boy with threats to go to the barn and
while the boy was away, Miller shot his wife with a rifle, there were
no eye witness to the killing, one ball entered the side of the right
side of the neck, and came out the left side of the jaws, the other
entered the front of the neck, at top of breast bone, death was
instantaneous.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(410) Nellie Mullen, July 26,1896
Verdict: Shortly past the hour of noon on the 26th of July 1896, while
Charles Hines was catching drift wood in the Ohio River opposite of the
hickory mills in New Albany, he discovered the body of a woman floating
down the stream and partly concealed by the drift. The body was
towed ashore and found to be that of a woman about 40 years of
age, with dark red hair, dressed in striped back and white waist and
dark dress, old and torn, black stockings and low cut black
shoes. A dark green straw hat was hanging to the hair. She had
from appearances been in the water only a short time. A pocket book
found on her body contained several physicians certificates as to her
physical condition and were dated Cincinnati, the latest date being
July 24 and was given by resident physician of city hospital, the name
given was Nellie Mullen. Later it was learned that Nellie Mullen had
committed sucide by jumping from the bridge at Cincinnati on the
evening of July 24th, 1896, owing to the height of the river and the
swift current, the body had floated rapidly with the current until
caught as above stated.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(411) Mrs. Ada L. Bishop, July 29,1896
Verdict: I find that Mrs. Ada L. Bishop came to her death at her home
on Deway Street , New Albany, on the morning of the 28th of July, 1896,
from the effects of an overdose of morphine taken with suicidal intent.
No other cause than domestic happiness is given for the deed.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(412) Martha M. Schirdewan, Aug. 4,1896
Verdict: I find that Martha M. Schirdewan the 6 yr old daughter of
Frank and Amie Schirdewan came to her death from a convulsion at the
home of her parents on 15th street, near the river, New Albany, on the
early morning of the 4th of Aug. 1896. At noon on the 3rd of Aug. began
complaining and at 4 o’clock became unconscious, dying past
midnight. The symptoms were those of congestion of the brain, the
immediate cause of death being a convulsion. The child died without
medical attention.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(413) George H. Price. Aug. 4, 1896
Verdict: I find that George H. price came to his death on the evening
of the 3rd of Aug. 1896, at his home on Vincennes Street New Albany,
from the effects of a pistol shot wound in the stomach received at the
hands of Carl Spires. The evidence in the case was of such a character
as to render the fixing of the degree of the crime to be impossible.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(414) Andrew Minsinger, Aug. 16, 1896
Verdict: I find that Andrew Minsinger came to his death on the evening
of the 15th of Aug. 1896 from the effects of a stroke of lightning
received while walking through the open commons north of Oak Street
between Thomas and Jay, New Albany. At the time of his death he was
walking along a path through the commons on his way to the city during
a slight shower, when the bolt of lightning struck him and killing him
instantly and almost tearing his clothes from his body. The force of
the bolt was so great as to stun several persons quite a distance away.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(415) Mary A. Barnett, Aug. 20, 1896
Verdict: I find that Mary A. Barnett came to her death from heart
disease at her home on East Spring Street, New Albany on the evening of
the 19th of Aug. 1896.
While she had at time suffered with troubles with her heart on the
evening of the above date she was apparently well as usual, and
had just sat down to the table with her sister Mrs. Sarah J. Hale
when her head dropped back as if she had fainted. Her sister Mrs. Hale
caught her and called in a neighbor, but she was dead in a moment. Her
death was doubtless due to some heart lesion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(416) Cathia L. Woolton, Aug.24,1896
Verdict: I find that Mrs. Cathia L. Woolton came to her death on the
evening of the 22nd of Aug. 1896 from injuries sustained from falling
from an electric car on East Spring Street, just above 6th
street, New Albany. Mrs Woolton boarded the electric car on West 8th
Street, the car coming up town. At Pearl Street a band got on the
car which was an open or excursion car, and when at East 6th Street in
order to escape the noise of the music in the seat just back of her,
she asked 2 boys in the seat in front by some means not rendered clear
by the statements of witness; she was precipitated from the car on the
north side of the track and in falling struck her head fracturing the
skull at the base and causing her death some fifteen minutes later,
without recovering consciousness.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(417) Jennie M. Luck, Aug. 27,1896
Verdict: I find that Jennie M. Luck, daughter of Neely Sutherland
living 5 miles north of new Albany, came to her death suddenly from
hemorrhage of the lungs at her fathers home on the early evening of the
27th of Aug. 1896. At the time of the occurance, Mrs. Luck was in the
getting chips to make a fire and her father coming to the shed to get
some kindling found her coughing up blood. He assisted her to the
outside of the shed where the blood poured so rapidly out of her mouth
and nose and suffocated her in a few moments. She had with her the
___tion of a cough been in fair health, and able to attend to all her
household duties and there had been no indications of lung disease. The
hemorrhage must have followed the sudden rupture of a large blood
vessel in the lungs.
W.L. Starr F.C. C.
(418) George Hesse, Aug. 26,1896
Verdict: I find that George Hesse, living 7 miles north of New Albany
came to his death suddenly from apoplexy at his home on the morning of
the 26th of Aug. 1896. In company with his son and 2 daughters, he had
gone to the fields to dig potatoes, and while on his return through the
field, he suddenly fell to the ground and expired, death being due to
above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(419) Jacob Alt, Sept. 2,1896
Verdict: I find that Jacob Alt came to his death from heart disease in
the New Albany jail on the morning of the 2nd of Sept. 1896. Alt had
been confined in the jail since the previous evening on a peace
warrant, sworn out by his wife, claim being made that he was
dangerous. At the time of his death he was standing talking with
Wm. Morgan, a visitor, and was telling him the reason of his arrest. He
asked Mr. Morgan for a drink of water, which was given him and he
drank and at once fell forward on the jail floor and expired. His death
was doubtless due to some heart lesion, super induced by the
excessive use of intoxicants.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(420) Verdict September 17th 1896
On the afternoon of the sixteenth (16) day of September 1896 Rose Davis
(a colored woman) while walking discovered the dead body of a man
lying in the grass alongside of a pile of cross ties. From his
appearance he had evidently been lying there for a number of hours, he
was lying on his right side as if asleep and his coat was thrown over
his head. Investigation reveled the fact that his name was Lenox Dailey
and that his home was at Centerville Iowa, but that for several years
he had staying with a Mr. Kane a Saloon-Keeper on Main Street,
Louisville, Kentucky. He left Mr. Kane on the Monday previous to date
of death and was seen by several persons on Tuesday evening the last
time close to where he was found. There was no evidence of a struggle
and no marks of violence on the body. The presumption is that his death
was due either to apoplexy of some form of heart lesion
W.L. Starr
(421) Andres Egle, Sept.19,1896
Verdict: On the morning of the 19th day of Sept, 1896, Andres
Egle a saloon keeper on the Corydon Pike below New Albany was found
dead in bed by his wife, Teresa Egle. According to the statement of
Mrs. Egle her husband went to bed complaining of a pain in his left
side at about 10 o’clock the previous evening, and not liking to retire
till he was better she sat up with him in the room in a chair until one
o’clock, she then says as he was apparently resting she went outside
sat down on a chair and dozed off until day light, and on going in to
see how he was found him dead. She then called her daughter and a
neighbor who was passing at the time. The presumption is that
considering his recent history of shortness of breath on exertion that
his death was due to some valvular disease of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(422) W. Curtis Jackson, Sept. 23, 1896
Verdict: I find that W. Curtis Jackson came to his death suddenly on
the morning of the 23rd day of Sept. 1896, at his home on corner of
Jackson and Hilbreth street in New Albany, shortly before the time of
his death he was working along side of his fence at his home cleaning
out the gutter and had occasion to life a heavy bridge crossing the
gutter in order to clear the ditch underneath. Shortly after lifting
the heavy weight he ran in the house complaining of a severe pain
in the region of the heart and exhibited all the signs of a collapse
cold clammy skin extreme pallor, great restlessness and severe pain in
the left side, and died before medical attention could be procured. The
presumption is that death was due rupture of an artery near the heart
and from the hemorrhage resulting and that it was brought about by the
sever strain in lifting.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(423) John Wolf, Oct. 16, 1896
Verdict, I find that John Wolf a farmer living some 5 miles northeast
of new Albany came to his death on the afternoon of the 6th of
Oct. 19, 1896 from the accidental discharge of a shot gun at his home.
Mr. Wolf had been in the habit of going hunting almost daily, and on
the afternoon of the above date came home from New Albany at about 2:30
o'clock and shortly afterward went into an adjoining room (lumber room)
where he kept his gun and ammunition and in a few moments his
wife and 2 daughters heard the explosion of the gun coming from the
room and on investigating found Mr. Wolf lying dead on the floor. He
was accustomed to loading his gun in the room and being very careless
in handling it had once or twice previous had the gun accidentally
explode. It is supposed that while loading the left barrel of the gun
it in some manner exploded and the contents of the barrel entered his
head at the left eye tearing the top of his head off and killing
him instantly. There was no evidence to show that his death was other
than an accident.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(424) James W. Jocelyn, Oct. 10th, 1896
Verdict: I find that James Jocelyn came to his death at his home on
Poplar street, New Albany on the early morning of the 10th of Oct.
1896, probably from the effects of poison taken with suicidal intent.
There was no eye witness to his having taken poison, but on the evening
of the ninth he retired at 7 o'clock without eating his supper, and
shortly afterward got up and dressed and went away, coming back in a
short time. His wife heard him in the kitchen with a tumbler and spoon
and supposed he was fixing some salts. In a few moments he came in and
kissed his wife good bye, saying it was the last kiss she would get and
that he would be dead in the morning and directed where he should be
buried. He then went to bed, his wife not thinking him in earnest until
shortly after found him unconscious. The presumption is that the poison
was morphine, although there was no other than circumstantial evidence
to arrive at the above conclusion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(425) Frank S. McQuiddy, Oct. 24,1896
Verdict: I find that Frank S. McQuiddy the young son of John McQuiddy
came to his death on the afternoon of 23rd Oct., 1896 from and electric
street car No. 18, on East 13th street, between Spring and Markets
Streets, New Albany. At the time of the accident the street car was
coming out 13th street toward Spring Street and young McQuiddy was
hanging on the rear end of Belvey’s delivery wagon going toward market
Street. When the front end of the car was opposite the front axle
of the wagon the boy let go of the wagon and started to run across the
track and was by the car, both truck of the car running over him,
breaking his right thigh and crushing him so badly as to cause his
death in a few moments. From the nature of the accident it is apparent
the boy was oblivious of the sound of the car being doubtless drowned
by the noise of the wagon jolting over the street and the curtains on
the wagon obstructed the view of the approaching car. The motorman on
the car had no means of knowing of the presence of the boy and was in
no wise to blame for the accident.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(426) Charles Oehler, Nov. 12, 1896
Verdict: I find that Charles Oehler, a young man from Louisville,
Ky. came to his death on the morning of the 12th of Nov. 1896 from
injuries received by the accidental discharge of a shot gun while
hunting on the river front. A short distance above the Kentucky and
Indiana Bridge on the Indiana bank. Oehler with 2 companions were duck
hunting in a skiff or flat and had landed on the slate rocks on the
Indiana side of the river below the bend, and intending to pull the
boat up through the strong current by means of a long rope fastened to
the bow. They all got out of the boat and Oehler stooped to get hold of
the rope with his right hand, his coat struck the muzzle of the gun
(which was pointing out the front of the bow) and pushed it back in the
boat. The hammer of the right barrel striking the cross piece at the
bottom of the boat, and exploding it the contents entering his right
side and killing him instantly. His death was purely accidental.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(427) Rolla B. Leonard, (Infant) Dec. 15, 1896
Verdict: I find that Rolla B. Leonard infant son of Joseph and Elva
Leonard cam to his death suddenly from a convulsion on the early
morning of 15th of Dec. 1896, at the home of his grandmother Mrs. Mary
B. Dean on East 3rd Street, New Albany.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(428) William S. Duley Dec. 26, 1896
Verdict: I find that William S. Duley came to his death on the evening
of the 25th of Dec. 1896, at his home on Rudd road, south of New
Albany, from “Peritonitis” as the result of a pistol shot wound in the
abdomen, received at the hands of Jesse Wilson on the afternoon of the
19th of Dec. 1896. A “Post Mortem” examination was held on the
afternoon of Dec. 26,1896 and a report of the results is therewith
enclosed and constitute a par t of the verdict.
“Post Mortem” examination held in the body of Wm. S. Duley, Dec. 26,
1896
Examination made 11 hours after death, Rigor mortis well marked on
right hand about the knuckles, were several partly healed wounds,
slight in character. The abdomen was swollen and presented it the lower
portion to left of median line about one inch and about 3 inches above
the “pubic arch” and four inches from the “Anterior superior spinous
process of the cest(?) of the illium” an opening made by the bullet
that caused death. The wound was partly healed.
An incision was then made in the median line from a little away above
the umbilicus to the pubis, and the abdomen opened. Another incision
was made vertical to this on right side about midway between umbilicus
and pubis, laying bare the abdominal contents. The peritoneum lining
inner wall of the abdomen showed evidence of extensive inflammation.
The intestines were then exposed by drawing from the cavity. In many
places they were agglutinated as a result of the inflammatory process
and bore everywhere traces of Cleangas Characteristic of Peritonitis.
The intestines were distended with gas and contained quite a quantity
of ochre colored liquid. On manipulation of the contents of the “colon”
were some escaping from an orifice in it coat said opening was located
at about the “sigmoid flexure” in a line with the opening made in the
abdomen wall by bullet. Two openings circular in character were found
about one half inch apart were the bullet had pierced a knuckle of the
inasture, the loet(?) of bowel about 3 openings was black and
discolored, showing plainly that they were made by the bullet. No other
openings were found in the intestinal walls. The “bowel” was ligated at
the openings and also at the beginning of the rectal portion and lifted
out the urinary bladder was untouched. In the muscular structures in
Anterior of sacruny (?) was the opening made by passage of the bullet
which entered the second sacrd (?) foramen on right side and was lost
in the muscular structures on its posterior surface. The course
of the bullet was in a direct line through the abdominal cavity. Death
was caused by Peritonitis as a result of injuries received to the large
intestine and occurred in a few hours over 6 days from the receipt of
the injury.
Examination conducted by
W.L. Starr Floyd County Coroner.
(429) Mary Mason, (colored), Feb. 3,1897
Verdict: I find that Mary Mason, age 33, came to her death suddenly
from heart disease at or near the corner of East Market Street and
the Momon Railroad, New Albany. At the time of her death she was
on her way home from work at about 7 o'clock p.m. Feb. 2nd, 1897, and
was in the habit of going toward her home on Washington Street by the
way of Monon Railroad track. Having reached the side entrance of the
yard of Mr. Charles Sears house, she was heard to call to Mrs. Sears
saying that she was dying. Assistance arrived at once but the woman
lived but a few moments. Death being due to valvular disease of the
heart. The fact of her being so fleshy and heavy and the difficult
walking owing to the icy conditions of the street may have been the
immediate cause of her death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(430) Arthur Brown, Feb. 8, 1897
Verdict: I find that Arthur Brown (colored) came to his death from
obstruction of the bowels on the morning of the 7th day of Feb. 1897 at
his home on West 10th Street, New Albany. Brown had been confined to
his home for a week previous to his death with cramping in the bowels,
not however confined all the time to bed. He had no medical attention,
but relied on the faith cure as practiced by laying on of hands, by an
ignorant colored man, by the name of Benjamin Rakestraw. There is no
doubt that if he had proper medical aid there was a reasonable chance
for saving his life, but his own obstinacy, coupled with the
superstitious belief in the colored “woods doctor” was responsible for
his death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(431) August F. Kummer, Feb.16th, 1897
Verdict: I find that August F. Kummer came to his death from apoplexy
at his home on Short Vinemear Street and Railroad crossing, on the
night of the 15th day of Feb. 1897. Mr. Kummer was 72 yrs of age, but
in good health and on the evening of the 15th ate his supper and read
his paper before retiring, and seemed in his usual health. The family
retired about 8:30 o’clock p.m.. Mr. Kummer sleeping in next room
to his daughter, Mrs. Olesager. His daughter heard him up once during
the night. The next morning the little grandson was sent upstairs to
call his grandfather to breakfast, and discovered dead in bed. There
was no evidence of a struggle, the covers were not disturbed, he was
laying on his right side as if asleep, Death was probably due to the
above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(432) Frank Wetz, Mar. 22, 1897
Verdict: I find that Frank Wetz, the young son of Fred Wetz, living at
East Eleventh and Oak Streets, New Albany, came to his death on the
early evening of the 20th of Mar. 1897, from injuries received by being
struck by the Engine ( 616 of passenger train ( 253 on the Louisville
Division of the P.C.C. and St. L. Railroad, at a point a short distance
(above) East Stites Station, on the above named road. At the time of
the accident young Wetz with his 2 brothers, and 2 other companions
Edward Rheinhart & Clarence Helm were walking alongside of the
track ( on North side of Northbound track) toward New Albany. The
suburban passenger train had just passed on the south bound track going
East, and George Wetz crossed over between the tracks and seeing the
other train on the north track ( on north bound track) approaching
going west, he crossed the south bound track out of danger. The other 4
boys not noticing the approaching train probably on account of
the noise of the other train, were just in the act of crossing over to
were George Wetz stood when Frank Wetz who was in the lead was struck
by the Engine just as he stepped on the track and was hurled down the
embankment his left leg being broken just above the ankle and the left
side of his skull being crushed in. Death resulted instantly. At
the time the boy started to cross the track the engine was too
close to prevent the accident. The other three were not injured,
although they narrowly escaped death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(433) Mary Taylor, Mar. 25, 1897
Verdict: I find that Mary Taylor, and elderly colored woman, cam to her
death suddenly presumably from heart disease on the evening of the 24th
day of mar. 1897, at her home on East 4th Street , New Albany. While
she was troubled with ailments incidental to old age, she was not sick
up to a short time of her death. About 9 o’clock of the above evening
she complained of a pain in her side which grew rapidly worse,
causing her death an hour later. She had no medical attention.
W.L.
Starr F.C.C.
(434) Mrs. Ann Munster, Apr. 7, 1897
Verdict: I find that Mrs. Ann Munster came to her death suddenly from
heart disease on the morning of the 7 day of Apr. 1897, at her home on
West 7th and Spring Streets, New Albany. She had retired on
the previous evening feeling as well as usual and awoke at 6 o’clock
the next morning. Just before rising she complained of a
smothering feeling and grew rapidly worse and died a few moments after.
She had been subject to occasional attacks of smothering for several
years, but had not had any medical attention for the past 6 months and
none at the time of her death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(435) Mabel M. Hood (Infant) Apr. 10,1897
Verdict: I find that Mabel M. Hood the infant daughter of George
& Ann hood came to her death from a convulsion on the night of the
8th of Apr. 1897, at the home of her parents on Ayer
Street. The infant was 6 weeks old in the best of health
apparently, on the evening of the 8th, nursing as usual at 10 O’clock
p.m., about 2 o’clock the next morning (Friday) the mother awoke and
found the baby dead in bed. Death was due to the above given cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(436) John H. Bane, May 3rd, 1897
Verdict: I find that John H. Bane came to his death from heart
disease super induced by excessive use of alcoholic drinks, on the
early morning of the third day of May, 1897, at his home on West
Main Street, New Albany. During the week previous to his death he
had been drinking heavily and had been under constant surveillance by
the family. Being unable to sleep he had been taking Bromide of Potash
to quiet his nervous system. He was given a dose about noon of the
second Sunday and another about midnight of the same day. The family
then retired as he seemed to be resting, and Mrs. Bane awakening at 4
o’clock the next morning discovered her husband cold and stiff in
death. He had suffered from heart trouble and the poisoning of
the system by alcohol hastened his death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(437) Dora Shaber, May 15, 1897
Verdict: I find
that Mrs. Dora Shaber came to her death by drowning in a cistern at her
home on East Market Street in New Albany in the early evening of the
14th day of May 1897, I further find that the drowning was
suicidal and done while laboring a temporary fit of insanity. The
drowning occurred at the house of (Henry?) Triebner, at which place
Mrs. Shaber had rooms. She had been in the insane asylum three
different times, but up to within a few days of her death was
apparently sane. She became quite violent and preparations were being
made to return to an asylum when she was discovered in the cistern. She
had repeatedly made threats to take her life.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(438) Mrs. Ann
Robinson, May, 16th, 1897
Verdict. I find
that Mrs. Ann Robinson came to her death from apoplexy at her
home on West Spring Street, New Albany on the early morning of the 15th
day of May, 1897. Mrs. Robinson was in her 88th year, but was in the
best of health up to the time of her death. As her daughter
Margaret Robinson was retiring at about 10 o’clock, she went in to see
her mother and found her unconscious and breathing heavily. She
remained so until the time of her death at 6 o’clock the next morning.
She had no medical attention. Death was due to the above named
cause.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(439) Henry
Schrible, May 22, 1897
Verdict: Shortly
before noon on the 22nd day of May, 1897 two fisherman , John
White and Douglas Walto while rowing across the Ohio River in a small
____ at a point about five and one half inches below the city of New
Albany discovered the dead body of a man floating down with the
current. With the assistance of John Granodier the body was towed to
the Indiana shore. Investigation showed it to be the body of Henry
Schrible, a resident of Louisville, KY. Who was drowned the
Sunday previous by accidentaly falling from a skiff at a point near the
KY shore and about four miles above where the body was found. The
remains were fully identified by the father of the diseased.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(440) William W.
Pettifor, May 25, 1897
Verdict: I find
that William W. Pettifor came to his death from heart disease at his
home on Lower New Albany on the early morning of the 25th day of May
1897. He had retired early the previous evening after eating a hearty
supper and awakened the family near midnight by his groans. He
complained of his breast and had great difficulty in breathing and died
before medical assistance could be provided. His death was due to
valvular lesion of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(441) Josephine Ray , June, 6,1897
Verdict: I find that Josephine Ray came to her death suddenly from
Heart disease at the home of her son Thomas Ray, east of 4th street New
Albany, on the afternoon of the 5th day of June, 1897. Mrs. Ray was 55
years of age and very large and fat and had suffered at different times
spells resembling Epilepsy. She also suffered from smothering spells on
slight exertions. On the forenoon of the above date while about her
work in the kitchen, she was suddenly attacked with one of her spells
and died in a few moments. Disease of the heart was the primary cause
of her death.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(442) Unknown Man, June 21,1897
Found in Ohio River 7 ½ miles below New Albany,
Verdict: While standing on the bank of the Ohio river near his home 7
miles below New Albany, Walter Hixeon saw what he thought to be the
body of a drowned person, floating down the river near the middle.
Procuring a boat and the assistance of William Wattane they together
went out and found the object to be the dead body of a man, floating
face downward. The body was towed ashore, and made fast. Death was
evidently due to drowning, as there was no evidence of foul play or
violence to be seen.
Description of body: White man, badly decomposed, been in water
apparently a number of days. Height about 5 ft 10 inches, weight about
180 lbs., long gray beard, (gray and white mixed) age about 50, head
partly bald. No coat or hat, white shirt, dark worsted vest and pants,
dark neck tie, pair of gaiter shoes, almost new. Had some Insurance
blanks of Mutual Life of New York in pocket, on one the name of
J. Werner, (special agent) written ; a gold watch, crystal and
hands broken and chain ring out of the end of watch gone, bunch of
keys. A key fastener to piece of wood : Pearl handled
4 bladed knife, collar button. Cuff button and fastener, small pocket
mirror and fifteen cents in money.
Afterwards identified as the body of John Werner, and Insurance
Agent Living in Louisville, Ky
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(443) John Ramsier, June 26, 1897
Verdict: I find that John Ramsier, a farmer living a half mile north of
city of New Albany came to his death suddenly, from heart disease on
the evening of the 25th of June 1897. Mr. Ramsier was 68 yrs old
of age and in fair health up to the time of his death. He had been
talking with his family in the kitchen and had just gone in the next
room to go to bed. When his wife came in the room and found him resting
on the lounge with his head on his hand resting on his elbow and
discovered that he was dead. Death came instantly and without a
struggle. He was subject to occasional attacks of Asthma and his death
was no doubt due to valvular disease of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(444) Rachel E. McLaughlin, July 5. 1897
Verdict: On the early morning of the 5th of July, 1897. Rachel E.
McLaughlin was discovered dead in her bed at home on West Market, New
Albany, by a little little girl who was staying with her during the
day. Mrs. McLaughlin was about 76 yrs of age and lived in room upstairs
over Mr. Wm. Proctor. She was subject to palpitations of the heart and
a confirmed morphine addict as well, being rendered almost helpless by
its use. When found she was lying across the bed and held a snuff box
in her hand, as if she had been in the act of using it. She had been
dead a number of hours, probably dying early in the night. Death was
probably due to heart disease, super induced by the use of morphine.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(445) Ivy A. Walker, July 6,1897
Verdict: I find that Ivy A. Walker the five year old son of
William Walker living on Silver Street at Lower end of New
Albany, came to his death by accidental drowning in the reservoir near
his home on the morning of the 5th of July, 1897. the little boy
was in the habit of leaving home and remaining away all day at the
neighbors. On the morning of the 5th he left at 8:30 o'clock and no
attention was paid to his absence until 6 o'clock in the evening when
his father went to look for him. His straw hat was found in one of the
small reservoirs close to the house and by dragging, the body was
recovered about midnight. The supposition is that in stooping over to
get something from the water and he fell in not being able to swim and
was drowned.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(446) Unknown Man (2), July 22,1897
Verdict: On the morning of the 22nd of July, 1897 , 3 boys Harry,
Heath, and Herbert Fleicher (?) and Bennie Coupt(?), while walking
along the river bank on the Indiana side, a short distance above New
Albany, discovered the body of a man lying in the marshy grass a short
distance from the waters edge. Investigation showed that the man
was dead from a pistol shot wound in the head, just below the right
ear. He was lying on his right side and had doubtless been dead a
number of hours. About 40 yards from where he lay in a quarry running
into the bank was found his coat and hat lying beside a pool of blood.
Two old style Derringer pistols lay on the ground close by, both wet
with blood and one of them empty, the other loaded but without a cap on
the nipple. Footsteps could be traced in the soft ground and many
places from where the pistols were found to where the body lay along
the course of foot prints could be seen drops and occasionally pools of
blood. Judging from the evidence to be seen the presumption that
the man fired the shot into his head at the place where the pistols
were found and then dazed by the wound had staggered about until he
fell and died. It was a plain case of suicide, nothing was found on his
person that would serve to identify him. The remains were interred by
the county in Potters Filed.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
Description of body: Height 5 ft, 6 inches, weight about 136
pds., age about 55 or 60, mustache and chin whiskers, partly gray, (had
previously been sandy) hair same color, very thin on top and front of
head, blue eyes, was dressed in ready made suit of dark goods, sack
coat, gaiter black shoes, and much worn, soft black hat, wore white
shirt and no collar. In his pocket were found a pocket knife, bone
handle and red bandana handkerchief, tobacco sack and $1.44 in money.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(447), Cordie B. Moss. Aug. 6, 1897
Verdict: I find that Cordie B. Moss, a young man 18 yrs old, came to
his death on the evening of the 5th of Aug. 1897, from injuries
received by being run over by a freight train going north from New
Albany, on the track of the Chicago and Louisville (Monon)
Railroad, at a point a short distance above the intersection of
East 4th Street above road.t with the above road. At the time of the
accident, young Moss, with several other boys had climbed on a
car loaded with lumber just as the train was leaving the yard at East
4th Street, their intention being to ride to the north Y.
Moss had a cane in his hand and in trying to jump from the lumber
car to the one following caught the cane on a board that served
to hold the lumber intact, tripping him so as to throw him head
foremost between the cars, cutting off his right leg at the hip and his
left one between the knee and ankle. Death occurred 24 hours
afterward. I further find that his death was purely accidental,
and the employees in charge of said train were no wise to blame.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(448), Arthur Isaac, Infant, Sep. 22, 1897
Verdict, I find that Arthur Isaac, the infant son of Ida Isaac came to
his death from convulsion at the home of his mother on West 4th Street,
on the afternoon of the 21st of Sep. 1897. The infant was 6 days
old, but was well, up to within a short time of his death when it was
seized with convulsions and died without medical attention.
W..L. Starr F.C.C.
(449) Zettie Wimp, Infant, Oct. 14, 1897
Verdict, I find that Zettie Wimp, the 3 month old daughter of Marion
& Etta Wimp came to her death from a convulsion at the home of her
parents on Division Street, New Albany, on the early morning of
the 14th of Oct. 1897. the child was one of twins, and though
delicate from birth had not been sick until a short time before her
death, when it was attacked with some bowel trouble and died shortly
afterwards in a convulsion. There was nothing to show that her death
was due other than natural causes.
W. L. Starr F.C.C.
(450) Sallie A. Stier, Oct. 19,1897
Verdict: I find that Sallie A. Stier came to her death on the night of
the 18th day of Oct., 1897 from Chloroform taken by inhalation and with
suicidal intent at the home of Charles Sears, East Market Street, New
Albany. About 9 o'clock on the evening of the 18th came to Mr. Sears
and asked his wife if she could stay all night, stating that her
husband had been mistreating her, shortly afterwards she borrowed some
money of Mrs. Sears, ostensibly to buy medicine, but in reality to
purchase chloroform, which she did, buying a pound bottle at a drug
store about 7 o'clock the next morning. Mrs. Sears went in to the room
where Mrs. Stier slept to waken her and found her dead, the bottle
lying uncorked under her nose and several ounces of chloroform gone.
She left a note stating that she intended to take her life and giving
her domestic trouble as her reason for doing it. W.L. Starr.
F.C.C.
(451) Viola Russell, Oct. 29,1897
Verdict: I find that Violet Russell, the 14 month old child of Matthew
and Patsy Russell (colored) came to her death from a convulsion on the
early morning of the 28th day of Oct. 1897, at the home of her parents
on Cherry Street, New Albany. The child had not been sick up to within
a short time of her death, except that it was never very strong and no
physician was called in at attendance, death being due to natural
causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(452) William Graves, Nov. 4,1897
Verdict: On Thursday morning Nov. 4, 1897 William Graves, a
colored man, in the employ of Mr. L. Bradley, East of 9th Street,
New Albany, was discovered dead in his bed at Mr. Bradley’s place. He
had been complaining of trouble with his heart for some time and has
occasional dizzy spells. On the evening of the 3rd of Nov. he
told the cook at Mr. Bradley’s that if he did not come to the
house at the usual time, about 6 o'clock in the morning, that she would
know that he had one of his spells. The next morning the cook went to
call him but could not arouse him and she then called Mr. Bradley who
went in where the man slept, in a room over the wash house, and found
Graves dead, lying in his bed and partly covered. He was stiff and cold
and had probably died before midnight. There was no evidence of a
struggle and the presumption is that he died from some valvular lesion
of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(453) Susan A. Lush, Nov. 12, 1897
Verdict: I find that Susan A. Lush came to her death suddenly probably
from hemorrhage of the brain on the afternoon of the 11th day of Nov.
1897, at her home on the north side in New Albany. She had been
in good health and was sitting at the machine sewing when she was
suddenly taken with a pin in her head. The pain grew worse rapidly and
she became unconscious and died in half and hour and before medical
assistance could be procured. Death was probably due to the above named
cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(454), William McGlasson, Colored infant, Dec. 1897
Verdict: I find that William McGlasson, infant son of Louisa McGlasson
came to his death from convulsion on the 30th of Nov. 1897, at the home
of his mother on Division Street, New Albany. the infant was 6 days old
at the time of his death and had no medical attention, and no
undertaker was called the intention being to bury the child without
complying with the requirements of law. Such facts becoming know, gave
rise to the rumors as to the manner in which the child died, thus
leading to investigation. The evidence given shows that death was due
to natural causes. The child was illegitimate, and poverty and
ignorance were reasons for the mode of burial intended.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(455), Elsie Ray colored infant, Dec. 2, 1897
Verdict: I find that Elsie Ray the 7 week old child of James and Lizzie
Ray came to its death rather suddenly from a convulsion, at the home of
her parents on Clark Street. New Albany, Dec. 1, 1897. the child had
not been sick and with the onset of the convulsion there was time to
secure a physician and the child died without medical attention, and
death was due to natural causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(456) Francis Cisco, Dec. 10,1897
Verdict: On the evening of the 10th of Dec. 1897, the dead body
of Francis Cisco, and old man whose home was in Jeffersonville, was
discovered in an empty box car of a freight train that had just arrived
in New Albany. In the box car were several other men who
were stealing a ride over the Manon railroad. The testimony of 21 of
the three men showed that the old man had gotten in the car at Bedford,
Indiana, and when the car came to a stop in the yards at New Albany,
the old man asked if it was Jeffersonville. He was lying on the floor
of the car, and had his hands in his pants pockets, and laying this way
when the men vacated the car. The yard clerk coming along in a few
minutes attempted to awaken him, and discovered that he was dead. Death
was due to valvular disease of the heart. He was subject to trouble
with his heart as shown by his son, who arrived shortly after his death
to rake charge of the remains.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(457) Temple Craig, Dec. 18,1897
Verdict: I find that Temple Craig, the 4 yr. old son of Samuel and Ida
Craig came to his death at his home on the river front, New
Albany, on the morning of the 18th of Dec. 1897, from the effects of
burns caused by his clothes igniting at an open grate. The
mother had just left the house to go to the grocery store, a
short distance away, leaving the children, 4 all together, in the room
which was an open grate. The oldest child about 6 yrs, could give no
account of how it happened, but it is supposed that the child was
standing so close to the fire that his clothes caught fire, and before
assistance reached him, he was burned so badly from the waist to chin,
that death resulted 3 hours later.
W.L. Starr. F.C.C.
(458) Clara Hicks (colored) Jan. 13,1897
Verdict: I find that Clara hicks came to her death suddenly from heart
disease at her home on north 1st street, New Albany, on the morning
of the 13th of Jan. 1897. She had been in her usual
health until the afternoon of the 12th, when she complained of pain in
her left side, and difficulty in breathing . This lasted her during the
night, growing better in the morning, when she got up as usual. She
laid down about 7 o'clock, and a neighbor woman in to see her about
8:30 o'clock a.m. found her dead in bed. There was no evidence of a
struggle, and death came quickly. From the fact of her frequent spells
with her heart, and a history of her case, the reasonable presumption
is that death was due to the above cause. W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(459) Carl E. English, colored infant, Jan. 21,1898
Verdict: I find that Carl E. English, infant son of Horace and
Annie English, came to his death from a convulsion at his
home on west 2nd street, New Albany on the 20th of Jan. 1898. The child
was 6 weeks old, and had not been sick. On the early morning of the
20th instant, the baby was found to be unconscious, and in a
convulsion, from which it shortly afterwards died. There was no
physician in attendance and the child had not been given any medicine.
Death was due to natural causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(460) Margaret M. Coffman & Atwell A. Coffman, infant son ,
July 22,1898
Verdict: I find that Margaret M. Coffman, came to her death on early of
the 22nd of July 1898, at her home near Greenville, 20 miles northwest
of New Albany, from a knife wound in the throat inflicted by herself
and done with suicidal intent. I find also that her infant
3 month old son, came to his death at 11 o’clock of the same forenoon
from a poisonous dose of Laudanum, ad ministered by its mother with the
purpose of causing its death. The evidence show that her baby was going
to die, although it was not sick, and talked constantly about its
dying, accusing the doctor of trying to kill her baby and herself in
many ways showing that her mind was unbalanced. The next morning, Jan.
22, she arose and dressed at about 3 0’clock, her husband who takes
produce to market, having left somewhat earlier. She went downstairs
and drank some tea, cam up as usual, and after nursing the baby, lay
down on the bed, presumably to sleep until morning. It is thought
that she gave the laudanum to baby at this time. And going directly to
the kitchen cut her throat with a case knife, severing the left
“carotid” artery jugular vein, and dying instantly. There is no doubt
but that the deed was done while temporarily insane.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(461) Kearnon A. Burke & William T. Miller, Jan.
24-25, 1898
Verdict: I find that Kearnon A. Burke & William T. Miller,
conductors and brakeman, respectively of a fright train, and in the
employ of Kentucky and Indiana Bridge Co., came to their deaths on the
early morning of the 23rd of Jan. 1898, as the result of the wrecking
of their train by the giving way of the trestle of the New Belt and
Terminal Railroad, at a point midway between Pearl and Banks Streets,
New Albany. At the time of the accident , the freight train engine,
#514, composed of 5 empty, and 1 loaded, box cars was going west on the
trestle of the new Albany Belt and Terminal train railroad. The wind
was blowing a gale, and the train was moving very slow. The Engine was
backing up and the engineer, Harry Murphy was at his post looking ahead
and on the engine with him were the fireman Charles Hand, Conductor K.
Burke and brakeman Wm. Miller. When the train the place above mentioned
the trestle work gave way pitching the tender and engine on the
dock of Hammersmith & Co. anchored close to the trestle, and
breaking through into the river as the engine went down Murphy, the
engineer, and Hand the fireman, jumped and saved their lives, but the
conductor and brakeman, Burke and Miller, were imprisoned in the cab of
engine and carried beneath the water and drowned. The evidence as given
was not sufficient to justify me in arriving at any conclusion as to
the cause of the accident not in fixing the blame.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(462) Diasia A. Wise, Feb. 6,1898
Verdict: I find that Diasia A. Wise came to her death on the early
morning of the 5th of Feb. 1898, from injuries received by being run
over by a freight train in the yards of the L.E. & St.L. (Air Line)
Railroad in New Albany. On the morning of above date about 1:36
o'clock. The car inspector Mr. Bonifer, while on his round of
Inspection discovered the mangled remains of a human being under the
cars at a point just below the intersection of west 2nd street and “Air
Line’ tracks. Further investigation revealed the fact that
it was the body of Mrs., Wise who lived at west 3rd and railroad. She
was of unsound mind, and was of the habit of wandering about the
yards and gave the employees much trouble in keeping her out of danger.
During the night she left home, unknown to the family, and in some
manner was run over by the freight train that was going west. The men
in charge of the train knew nothing of the occurrence until informed by
the inspector Mr. Bonifro , and were in no manner to blame for the
accident.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(463) Emma Krepps, Feb. 25. 1898
Verdict: I find that Emma Krepps, 20 yrs of age, came to her death on
the morning of the 25th of Feb. 1898 at her home on Elm Street between
State and West 1st Street, by hanging herself with a clothesline
in a shed adjacent to her house. What prompted her to the suicide,
investigation failed to reveal. She was of a retiring disposition
and of a very melancholy temperament, and the presumption is that
during one of these periods of despondency she deliberately took
her life by hanging. She had been busy at work in the and her mother
requiring her services went to look for her and found her dead, hanging
by the clothesline from a post in the shed, her feet dragging on the
floor and evidently had died but a few moments before discovery.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(464) James Hill, Apr. 11, 1898
Verdict: I find that James Hill, an inmate of the Poor County Asylum,
came to his death in that institution on the afternoon of the 10th of
April, 1898, from the effects of a knife wound in the throat inflicted
by himself, and done with suicidal intent. On the morning of the 8th of
Apr. Mr. Cary who rooms with Gill discovered him (Gill) lying on his
bed unconscious, his hand and clothing covered with blood, and a cut in
his neck that severed his “windpipe”. On a chair beside the bed was the
knife with which had made the wound. Gill regained
consciousness sufficient to say that had cut his own throat during the
night. He lived until the above date. Despondency was the cause as he
had been a sufferer from some obscure nervous trouble for a long time
and had been growing steadily worse.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(465) John Horn, Apr. 13,1898
Verdict: I find that John Horn came to his death on the 12th of Apr.
1898, from a gun shot wound in the head, inflicted by himself and done
with suicidal intent. A few moments prior to his death he had been
talking with his colored porter, Fielding Warr, in his store on Pearl
street and seemed to be his usual. While the porter was waiting on a
customer. Mr. Horn walked to the rear of his store and procured a box
and sitting down on it, placed a revolver to his head over his right
ear and ended his life. No cause is assigned for the deed
except that it was due to despondency from ill health.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(466) Kate E. Jollisaint, Apr, 17, 1898
Verdict: On the morning of Apr. 7,1898 Kate E. Jollisaint wife of
Frank Jollisaint came to her death suddenly at her home 4 miles north
of New Albany. While at the investigation, the manner of her death was
somewhat unusual, still there was no evidence to show that death was
not due to natural causes, and in the verdict was so
stated. On the same day in the evening a note was
discovered in the wardrobe in the handwriting of the deceased, but not
signed, stating what disposal should be made of her personal effects,
how and where she should be buried and bidding goodbye to her friends.
While the manner of her death simulated that of Strychnine poisoning,
it wasn't until several days after her death that the facts in the case
revealed. Some ten days previous to her death she had
purchased 5 grains of Strychnine from Q. Owens druggist, New Albany,
and doubtless took whole amount on the early morning of the 17th of
Apr. , death following shortly afterwards. Domestic
troubles was the cause of her suicide.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(467) Albert White, Apr. 17, 1898
Verdict: I find that Albert While, a resident of Louisville, Ky.
Came to his death on the afternoon of the 17th of Apr. 1898, from an
overdose of Laudanum, super induced by excessive use of intoxicants.
Saturday night Apr. 16th at about 10 o'clock he came to the lodging
house of Mr. Bourquin, Vincennes St. New Albany, and asked for a room
for the night. He had been drinking, but at the time was not
intoxicated. He was aroused with difficulty the next morning at 9
o'clock, seeming to be dazed and acting strangely and wanted to go to
his home in Louisville, not remembering how he got to New Albany.
He was helped to the “Monan” depot by Wm. Barth , (employed by Mr.
Bourquin) and walked with difficulty. He was left sitting
on the doorstep at the east end of the building, no one disturbing him
until 1:30 o'clock p.m. when a policeman came to take charge of him and
discovered him dead. In his pockets was a bottle “holding
about one and one half ounces of laudanum and 2 drachen(?) (z)
still in bottle. The Laudanum had probably been taken to relieve
pain, and an overdose had been taken causing death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(468) Lizzie Dawson, colored , July 6,1898
Verdict: I find that Lizzie Dawson the 2 yr old child of Frank Dawson
came to her death on the 6th of July 1898, at her home in West Union,
New Albany, as a result of having eaten stale sausage that in
some manner had become infected. The child ate heartily of the sausage,
together with mother and 2 other children of the family. Shortly
afterwards she grew sick and showed evidence of poisoning, wretching in
pain and in a short time became unconscious and died. The next
oldest child was also quite sick, but vomited freely and was relieved.
The rest of the family only felt slight effects from the sausage.
Investigation showed that the sausages were quite stale, covered with
mold, and eaten without having been cooked.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(469) Mary Kiefer,
July 8,1898
Verdict: I find that Mary Kiefer, wife of Frank C. Kiefer came to her
death suddenly presumably from heart disease on the evening of the 8th
of July 1898, at her home on East market Street, New
Albany. Mrs. Kiefer had been in good health up to the time
of her death. Shortly before her death she was sitting at the table
chatting to some company she was entertaining and complaining of
feeling chilly, she said she would go an lie down. Mr. Kiefer went into
where she was lying and found her dead. The presumption in the absence
of any other assignable cause, is that her death was due to “valvular
lesion” of the heart, death occurred quickly and without the sign of a
struggle.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(470) Frank Ritz, July 14,1898
Verdict: On Thursday about noon of the 14th of July 1898, Frank Ritz a
shoe merchant living on East Main Street, New Albany was discovered
lying on a sofa at his residence. From his appearance he had been dead
but a very short time. A half hour prior to being found he was on the
sidewalk in front of his house, conversing with a neighbor. Mr. Ritz
was subject to neuralgia, he was in his usual health on the day of his
death. There was no evidence of a struggle and death was quickly. The
presumption is that death was due to neuralgia of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C..
(471) Clarence Hood, July 19,1898
Verdict: I find that Clarence Hood a boy about 12 yrs of age came to
his death by accidental drowning in the Ohio river on the afternoon of
the 8th of July, 1898 at a point just below the Ky. and Indiana Bridge
that spans the river at New Albany. At the time of the accident young
Hood, together with 2 other young companions was engaged in wading
around in the water seeking for coal and they just left a sand bar in
the river wading towards the Indiana shore. All 3 of the boys stepped
off a reef in the water into deep water and being unable to swim
Hood was speedily drowned and the other 2 being rescued by John Byland
and son who came to their rescue at the cry for assistance. Young
Hood’s body was recovered 5 hours later.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(472) William Cearns & John Shipley, July 19,1898
Verdict: I find that William Cearns and John Shipley came to their
deaths on the early morning of the 18th of July, 1898 from injuries
received in a collision between the west bound passenger train No. 5,
running between New Albany and Evansville and a freight engine No.105
on the track of the Louisville, Evansville, and St. L. Railroad (Air
Line) at a point about 2 miles west of Georgetown, Indiana. Engine 105
in charge of engineer Wykoff left New Albany about 30 minutes ahead of
passenger train No. 5, going west to Milltown to bring in an excursion
train to Louisville at the above named point, the engine 105 which was
backing up (running backwards) jumped the track the rear truck
alone of tank leaving the rails. The engineer at once stopped the
engine and was engaged in getting the trucks back on the track,
neglecting to send a flagman back to flag the passenger train that was
following. Just as the trucks were gotten on the tracks, the engineer
Wykoff heard the roar of the approaching passenger train No. 5 ran to
“flag” at getting only a short distance from his engine but too late to
avoid a collision, the passenger engine striking the freight engine and
the rebound of the cars, killing the passenger engineer named William
Cearns, and a man John Shipley by name who was stealing a ride on the
forward end of baggage car that was next to the engine. The
blame for the accident rests with engineer Wykoff of the freight engine
who in his efforts to get his engine back on the track consumed more
time than he was aware of, and made him forget his duty of immediately
sending a flagman on back track to flag the coming passenger train
No.5.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(473) John Rillinson, Aug. 20,1898
Verdict: On the early morning of the 19th of Aug. 1898, John Rollinson,
a farmer living some 15 miles west of New Albany was discovered lying
dead on the floor of his kitchen by a neighbor Daniel Mosier. From the
appearance of the body he must have been dead for several days. He was
lying on his face in a corner and a lamp was sitting on the floor by
him, the chimney of which was broken. There was no evidence of
violence. Rollinson was and old bachelor and lived alone for a number
of years. He had been suffering from epilepsy and having grown worse of
late, gave his neighbors some concern, as to his living alone, while in
such a condition Mr. Mosier went to the house twice on the 18th and
knocking on the door and receiving no reply, thought maybe the old man
was away. On the 19th he repeated his visit and looking in at the
window saw him lying on the floor dead. His death was doubtless due to
and Epileptic convulsion. He was last seen alive on the previous Monday
Aug. 15,1898.
W.L. Starr F.CC.
(474) William Ashby, colored Aug.20,1898
Verdict: I find that William Ashby, came to his death suddenly,
presumably from valvular heart disease, on the morning of the 20th of
Aug. 1898. Ashby was employed at the Slaughter House of Mr. Kraft on
Cherry street, New Albany. He went to work as usual on the morning of
the 20th and was engaged in carrying bacon from the slaughter house.
John Yeager another employee noticed Ashby staggered and then fall to
the floor, he ran to him and lifted him up to a sitting position,
but he was unconscious and died in a few moments Death was
probably due to the above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(475 Ambrose Mitchell, Sept. 19,1898
Verdict: I find that Ambrose Mitchell came to his death at his home
from Paralysis on Vincennes Street, New Albany probably during the
night of the 18th Sept. 1898. Mr. Mitchell was about 71 yrs old &
lived by himself in 2 rooms. He was last seen alive on the
afternoon of the 18thby a neighbor Thomas Sears, when he seemed in his
usual health. About noon of the 19th his granddaughter went to his
rooms to see him and discovered him dead on the floor of his kitchen.
He was still dressed with the exception of his coat and shoes. He
probably had taken off his shoes “preparatory” to going to bed, and
while crossing the room fell on the floor and expired. He had been dead
some time when found and from appearances death was due to the above
named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(476) Leona Peers, Nov. 9, 1898
Verdict: I find that Leona Peers came to her death on the morning of
the 8th of Nov, 1898, from a rifle shot wound in the abdomen
received at the hands of Charles McCory, on the morning of the
4th of Nov. 1898. At the time of the shooting Charles McCory, Dallas
McIntyre, Mrs. Willcox, and Miss Mattie Treser were in a surrey coming
down the street in Silver Grove, a suburb of New Albany, and were going
out in the woods to spend the day. Charles McCory was sitting on
the front seat, next to the house in which Miss Peers resided and
had a small rifle ,22 caliber, resting on his lap, when opposite the
house Miss Peers and Mrs. D. Brock, a neighbor lady were coming around
the front of the house toward the front gate. Some pleasant greetings
were exchanged when raised his rifle and jokingly said to Miss Peers
“look out”, when it exploded, the ball striking Miss Peers in the right
side ranging downward through the abdomen and lodging in the muscles of
the left side of the back. The surrey was still moving when the shot
was fired and none of the party was aware that Miss Peers had
been hit, until they looked back and saw Mrs. Brock assisting her
to the house. The surrey was about 60 feet where Miss Peers
stood. The immediate cause of her death was diffuse Peritonitis
as a result of the injuries to the contents of the abdomen from the
passage of the ball through them. There was nothing in the
evidence to show that the shooting was other than purely accidental,
and the result of carelessness on the part of McCory in handling the
rifle. While under statute such occurrences are not made
punishable, still the gross carelessness shown in the handling and
pointing of a firearm either loaded or empty is deserving of censure,
and in this instance, but a degree removal from the criminal.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(477) Thomas H. Seeds, Dec.8,1898
Verdict: About noon on the 8th of Dec. 1898, Herman Young and Paul May
while engaged in loading hay from a barn on the farm of Otto Hoffman,
three miles west of New Albany, discovered the dead body of a man lying
in the loft of the barn, and almost covered with hay. From the
appearance he had evidently been dead for several days. He was very
emaciated, as from sickness and had doubtless died from cold and
exposure. On his person was a small blank book containing on the fly
leaf the name of Thomas H. Seeds, 350 W. Adams St. Chicago.
Description of body:
Height about 5 feet 6 inches, very thin, and skin frozen from exposure
to weather, dark brown hair and moustache and beard of sauce color.
Snuff colored felt hat, dark sack coat, and vest. Light grey and black
striped pants, very much worn and ragged old gaiter shoes. On
person was found old pocket knife and small comb, watch chain, small
blank book, lead pencil and a necktie and a pair of small
scissors.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(478) Matilda Bell, colored, Dec.11,1898
Verdict: I find that Matilda Bell, came to her death on the evening of
the 11th of Dec. 1898 at the home of her parents on Oak Street, New
Albany, from the effects of an overdose of morphine, taken with
suicidal intent. On the day preceding her death, she seemed
despondent and without the knowledge of the family went to the drug
store and purchased 22 grains of morphine and returned home to take the
whole amount at one dose. About half and hour afterwards she was
discovered lying on the bed in an unconscious condition, from which she
could not be aroused. No other cause than despondency is assigned as a
reason for the suicide.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(479) Sallie A. Akers, Dec. 22,1898
Verdict: I find that Sallie a. Akers, came to her death from “valvular
disease of the heart” on the afternoon of the 22nd of Dec. 1898, at the
home of her mother on short Vincennes Street, New Albany. Mrs.Akers had
for many years been a suffered with heart trouble, her being aggravated
by any severe exertion. On the morning of the 22nd, she went
across the street from her home to that of her mother, and while there
was taken with a violent fit of coughing, due to a cold recently
contracted. This brought on a spell of something that became so serious
that a physician was sent for, but she died before one could be
procured. Her death was caused by the heart trouble brought about by
the violent exertion in coughing.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(480) John Williams, Dec.26,1898
Verdict: I find that John Williams, commonly called “Jackey “ came to
his death on the morning of the 25th of Dec. 1898, from “valvular
disease of the heart” , super induced by excessive use of alcohol
stimulants. About 9 o’clock on the above date he came into the saloon
of George Blust on the Pike west of New Albany and sat down by the
stove. He was considerably under the influence of liquor and
after taking some sat down by the stove and dozed off asleep. He
was noticed shortly afterwards to an effort as if to vomit and was
assisted outside the saloon by Mr. Blust, and several others, into the
passage way along side the saloon, where he was deposited on the
ground, and left to sleep off , what was thought to be a drunken
stupor. After being covered over with a couple of coffee sacks, he was
left alone. Shortly after someone coming through the passage way
examined him closely and discovered he was dead. His face was purple
and he had died from “Asphyxia” due to insufficient action of the
heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(481) Mrs. Dora Ulmer, Jan.16,1899
Verdict: On the morning of the 16th of Jan. 1899, Mrs. Dora Ulmer, who
lives on the Corydon Pike 2 and ½ miles west of Edwardsville,
was discovered dead in the kitchen of her home, sitting in a chair in
the corner. She had been living alone since last Oct. preferring
the old home to living with her children. The last time she was seen
alive on Saturday evening the 14th, when her grandson brought her some
milk, at which time she seemed as well as usual. When found she was in
her night clothes, sitting on a chair, leaning toward her left
shoulder. At her feet was an empty basin and a tea kettle of water, as
if she was in the act of taking a foot bath. The bed clothes were
disarranged, as though she had been lying down, and vomited matter was
in her basin by the bed and on the bed clothes, showing that she had
been sick. She had been dead probably 24 hours. She suffered at times
with her heart and the probability is that her death was due to some
sort of heart lesion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(482) Cyrus Routh, Jan.28,1899
Verdict: I find that Cyrus Routt came to his death on the afternoon of
the 28th of jan. 1899 at his home on West Market Street, New Albany,
from an Epileptic convulsion. Mr. Routh had been a confirmed
Epileptic for many years and unable to work on that account. These
attacks would recur at longer and shorter intervals, at times light at
others very severe. He lived in the front room of his house alone,
renting the rest of his house to a family. About 1 o’clock
p.m. on the 28th, he was heard to fall by the lady living in the house,
but in a short time was up as usual. About 4 o’clock, he was heard to
fall again, and after some time as he made no noise, the family became
alarmed and sent word to his sister, Mrs. Stocksdale, when
Mrs. Stocksdale came home she went down to Mr. Rouths house and found
him lying where he had fallen on the floor. He was placed on the
bed at once, where it was seen that he was dead. His death was occurred
during one of the attacks.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(483) Jacob Schwartz, Jan.31,1899
Verdict: I find that Jacob Schwartz came to his death at his home
on East Spring Street, New Albany on the afternoon of the 31st of Jan.
1899, by cutting his throat with a razor. I further find that the deed
was committed while suffering from acute “Mania” (?).
Mr. Schwartz was a merchant policeman, his “beat” being at night.
On Tuesday morning 29th, he came home as usual and retired about
9 0’clock, the same morning. The family was disturbed by the cries of
Mr. Schwartz, and found him talking incoherently. This state of affairs
continued up to Tuesday afternoon, when thinking he was asleep his wife
left him for a few minutes to get some soup down in the kitchen. While
below stairs, she heard some one fall and hurrying upstairs found Mr.
Schwartz in a adjoining room to his bedroom, lying on the floor in
front of the “dresser” with his throat cut and a razor lying on the
floor by the dresser. During her absence for a few moments he had
procured the razor and taken his own life. There is no question of his
insanity at the time it occurred.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(484) W.E. Peters, Feb.8,1899
Verdict: I find that W.E. Peters came to his death on the morning of
the 7th of Feb. 1899, at his house on corner of Hildreth and Jackson
Streets, New Albany, from Cerebral Apoplexy, super induced by the
excessive use of alcoholic stimulants.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(485) Isom Landers, colored, Feb.15,1899
Verdict: I find that Isom Landers came to his death on the night of the
14th of Feb, 1899 as the result of neglect and exposure. Landers lived
alone in a room on East Oak Street, near Bank, New Albany and for some
time had been ill and suffered from cold and hunger. His wants were
supplied by the Proper Authorities and he was left to care for
himself or to be attended by his neighbors. Several days previous
to his death he became bedfast, and too weak to attend to his own
wants. And lay in this “state” without food or fire, and on the
afternoon of the 15th of Feb. was discovered dead in his bed.
W.L.Starr F.C.C.
(486) William Dugan, colored, Feb.19,.1899
Verdict: I find that William Dugan, an old colored man, came to his
death suddenly from heart disease on the afternoon of the 18th of
Feb.1899, near his home on Pearl street Hill, New Albany. He had been
in good health up to a short time of his death, and had left his home
with the intention of going to the city. While walking along a circler
path, he suddenly dropped to the ground, and expired in a few moments.
His death being to the above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(487) Clemens Oeffinger, Mar. 15,1899
Verdict: I find that Clemens Oeffinger , the 15 yr. old son of Mootin
Oeffinger came to his death on the morning of the 15th of Mar. 1899
from injuries received by the caving in of a sand bank. Young
Oeffinger was assisting Aug. Alden in loading sand in a wagon on the
farm of john Lindeman in New Albany, and while Alden was absent a few
moments to get a drink. Young Oeffinger got down in the hole to throw
out sand, and while there the bank caved in and pinned him fast in the
hole up to his arms. His cries brought Alden to his assistance
who quickly liberated him. A clod of clay probably weighting a 100
pounds had struck him in the back, falling a distance of 6-8 feet.
Shortly after being released he became unconscious and was taken
to his uncles house nearby were he died shortly afterwards. Death was
due to concussion of the spine.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(488) George D. Arnold, infant, Apr.1, 1899
Verdict: I find that George D. Arnold the infant son of John and Emma
Arnold came to his death suddenly from a convulsion on the afternoon of
the 1st of Apr. 1899. The baby had not been sick and seemed as usual at
noon of above date. About 4 o'clock, the father noticing that the baby
was unusually quiet, picked it up and discovered it was dead. The face
was blue, and muscles contracted, showing that death was due to above
cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(489) Mary Coyle, Apr. 31,1899
Verdict: I find that Mary Coyle, came to her death from heart disease
at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. Turner, turner Street, New
Albany. On the morning of the 31st of Apr. 1899, Mrs. Coyle,
although about 90 years of age was very active and enjoyed the best of
health. She retired as well as usual at 10 o'clock p.m. of the
2nd day of Apr.. About 5:30 o'clock the next morning her daughter Mrs.
Turner heard her groaning downstairs in the hall, and going to her
found her gasping for breath and complaining of pains in the chest.
She died a few moments after being carried to bed, Death was due to
valvular disease of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(490) Susan A. Overton, May 8,1899
Verdict: I find that Susan A. Overton wife of William Overton came to
her death suddenly from heart disease, at her home on Grantline Road,
New Albany, on the evening of the 7th of May, 1899. She had been
in her usual health up to the time of retiring about 8 o'clock p.m. on
the above named date. Shortly after 8 o'clock her daughters in
the adjoining room were attracted to her by her cries for assistance,
and on going to her found her struggling for breath, blue in the face,
and frothing at the mouth, but conscious and seemingly in much
distress. She continued in this condition until her death a few moments
later, her death was probably due to valvular lesion of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(491) Harrison Stacy, May 12,1899
Verdict: I find that Harrison Stacy came to his death suddenly from a
lightning stroke on the morning of the 12th of May, 1899 near his house
in the county, 4 ½ miles north of new Albany. Mr.
Stacy was working in the field cutting weeds, when a heavy thunderstorm
came up. He had evidently been standing under a small Elm tree for
shelter with his hands in his pocket, when the bolt descended for his
were still in his pockets when he was found. His hat lay at his
feet torn to pieces. The current of electricity struck him on the head
passing along the right side down his neck to abdomen, and across to
left leg and down to the ankle, blistering the skin all the way down.
It also fused the watch chain in his fob pocket, not injuring the
silver watch. The undershirt was scorched, but not burned. Death was
evidently instantaneous. There was no other evidence of the effects of
the bold, as the tree was not touched.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(492) Unknown Infant ( White) , May 22,1899
Verdict: On Monday afternoon of the 22nd of May, 1899, while Clarence
Anderson, a small boy was walking through the Commons Bordering on
Spring Street, New Albany. he discovered the body of a new baby infant
lying in the weeds, close to the pavement, just above the
intersection of Thomas, west of Spring Street. The infant was a “full
term” female baby, and of white race. It was wrapped in an old blue
calico dress and over this were 2 newspapers, (Louisville Times) of
recent date. The infant was nude, as when born, and had evidently been
lying in the weeds for several days, and was far advanced towards
decomposition. Its condition was such as to preclude any knowledge as
to whether it had been born alive and investigation failed to reveal
any facts as to its parentage, place of birth and the motive of such a
disposition being made of its remains.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(493) John Long, May 26, 1899
Verdict: I find that John Long came to his death on the 26th of May
1899, at his home on west 7th street, New Albany, presumably on the
spinal cord, as a result of a diseased condition of its membranes. He
had previous to the attack, had a similar one in the month of March ,
and it was characterized by convulsion seizures affecting
principally the muscles of the upper extremities, attended with severe
pain located in the head and along the spine, and recurring at
intervals. His recovery was not complete, there being occasional
periods where he would complained of his and back. On the
evening of his death he ate his supper and about 10:30 o'clock began to
feel a return of his trouble in the shape of cramping and agonizing
pain, which was followed by the convulsive stage from which he failed
to rally, dying in a short time. While the mode of death
simulated that of death by strychnine, yet there was no evidence of
such having been taken, and the fact of previous attacks show that it
was but a fresh onset of the trouble that had only been in abeyance.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(494) Edward Vernia, June 13-14,1899
Verdict: I find that Edward Vernia came to his death on the morning of
the 132th of june 1899, from injuries received by the being run over by
a Kentucky and Indiana Bridge freight train, on the track of the Monon
railroad, at its intersection with Beeler Street, New Albany. At the
time of the accident the freight train ,engine 5 with four loaded cars,
was running north on the track of the Monon Railroad, the engine
backing up. At it was crossing Beeler Street, Vernia attempted to get
on the step of engine next to the box car and grasped the railing
around the tank with his left hand, putting one foot on the step at the
same time. As he did this he was whirled around either by the motion of
the train, or by slipping and loosing his grasp of the hand rail, was
carried under the wheels of the 4 cars, attached to the engine, both
legs being crushed to a pulp, and left arm and right hand cut off.
Death occurred in 2 hours. No blame could be attached to those in
charge of the freight train.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(495) Fred Brooks, June 25, 1899
Verdict: I find that Fred Brooks came to his death on the 24th of June,
1899, from the effects of a pistol shot wound in the left breast,
inflicted by himself, with suicidal intent. At the time of the shooting
he was calling on Mrs. Caroline Cade, at the home of her mother, Mrs.
Teresa Naville on Charters Street, New Albany. As he was leaving about
11 o'clock p.m., of the evening of the 23rd, he bade her goodbye and
drawing a revolver from his pocket, put it to his left breast and
fired. Death occurred the following afternoon. Despondency was the
cause of the taking his life.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(496) Susan Webb, colored, July 30,1899
Verdict: I find that Susan Webb, came to her death suddenly from an
acute attack of colic on the early morning of the 30th of July, 1899,
at the home of her sister Elizabeth Kellar on East 5th Street, New
Albany. Miss Webb had been complaining for several days with occasional
attacks of cramps in the stomach, but not severe in character. About
midnight on the 29th, she awoke with an attack of cramps, following by
very violent vomiting and died while sitting in a chair and while the
family were trying to alleviate her suffering. Death was probably
due to perforation of the stomach, and the attending shock to the
nervous system.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(497) Joseph Kelley, Aug., 2, 1899
Verdict: I find that Joseph Kelly came to his death on the early
morning of the 2nd of Aug. 1899, from the effects of injuries received
the previous afternoon at the brick yard of Mr. Wm. Houpt, New
Albany. Mr. Kelley was Engineer at the brick yard and at the time
of the accident had gone underneath the machinery to examine where one
of the new cog wheels was cutting into another one. By some means his
left hand was caught between the cogs, above his head and he was drawn
in them to his shoulders, his arm being torn off at the shoulders and
he was otherwise mutilated, he died from his injuries 13 hours later.
It was difficult how Mr. Kelley, as the cogs were some distance above
his head and he probably was reaching toward them when his hand was
caught. No blame could be attached to those connected with the brick
yard.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(498) Valentine Kelly, Aug. 17, 1899
Verdict: I find that Valentine Kelly came to his death on the 16th of
Aug. 1899, from injuries received by being struck by engine 628 of the
of passenger train, running north from Louisville on the track of
the P.C.C. and St. L. Railroad. At the time of the accident, Mr. Kelly
was walking between the tracks going west or toward New Albany, as the
engine of passenger train from Louisville had passed the crossing at
Stiles Station above Silver Creek, Mr. Kelly stepped on the north bound
track directly in front of engine and was thrown over on the north rail
of the south bound track and instantly killed. He seemed to be
oblivious of the approaching train, and when he stepped on the track,
the distance was too short to make more than one effort to check the
speed of the train, which at this point runs about 45 miles an hour.
The accident occurred at about 4:45 p.m. From all the evidence given
the accident was an unavoidable one.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(499) William Finnegan, Sept. 1, 1899
Verdict: On the morning of the 1st of Sept., 1899, a stranger was
discovered in an unconscious condition lying in an empty box car in the
yards of the L.E. & St. L. Railroad in New Albany. There was no
evidence of violence to be found. Dr. Winn was called and found him to
be suffering from an overdose of opium, probably morphine, and gave him
the closest attention, but he never rallied and died in a few
hours. It was learned later that his name was William Finnegan
and that he was from St. Louis MO. and that he was without work or
money and means of returning to his home. It is thought while
laboring under a fit of despondency he procured the morphine and ended
his existence. This is the only supposition, as there was no
evidence visible of anything being taken, but the fact of his
straightened circumstances and death due to an overdose of Opium leads
to that conclusion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(500) Patrick Fenessey, Sep.. 28, 1899
Verdict: On the morning of the 27th of Sep.. 1899, Patrick Fenessey, an
old Irishman, was discovered dead in a hovel on East Elm Street, near
State. He had been living in a little one room shanty for 10 year, the
life of a recluse, following for a living the keeping of a stall in the
market house. He was at the Market on Monday previous to his death, and
complained of his side, saying he was going to go home and take some
medicine. This was the last he was seen alive. A friend of his
learning of his illness and knowing that he was alone, went to see if
he could aid him, and discovered him lying dead on a bench which served
as a bed. His side door was standing open and he probably died during
the previous day, (Tuesday). Death was probably by some heart
trouble, there was no evidence of violence to be discovered. On his
person was $4.22 in money and secreted in one old sack $70.00 in paper
money. He was 76 yrs of age and came to America, from Ireland in
1888, at which time he took out Naturalization papers.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(501) Adolph Herb, Sep. 18, 1899
Verdict: I find that Adolph Herb, the little son of Victor Herb, came
to his death, on the afternoon of the 7th of Sep. 1899 at his home on
union Street, New Albany, from a fractured skull, as the result of a
kick from a horse. The horse owned by Richard Childs (colored) was
grazing on the grass in the Commons, when the boy came out in the
street to play. It is supposed that the boy struck the horse , but as
to this it is not certain, but the horse kicked up, striking him behind
the left ear, killing him instantly. It seems that the accident was
unavoidable.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(502) James Gardner, Sep. 15, 1899
Verdict: I find that James Gardner the 5 yr. old son of J. Gardner came
to his death on the afternoon of the 14th of Sept. 1899, from injuries
received by being struck and run over by a wagon, the property of J.
Zinsmeister , of New Albany. The little boy, with several other
companions was playing on Bank Street, between Spring and Elm Streets,
and failed to notice the approach of the wagon, and was struck and
knocked down by the horse, on West side and the wheels of the heavy
wagon passed over his chest, killing him.
The driver of the wagon was not aware of the accident until he had
driven half a square and was in no ways to blame.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(503) Bridget Welsh, Sep. 29,1899
Verdict: I find that Bridget Welsh, came to her death on the early
morning of the 29th of Sep. 1899, from an attack of Asthma, probably
super induced by some valvular lesion of the heart. She had been
subject to attacks of Asthma, but was much better several weeks prior
to her death. On Thursday night (28th) she retired feeling unusually
well. She awoke the next morning and got up until her usual attack had
subsided and then lay down. Shortly afterwards her husband spoke to
her, and receiving no answer discovered that she was dead. She had died
quietly without a struggle.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(504) Thomas Tether, Oct.4, 1899
Verdict: I find that Thomas Tether came to his death suddenly from
heart disease at his home on West Main Street, New Albany, on the 3rd
of Oct. 1899. Mr. Tether had complained some with a cold, but was still
able to work at his trade of shoe making. He ate his dinner, and then
lay down for a nap, on the sofa in the dining room. In a few moments
the family was startled by his falling from the sofa, and on going to
him found him unconscious, and purple in the face and he died in a few
moments. Death was due to some valvular disease of the heart.
W.L. Starr. F.C.C
(505) Jacob Dowerman, Oct. 4,1899
Verdict: I find that Jacob Dowerman came to his death, in the afternoon
of the 3rd of Oct. 1899, from a fall from a ladder, while engaged in
picking apples in his orchard near his home on the Budd Road below New
Albany. No one witnessed the accident, but the presumption
is that he either lost his balance while reaching for an apple or that
the ladder turned with him, while he was near the top round and he was
thrown to the ground, striking his face and head, the concussion of the
blow causing almost instant death. He discovered by his daughter
who came to call him to supper.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(506) Frank Tribbey, Oct. 10, 1899
Verdict: I find that Frank Tribbey came to his death the evening of the
10th of Oct. 1899, from the effects of an overdose of morphine, taken
only with the purpose, of relieving pain and while laboring mental
aberration. Some 10 days previous he had suddenly insane, requiring
restraint and constant watching. On the day of his death he was allowed
to leave the house and going to a drug store procured 10 grains of
morphine and returning home took the whole amount at one dose, dying
from the effects in a few hours. Being mentally unbalanced at the time,
he took it only with the idea of relieving his pain, and with no
intention of harm to himself.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(507) Jane Judge, Colored, Oct., 28,1899
Verdict: I find that Jane Judge, an old colored woman, came to her
death as the results of a burn on the evening of the 27th of Oct.,
1899, at her home on Summit (?) Street, New Albany.
No one witnessed the accident, but it seems that she had lighted a
piece of cotton comfort, that was saturated with coal oil in the stove,
and the flames communicated to her clothing, burning them off her body
from foot to head, death resulting in a short time.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(508) John S. Royer (Roger), Dec. 10, 1899
Verdict: I find that John S. Royer (Roger) came to his death, probably
from a stroke of paralysis on or about the 8th of Dec. 1899. He lived
alone on the 3rd floor of the old “Occidental Hotel”, on the corner of
East 3rd and Main Streets. On Sunday morning the 10th of Dec. one of
the tenants remarked that she had not seen or heard anything of Royer
for several days and thinking he might be sick had Mr. Charles
Wolfe, a grocery man, go up to his room to see about him. He was
discovered lying dead across the bed. Mr. Royer was paralyzed on the
left side for many years, and it is presumed that he sat down on the
bed and died. He was last seen alive at about 7 o'clock on the evening
of the 8th of Dec. at which time he had stopped in the shoe shop
of Charles Oeffinger on Bank Street near Market. He
remembered that he was not feeling well and would go home and take some
medicine and go to bed. He was not seen afterwards until he was found
as above stated.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(508
½) Jacob Miller, Dec. 14, 1899
Verdict: I find that Jacob Miller came to his death probably from a
stroke of apoplexy on the evening of the 12th of Dec. 1899, at his home
in the country 10 miles northwest of New Albany. Mr. Miller had not
been sick, but had been complaining some of a headache during the day.
He retired early and about 9 o'clock p.m. his wife noticed him making a
peculiar gurgling noise and found him unconscious. Death occurred a few
moments later. Death was probably as above stated.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(509) Nettie L. Ford, Dec. 27, 1899
Verdict: I find that Nettie L. Ford came to her death on the evening of
the 26th of Dec. 1899 from injuries received by the accidental
discharge of a shot gun in the hands of Wm. M. Cooper, at the latter’s
home North Park, New Albany. Mrs. Ford, husband and children had gone
to Coopers to spend Christmas. At the time of the accident, Mr. Cooper
was in his kitchen cleaning his gun. After cleaning it, he loaded it
with 2 shells and was in the act of letting down the hammer of right
barrel when it slipped from his thumb and the gun was exploded, the
contents striking Mrs. Ford who had just entered the room in time to
get in range of the gun, the load entering the right hip, some of it
passing into the abdominal cavity. Her death occurring some 30 hours
later. It was clearly a case of accidental shooting.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(510) Myrtle M. Bego, Infant Jan. 11, 1900
Verdict: I find that Myrtle M. Bego, infant child of Nellie Bego, came
to her death suddenly from a valvular lesion of the heart, at the home
of her parents on West 8th Street, New Albany on the evening of the
10th of Jan. 1900. The baby was delicate from birth, subject to attacks
of smothering at times. On the above the baby began coughing and seemed
to struggle, its breathing grew rapid and it died before help could be
procured.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(511) Raymond J. Bierman, Infant, Jan. 10, 1900
Verdict: I find that Raymond J., Bierman, infant son of John & Mary
Bierman came to its death from a convulsion at the home of his parents
near Mooresville, New Albany, on the morning of Jan. 10th, 1900. The
baby was 5 months of age and delicate, but had not been sick until the
morning of the 10th, when it suddenly grew ill dying from a convulsion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C..
(512) Benjamin A.
Luther, Jan. 8th, 1900
Verdict: I find that Benjamin A. Luther came to his death on the night
of the 7th of Jan. 1900 from an attack of Pneumonia at his home 7
miles north of new Albany. Mr. Luther had been il from the preceding
Sunday, but being a member of a religious sect, who calling themselves
“Saints’ whose belief is solely (sic) of those trusting in prayers for
cure he positively refused to take any medicine or have a
physician on Saturday evening that preceded his death he had Dr.
C.P Davis of Galena called, only for the purpose of filling out a
certificate of death in the event of his demise, and refusing what aid
the doctor could afford. His death occurred the following night. When
called upon to fill out the death certificate, the doctor refused,
claiming he had not treated Mr. Luther and was not the proper person to
do it and that Mr. Luther had in reality died without any medical
attention. The case being one for the coroner. While faith and
prayers are the natural attributes of all religious organizations, to
the exclusion of all attention, to the physical well being, amounts
virtually to neglect where prompt medical attention may have been the
means to saving life.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(513) Rebecca Shirley, Feb. 8, 1900
Verdict: I find that Rebecca Shirley came to her death at her home near
Edwardsville, Floyd County, IN. on the morning of the 8th of Feb.
1900, probably from heart disease, super induced by the infirmities of
age. Mrs. Shirley was near 80 yrs of age and had been
confined to her bed for the past 2 years from an injury to her hip, but
otherwise was in her usual health, with the exception of occasional
smothering or fainting spells. On the morning of the 8th she suddenly
grew worse and died before assistance could be procured. Death
occurring doubtless from the above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(514) William Baker, Feb. 9, 1900
Verdict: I find that William Baker, came to his death on the morning of
the 9th of Feb. 19800 probably from heart disease, super induced by
alcoholic excess at the boarding house of Peter Cearns East 6th and
Water Street. Baker was excessively fat, weighing over 300
pounds, and at all time troubled with shortness of breath, his
breathing being labored at the slightest exertion. Although he
worked in the “forge works” for a livelihood. He retired last
night at 10 o'clock, after drinking heavily. This morning Mr. Cearns
heard him breathing heavily at 6 o'clock, but when his wife, Mrs.
Cearns went to awaken him, she found him dead. Death being due to the
above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(515) Casper Leist, Feb. 17, 1900
Verdict: About noon of Feb. 26,1900, Casper Leist, a tailor, was
discovered dead at his home on West Market Street, between State and
First streets. He lived alone having his shop at above named
place. He was last seen alive on the previous afternoon, Feb. 25th
(Sunday), by a colored man Henry Stewart, who attended to getting in
the coal for Mr. Leist. At this time Mr. Leist was complaining of not
feeling well, and said he would lie down. The next morning, a
colored woman, who worked for him came to his shop and found it closed,
returning at noon, she found it was the same. Thinking something wrong,
as she could not arouse the old man, she called Mr. James Scott , who
was passing, and he came and opened the side door and discovered Mr.
Leist dead in his bed. He was undressed with his hands folded, the
covers partly thrown off and looked as if he had died without a
struggle. There was no evidence of foul play and no reason to suspect
suicide and the presumption is he died from Heart disease.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(516) Myrtle Stevens, Infant, Mar. 9, 1900
Verdict: I find that Myrtle Stevens, infant daughter of Elizabeth
Stevens came to its death from a convulsion, at the house of it's
mother on East 3rd Street. On the morning of the 9th of mar. 1900. The
baby was born the previous day and seemed to be perfect and sound. The
child was illegitimate, and in that fact coupled with the sudden demise
gave grounds for suspicion of foul play. An investigation however
failed to reveal any evidence of such and its death was due to natural
causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(517) Frank H. Libs, Mar. 16,1900
Verdict: I find that Frank H. Libs, son of August Libs, living on the
“Bald Knob”, 7 miles north of New Albany, came to his death from an
Epileptic convulsion in the afternoon of the 15th of Mar. 1900. The
young man 19 yrs of age was a sufferer of epilepsy for the past 8 years
and was seldom from under the observation of his family. On the
afternoon of the 15th of March, he and his father returned from
working in the field to their home and Frank went to the barn to feed.
Not returning in a short time, his father went to look for him and
found him lying across the feed trough dead. His head had struck a log
against which the box rested, cutting a gash above his left eye and his
throat struck the edge of the feed trough. A bucket of water that he
carried was partly spilled. There was no struggle apparently
made, and death had occurred almost instantly. The concussion of the
blows on the head doubtless caused his death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(518) Elizabeth M. Horn, Infant, Apr. 12,1900
Verdict: I find that Elizabeth M. Horn, infant daughter of Frank and
Katie Horn came to her death probably from some heart lesion on the
night of the 11th of Apr. 1900. the baby was 4 days old and seemed
apparently well when the family retired at 9 o'clock. The infant
slept on its mothers arm and when the mother awoke at 5 o'clock the
next morning, she found the baby dead. It was lying in the same
position as at retiring and had made no noise during the night. There
was no evidence that it had smothered and its death was doubtless due
to the above cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(519) Thomas Lemon, Apr. 13,1900
Verdict: I find that Thomas lemon came to his death suddenly from
valvular disease of the heart, on the evening of the 12th of Apr. 1900
at his home on Spring Street, New Albany. Mr. lemon seemingly was in
the best of health on retiring at 8:30 p.m. of the 12th. About 1:30
o'clock after retiring his wife was startled by his heavy breathing and
failed to arouse him by shaking him. The other members of the family
were called, but Mr. Lemon had ceased to breath on their reaching his
bed. He had for years been troubled with his heart and such a demise
was not altogether unexpected. His age was 70 years.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(520) James Garraway, (colored) Apr. 20, 1900
Verdict: I find that James Garraway, came to his death on the evening
of the 19th of Apr. 1900, at his home on Corydon Pike, 2 miles west of
New Albany, from an epileptic convulsions. He had been a sufferer of
epileptic attacks, occurring at intervals of about 1 month. On
Wednesday, the 18th the attack came on and continued at time became
unconscious and continued so up until the time of his death, the
following day. No physician was called in, it not being it not
being though necessary by the family.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(521) Milo Conner, May 9,1900
Verdict: I find that Milo Conner came to his death suddenly on the
morning of the 9th of May, 1900 from heart disease at the home of
his granddaughter Mrs. Fields, on East 9th Street, New Albany. Mr.
Conner was 89 years of age, but well preserved and apparently in his
usual health at bed time of May 8th. About 1 o'clock the next morning
Mrs. Fields was awakened by the cry of her grandfather that he was
dying. She immediately went to him and by the time she had called a
neighbor, Mr. Conner was dead. Death was probably due to some lesion of
the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(522) Henry Stopher, May 9,1900
Verdict: I find that Henry Stopher, a farmer about 6 miles west of New
Albany, came to his death suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy, on the
early evening of the 18th of May 1900. Mr. stopher at the time of , was
engaged in assisting his son planting corn, when he suddenly cried out
“Oh” and fell to the ground. He was unconscious, his face dark, his
lips blue, and he lived but a few moments after falling. He had
complained for a few days previous to his death of a pain in his head,
and of being at times dizzy. His age was 70 years.
W.L. Starr. F.C.C.
(Note: There is a discrepancy in the dates on this inquest. It is dated
May 9,1900, but in the contents of the inquest it states he died the
18th of May, 1900. I have left them as written. Since I do not know
which one may be correct.)
(523) America Scott, June 4,1900
Verdict: I find that America Scott came to her death suddenly from
heart disease, at her home in Scottsville, 10 miles northwest of New
Albany, on the morning of the 3rd of June, 1900. Mrs. Scott was
apparently in her usual heath on arising on the early morning of the
above date, and attended to her household duties as usual. While in the
act of opening a bureau to get out some bed clothing, she suddenly fell
to the floor unconscious, and died as soon as she was placed on the
bed. She had occasional spells of smothering from some heart affliction
and her death was doubtless due to some valvular lesion of that organ.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(524) Rose May Simms, infant, colored, June 17,1900
Verdict: I find that Rose may Simms, infant daughter of Eddie Simms
came to her death on the morning of the 17th of June, 1900 at her home
on west 4th street, New Albany. the baby was 8 months old and in
perfect health on the morning of the above date at 8 o'clock. At this
time the mother let it nurse, and laid it on the sofa asleep, going
downstairs. About 10 o'clock Albert Simms, a brother of the child's
mother went up stairs to raise a window and discovered the baby lying
on its face on the sofa dead. It was frothing at the mouth and nose,
and its hands were clinched and its body fast growing cold. It had died
in a convulsion probably a shortly after the mother left it at 8
o’clock.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(525) Catherine Hopper, June 26,1900
Verdict: I find that Catherine Hopper came to her death at her house
near Greenville, Floyd Co. IN. some time during the night of the 25th
of June, 1900 probably from Paralysis of the heart, super induced by
tuberculosis of the lungs. In March last, Mrs. Hopper had a severe
attack of pneumonia , and recovered very slowly. In addition she had
been suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs for the past 2 years. On
the evening preceding her death, she ate a hearty supper and seemed to
be better than usual and retired at 10 o'clock. On the following
morning, her son went to call her and found her lying as if asleep in
bed, but cold and stiff in death. Death was doubtless due to cause
enumerated.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(526) James Glanville, July 5,1900
Verdict: I find that James Glanville came to his death on the early
morning of 5th of July 1900, probably from valvular lesion of the
heart. Mr. Glanville had for the past 10 years been a sufferer from
Asthma and was unable to lie down in comfort on account of smothering.
The night of the 4th being very warm, he did not retire but sit out on
the front step of his house on East 5th Street, the whole night. His
family heard him occasionally coughing during the night, and even as
late as 3 o’clock the next morning. At 4 o'clock his went to call him
to come in the house and discovered him lying in the grass dead. Death
was doubtless due to above cause, super induced by an attack of Asthma.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(527) Peter Carnes, July 10,1900
Verdict: I find that Peter Carnes, came to his death on the morning of
the 10th of July, 1900 from the effects of a pistol shot wound in the
chest received at the hands of Arch Dye. The killing occurred about
6:30 o'clock on the morning of the above date, on the corner of East
5th and Market Streets, New Albany, along side the saloon of John Ruhr,
near 5th street entrance. The evidence of the witnesses who were near
at the time of the shooting gives me no clue as to the provocation for
the killing. One shot was fired, which entered the chest on the right
side, below 1st & 2nd rib, about an inch to right of sternum,
death resulting instantly.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(528) James Wolfe, July 7,1900
Verdict: I find that James Wolfe a resident of Georgetown, IN. came to
his death on the early morning of the 7th July 1900 from injuries
received by being struck by engine #104 of freight train # 80, going
East on the track of the Louisville, Evansville & St.L. Railroad (
Air Line ) at a point a short distance below the station in Georgetown.
At the time of the accident Mr. Wolfe was engaged in dragging 2 cross
ties attached by a chain to a horse and the chain broke leaving the
ties across the rails. Mr. Wolfe seeing a freight train approaching
jumped from the horse, and hastily threw the ties from the track, but
too late to avoid the danger himself and was struck and thrown 30 feet
by the pilot beam on engine, and was instantly killed. The train men
were in no way to blame for the accident.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(529) Mary C. Johnson, July 23, 1900
Verdict: I find that Mary C. Johnson came to her death on the night of
the 22nd, July 1900, probably from valvular lesion of the heart. Mrs.
Johnson lived with her daughter Mrs. Henry Goodman, on the “Blunk Knob”
ten miles west of New Albany. She seemed to be in the best of health up
to the time of retiring on the night of the 22nd. On the
following morning at 6 o'clock her daughter went o call her to come to
breakfast and receiving no reply, went up stairs and found her mother
dead in bed. She was cold and rigid and had doubtless been dead a
number of hours. There is nothing to show that death was due to other
than natural causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(530) Laura Munsell, July 30,1900
Verdict: I find that Laura Munsell came to her death on the evening of
the 28th of July 1900, from a concussion of the brain as a result of
injuries received by struck by the tank of the engine K of passenger
train 365 on the track of the P.C.C, St. L. Railroad, at the
intersection of the track with East 16th Street, New Albany. Mrs.
Munsell was crossing Main Street toward her home at the corner of
East 16th & Main Streets. Being quite deaf she evidently
failed to notice the approach of the passenger train going west toward
the 16th street station and in spite of warning signs and ringing of
bell, she stepped on the track, and the engine tank struck her,
throwing her off the track and producing injuries that caused her death
2 hours later. While she was seen in time, there was no time to
have avoided the accident that fireman who was looking did not think
she would continue to walk toward the track or to try to cross until it
was too late to prevent the accident.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(531) Margaret Laib, Aug. 6, 1900
Verdict: I find that Margaret Laib came to her death suddenly from
heart disease on the early morning of the 6th of Aug. 1900 at her house
on Vincennes Street, New Albany. Mrs. Laib was in her usual health on
retiring on the evening of the 5th and about midnight awakened her
daughter by her efforts at vomiting. The daughter went to her bed, sat
down and held her for a while, when she noticed her mother had ceased
to breath and was dead. Death was probably due to some valvular disease
of the heart as she had been a sufferer from heart trouble for a long
time.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(532) William H. Walker, Aug. 11, 1900
Verdict: I find that William H. Walker came to his death probably from
heart disease, on the night of the 10th Aug. 1900 at the home of
William Randall, 5 miles north of New Albany. Mr. Walker boarded with
Mr. Randall & on the evening of the 10th seemed to be in perfect
health up to the time of retiring. During the night Roy Sale, a boy,
who slept in the adjoining room to Mr. Walker was awakened by the
groans and heavy breathing. He went in Mr. Walker’s room and saw him
sitting up in bed groaning, as if in pain, and when he spoke to him,
got no reply. Mr. Walker lying back on the pillow, and becoming quiet.
Thinking perhaps that Mr. Walker was all right he went back to bed. The
next morning Mr. Walker was discovered dead in his bed. Death probably
occurred early in the night.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(533) George Holland, Aug. 13, 1900
Verdict: I find that George Holland came to his death probably from
organic heart disease on the early evening of the 12th Aug. 1900. Mr.
Holland who lives on West Market Street between 5th and 6th, left his
home to get some corn shucks for his cow, shortly before his death and
failed to return. A little girl passing through the alley on which Mr.
Holland lived, but a short distance from his house, discovered him
lying dead, and the family was notified. His basket was on the ground
beside him, and he had died without a struggle. He seemed to be
perfectly well when he left home and death was doubtless due to the
above named cause.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(534) Elizabeth Blunk, Aug. 11, 1900
Verdict: I find that Elizabeth Blunk came to her death suddenly from
apoplexy at her home Shelby Street, “Silver Grove” on the afternoon of
the 10th Aug. 1900. Mrs. Blunk was apparently in good health excepting
she had been complaining of a headache for several days, more
particularly on the 10th. While engaged in getting supper about 4:40
o'clock on the afternoon of the above date, she suddenly sank down to
the floor and expired in a moment. A week previous to her death, she
had fallen in the yard with a similar but soon recovered and thought it
brought about by the extreme heat. The attack was doubtless
precipitated by the exertions and heat attending to getting supper.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(535) Phillip Schindler, Sep. 8, 1900
Verdict: I find that Phillip Schindler came to his death on the morning
on the early morning of the 8th of Sep. 1900, from an epileptic
convulsion at the home of his parents, 8 miles north of New Albany. He
had been subject to the attacks of epilepsy for the past 15 years and
his condition was such that he was seldom left alone. On the night of
the 7th he retired as usual and was heard stirring about his room in
the night by the family. The next morning he was not called for
breakfast, as he was allowed to sleep as long as he desired. About
11:30 o'clock his mother went to call him and found him dead in bed,
his death was due to a convulsion.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(536) Jennie M. Deval Sep. 15. 1900
Verdict: I find that Jennie M. Deval came to her death at her home in
New Albany, on the forenoon of the 14th of Sep. 1900, from a pistol
shot wound in the head received by the accidental discharge of a pistol
in her own hand. On the morning of the above date, the family was
leaving for the day. Leaving daughter, Miss Jennie, alone at home.
About 5 o'clock in the afternoon, they returned and found the screen
doors all fastened and getting no response to their calls, the door was
forced open, and on going up stairs the daughter was found dead, lying
on her side in a pool of blood. She was cold and rigid and had been
dead for some hours. Examination revealed an opening in the right
temple, ”made by a pistol ball”, and a long barreled revolver lying on
the floor nearby. She was very familiar with the use of fire arms
and when left alone was accustomed to having a revolver convenient ally
near for protection. The presumption is that hearing a noise down
stairs she procured the revolver and was holding it cocked in her hand,
and while passing along the hallway at head of stairs she tripped an a
piece of loose carpet and in falling the weapon was exploded, causing
instant death. There were no powder burns on the face, the
muzzle of the revolver being quite a distance from the head when
exploded. This fact coupled with the place where the body was found and
the absence of any assignable reason for self destruction, precluded
the idea her death being due to any other cause than accidental causes.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(537) Annie
Whiteman
Nov. 9, 1900
Verdict: I find
that Annie Whiteman came to her death suddenly from “valvular”
lesion of the heart at her home in New Albany , on the evening of the
8th day of Nov. 1900. Mrs. Whiteman was apparently in the best of
health, and having eaten a hearty supper retired with the rest of the
family, shortly before 8 o’clock. Shortly after retiring she complained
of feeling smothered and got up and went in the open air, but found no
relief. Her breathing grew more labored, the froth coming from her
lungs in her effort to get air, and in a few moments she expired. The
manner of death was characteristic of one from heart lesion.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C
(538) Mary F. Coakley (colored infant) Nov. 20, 1900
Verdict: I find that Mary F. Coakley the 8 month baby of Richard
Coakley came to its death suddenly, probably from a convulsion, on the
early morning of the 20th day of Nov. 1900. Coakley had just moved into
the old Franklin house, on corner of Pearl and Oak streets on the
evening of the 19th, coming from Kentucky. The baby was bottle fed and
delicate, its mother having died some 4 months previous. It
was cared for by its aunt Mrs. Holmes, who retired with it about
midnight of the 19th and found it dead on her arm the next morning.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
( 539) Robert I. Low, infant, Dec. 9. 1900
Verdict: I find that Robert I. Low, the infant son of Mr.
and Mrs., Amos Low came to its death suddenly from “valvular heart
disease” on the morning of the 8th day of Dec, 1900, at his home on
West 4th & Market Streets New Albany. The baby, 3 months of age,
had been in perfect health and was on the morning of the above date.
When Mrs. Low awoke, she nursed the baby and lay it on a pillow until
she could cook breakfast. After eating she went to the bed to take the
baby up and discovered that is was dead. It looked as if asleep and its
sudden demise was occasioned by heart trouble that was
congenital.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(540) Morris A. Horton, Dec. 13,.1900
Verdict: I find that Morris A. Horton, a little 6 yr old boy, came to
his death on the early evening of the 12th day of Dec. 1900 by
accidental drowning. Young Horton, in company with 2 other small boys
went to Falling Run Creek at its intersection with West 4th Street,
with the intention of playing on the ice. Horton ventured out where the
ice was quite thin and the water deep, and broke through the ice and
was drowned, his playmates being too small to render him any
assistance. The body was recovered some 3 hours later.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(541) Thomas Bullock, Dec. 20,1900
Verdict: I find that Thomas Bullock came to his death on the evening of
the 19th of Dec. 1900, by drowning in the Ohio River at the foot of
Pearl Street, New Albany. The men who were employed at Mr.
Hammersmith coal dock, where the drowning occurred were first apprised
of it by the splash made by the body falling in the water, and before
assistance could be rendered the body had passed underneath an empty
coal barge and was caught several moments afterwards as it came to the
surface at the lower end of the barge. No one had seen Mr. Bullock come
on the coal dock and until the remains were recognized the impression
was that one of the new employees at the dock had drowned. The drowning
was probably accidental.
W.L.Starr F.C.C.
(542) Harry E. Meeker, Jan. 1, 1901
Verdict: I find that Harry E. Meeker the 7 year old son of Thomas
Meeker came to his death on the morning of the 1st day of Jan.
1901, at his home 2 miles North of New Albany from injuries
received by being caught and crushed under a falling hay rack. At
the time of the accident the boy was playing on the rack which stood
leaning against the barn. The weight of his body overbalanced the rack
and it fell to the ground catching the boys head and crushing it
causing instant death. W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(543) Louis Eisele, Jan. 7th , 1901
Verdict: I find that Louis Eisele came to his death by drowning in the
Ohio River, near the K & I bridge on the evening on the 5th day of
Jan. 1901. Mr. Eisele disappeared from home about suppertime of the
evening of the 5th, and the following morning his hat, jacket and vest
were found lying on a log near the river just below the K & I.
Bridge. His body was recovered a short time afterward caught in the net
of a fisherman a short distance below. It is supposed while
temporarily insane, he went to the river and drowned himself.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(544) Martin Finley, colored, Jan. 22, 1901
Verdict: I find that Martin Finley came to his death on the morning of
the 22nd of Jan. 1901 from injuries received by the explosion of a
boiler in the Mill of the Ohio Falls Iron
Co. in the city of New Albany, at which place he was employed, as a
fireman on one of the batteries. At the time of the accident Finley was
standing directly in front of and a short distance away from the
boiler, and his body was carried quite a distance away from the
boilers, by the force of the explosion, death being due to the combined
effects of the shock and the burns received. The cause of the
accident has not yet been definitely explained. The testimony of the
engineer and his assistant shows that the water gauges had been tested
at short intervals and showed and showed an ample supply of water in
the boiler, and that a moment prior to the explosion the gauges had
been tried and everything was working smoothly. The steam gauge set at
85 pounds, was blowing off slightly. The force of the explosion
separated the boiler near the front end, once piece going in a
westerly, the other in northeasterly direction. The explosion may have
been due to an inefficiency in the boiler that was destroyed. The water
being driven into the other boiler, and the gauges showing no evidence
of it, or to some defect in the boiler shell rendering it incapable of
withstanding the steam pressure under which the batteries were working.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(545) John Hines, colored, Feb. 12, 1901
Verdict: On the afternoon of the 9th of Feb. 1901, John Hines colored,
died from Tetanus (lock Jaw) at his home on West 1st Street, New
Albany. An investigation by the authorities showed that on the
Sunday morning previous (Feb. 3rd) , he had been assaulted and struck
on the head by a billiard cue at the hands Robert Carter, at the saloon
of George Wright, on West 1st and Main Streets. Hines did not seem to
be very much hurt and worked the following Monday and Tuesday. Thursday
he began to complain of feeling badly and rapidly developed a case of
Tetanus from which he died on Saturday. An autopsy was held the
following Monday morning (Feb. 11). In which the cranial cavity was
opened, but to show any connection between the death from Tetanus and
the blows received 6 day previous. The brain was perfectly normal,
Death was due to some lesion in the spinal cord and was not of
traumatic origin.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
Post Mortem examination held on John Hines Feb. 11, 1901.
Autopsy held at 11 o'clock a.m., death occurred 5 o'clock p.m. Feb. 9,
1901.
Rigor mortis well marked, 2 bruises or abrasions were on the face, one
on each cheek and partially healed, an incision was then made through
scalp, across the cranium from ear to ear and the “flaps” dissected
back. A bluish spot was on under surface of scalp on right side that
corresponded to an injury to the outer table of the skull, on the right
“porcetal” eminence (?). Repair was complete and injury was of long
standing. The cranium was then opened by sawing around beginning just
above the rupra(?) orbital ridge. The scalp was quite thick , but the
cranial wall comparatively think for a negro. There was no evidence of
a fracture. The brain was carefully examined, nothing abnormal
discovered. Death was probably due to trouble in the spinal cord and
did not follow as a result of the blow on the head.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(546) Julis C. Krey, Feb. 18. 1901
Verdict: I find that Julia C. Krey came to her death about 3 o'clock on
the morning of the 17th of Feb, 1901, from paralysis of the heart, as
the result of exhaustion following an attack of acute Gastritis. Mrs.
Krey was taken sick on Wednesday, 3 days prior to her death, with an
acute inflammation of the stomach, and the gravity of her trouble was
not recognized by the members of the family, until an hour previous to
her death, medical assistance was sought for, but death occurred
before any could be procured.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(547) Charles
Atkins, Feb. 24,1901
Verdict: I
find that Charles Atkins came to his death on the afternoon of the 23rd
day of Feb. 1901, probably from heart disease. In company with
several other boys he was engaged in skating in the loop, a body of
water about 1 mile east of New Albany. After skating for a time, he was
missed by his companions and was found lying on the ice dead. He
was a sufferer from some heart affliction and it is thought the violent
exercise
In skating was the
immediate cause of death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(548) Nicholas
Neff , Feb. 27,1901
Verdict: I find
that Nicholas Neff came to his death suddenly from apoplexy on the
night of the 26th day of Feb. 1901 and further that his death was super
induced by the excessive use of intoxicants. He had been on a
continuous spree for several weeks and was in the habit of frequenting
the Central Hotel on State and Spring Streets and of sitting in the
office during the night. Shortly before midnight of the
above date, he left the hotel office with the intention of going to the
rear of the building and had reached the pavement on Spring Street
side, when he fell and expired in a moment.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(549) Eli Tolbert, Colored , March 8,1901
Verdict: I find that Eli Tolbert an aged colored man, came to his death
from an attack of La Grippe, at his home on Troy Street, New Albany, on
the morning of the 7th of March, 1901. He had been ill for several days
and the family had been attending to his wants and failed to call in a
physician. He received no medical attention whatsoever, and the lack of
it was due to the ignorance of the family, and the dread that the
deceased had always had of a physician .
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(550) Mary F. Sims, Colored, March 12,1901
Verdict: I find that Mary F. Sims came to her death from the effects of
a burn at her home on Galt Street on the evening of the 11th of March,
1901. Mrs. Sims was alone at the time, and about 6 o'clock of the above
evening the neighbors were disturbed by the screams coming from the
house of Mrs. Sims, and by the smoke issuing from the roof. On going
into the house, the bed was discovered to be on fire, and Mrs. Sims
under the bed covers, clothing also ablaze. When the fire was
extinguished , Mrs. Sims was removed unconscious, and it was found
that body had been badly burned, almost all her clothing being
charred. She lived until 11 o'clock the same evening. It is thought
that she was standing or sitting close to the stove and that her
clothing became ignited, and in order to smother the blaze, she ran to
the bed and covered herself up. The fact of the door being closed kept
the fire from spreading more rapidly and saved the house from
destruction.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(551) Oliver McMackin, March 27,1901
Verdict: I find that Oliver McMackin came to his death on the
evening of the 26th, March 1901, from the effects of a gun shot wound
in the perineum (between scrotum and anus) I further find that
said shooting occurred at the house of Thompson Smith , (father-
in- law of the deceased ) on North Second Street, New Albany. the
killing was the result of a family quarrel, in which Mr. Smith was
endeavoring to prevent Mr. McMackin from doing harm to himself and wife
and daughter Katie, wife of deceased. Mrs. Smith, wife of
Thompson Smith procured a double barrel shotgun and went to the
assistance of her husband. The testimony of those other than the ones
directly implicated fails to throw any light on the matter as to
whether the shot was received directly at the hands of Mrs. Smith, or
whether the gun exploded accidentally during the struggle that was
taking place on the floor. The location of the wound would favor
the theory of an accident, but there were 2 separate explosions, one
load entering the floor and the other producing the wound that caused
his death. In view of the testimony deducted at inquest I am unable to
state as to the manner in which the shooting was done.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(552) Frances Monnin , March 30, 1901
Verdict: I find that Frances Monnin, came to his death on the early
morning of the 30th of March, 1901, at his home in Lafayette Township,
Floyd Co. probably from some valvular lesion of the heart. Mr. Monnin
was 72 yrs of age, but in good health apparently. He worked during the
day of the 29th of March, ate a hearty supper, and retired about 8
o'clock that evening. His sister Mrs. Schuler, with whom he lived, went
the following morning to call him to breakfast, and discovered that he
was dead. He looked as if asleep, the covers drawn over him, and there
was no evidence of a struggle.
W.L. Starr, F.C.C.
(553) John Schueler, Apr. 1, 1901
Verdict: I find that John Schueler came to his death on the morning of
the 31 of March, 1901, by hanging himself in stable at the rear of his
residence on East 8th and Sycamore Streets, city of New Albany. Mr.
Scheuler arose about 5 o’clock in the morning and went to the stable,
as was his custom, to feed and attend to his horse. His wife shortly
after 6 o'clock went to call him to breakfast, and found him hanging by
a halter strap suspended from a rafter. Life was extinct, although the
body was warm and limp. The cause of the suicide is attributed to
despondency over business affairs.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(554) John C. Pearson, Apr. 12,1901
Verdict: I find that John C. Pearson came to his death suddenly on the
afternoon of the 11 of Apr. 1901, at the home of his mother in
Georgetown Township, Floyd County. Pearson had been in poor health for
the past year, being a sufferer from consumption, and was living in
Illinois. He returned home on the morning of the 11th and was able to
go about the house during the day. About 4 o'clock p.m. he was suddenly
seized with a faintness. and at once expired. Death was due to
paralysis of the heart.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(555) Minnie French, Apr. 15, 1901
Verdict: On the Sunday evening of the 14th of Apr. 1901, Mrs. Minnie
French, an old German woman, was found lying dead across her bed at
home on Hildreth Street, New Albany. She lived alone for years, having
but little to do with her neighbors. She was last seen alive by her
next door neighbor Mrs. Alton on Saturday morning previous to her
death. Mrs. Alton saw nothing of her on Sunday and fearing that she
sick tried to attract her attention by knocking on her door and
windows. Receiving no response, she called several of the neighbors and
on going in the house, she was discovered lying across the bed dead.
There was no evidence of violence and she had probably been dead since
the previous day. Death was doubtless due to some heart trouble, super
induced by exhaustion, from lack of proper attention.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(556) Joseph Peay, Apr. 24, 1901
Verdict: I find that Joseph Peay came to his death suddenly probably
from apoplexy, on the early morning of 24 Apr. 1901 at his home in
Lafayette Township, Floyd County. He had retired as usual on the
evening previous, after eating his supper, and did not complain of
feeling ill. The family heard him stirring about during the night. On
the following his wife discovered him dead in bed. Twelve years
previous he was struck on the head by a falling limb of a tree and
seriously injured. He never fully recovered from the injury, his mind
being somewhat impaired. The presumption is that the injury to the
head, predisposed to his sudden death.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(557) Frederick J. Miller, May 18,1901
Verdict: I find that Frederick J. Miller came to his death on the
morning of the 18th May, 1901 from valvular heart disease. Mr. Miller,
accompanied by his 2 little boys had gone Silver Creek for the purpose
of fishing. While engaged in casting out a line from a drift pile, just
below the bridge at Blackston Mill, he suddenly fell back on the drift
and expired. Mr. Miller had long been afflicted with heart disease and
the previous evening had, had an attack of Asthma at his house, but
soon recovered. Death was instantaneous.
W.L. Starr F.C.C
(558) Frederick Herter, May 27,1901
Verdict: On the early morning of the 27th of May 1901, the
headless and badly mangled body of a man was discovered lying on
the south bound track of the P.C.C. & St. L. Railroad at a point
near where the Belt and Terminal Railroad crosses it, above Vincennes
St., New Albany. the head of the man, the coat and vest , hat and
shoes, were found on the south bound track of same road, just about
¾ of a mile from where he was found. After the head had been
severed, the body was dragged over the cross ties and switches,
leaving traces of clothing and fragments of the body all the way. The
body was identified as that of Frederick Herter of New Albany. Herter
had been seen by several parties about 9 o'clock the previous evening
in the vicinity of where the accident occurred. There was no
witnesses to the accident, he was probably killed by a south bound
passenger “Dinky” train running from New Albany to Louisville,
shortly before midnight of the previous evening.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(559)
Anastasia A.
Jawes (James ?) Infant. May 30, 1901
Verdict: I find
that Anastasia A. Jawes (James?) the 5 month old child of Mr. &
Mrs. Kiren Jawes (James?) residing in the Fayette Township, Floyd
County, came to its death some time during the early morning of the
30th day of May, 1901, probably from a convulsion. The baby seemed to
be in perfect health when the family retired the previous evening. On
the following morning, the baby was discovered dead in her bed. Death
was probably due to above natural causes.
W.L. Starr Floyd
Co. Coroner
(560) Thomas J.
Oberchain, June 2,1901
Verdict: I find
that Thomas J. Oberchain came to his death from cerebral apoplexy
on the early evening of the first day of June, 1901. Mr. Oberchain had
gone to the barber shop of B.M. Kohl, 225 Pearl Street at about 5
o’clock p.m. for the purpose of taking a bath. Not having
returned from the bath after quite a long interval, Mr. Kohl went to
investigate and Mr. Oberchain was found lying naked in the empty bath
tub, alive but breathing very heavily. He died a few moments later. A
wet towel on a chair indicated that he had taken his bath, and probably
after so doing he sat down on the side of the tub, and while sitting
there was stricken with Apoplexy. His hair was dry, showing that his
head had not been under the water. His color and condition of
respiration when found would point to death from above named
cause.
W.L. Starr, Floyd.
Co. Coroner.
(561) James H.
Buckingham June 6,1901
Verdict: I
find that James H. Buckingham came to his death suddenly from Heart
Disease, at his home on Vincennes Street, New Albany on the evening of
the 5th day of June, 1901. He returned home from Bedford, IN., at
which place he had been working on the early evening of the 5th and was
very much exhausted owing to illness. As no one was home on his arrival
it is supposed that he had gone to the rear of the yard, and while
there fell over and died. His body was discovered about midnight, and
it is thought that he had been dead several hours. His sudden decease
was superinduced by exhaustion due to his illness.
W.L. Starr,
Coroner Floyd Co.
(562) Matilda
Reed (colored) June 29, 1901
Verdict: I find
that Matilda Reed (colored) came to her death on the evening of the
28th of June , 1901, from acute Gastritis. She lived with her aunt on
Conservation Street New Albany, and took sick on the evening of the
26th with an attack of vomiting. This condition persisted during the
two following days, but the family seemed ignorant of the gravity of
her condition and her death occurred without the service of an
attending physician. Death was due to exhaustion from continual
vomiting. W.L. Starr, F.,C.C.
( 563)
Louis Perkins, June 3,1901
Verdict: I find that Louis Perkins came to his death suddenly at his
home in the country, 7 and ½ miles west of New Albany, on the
afternoon
of the 3rd of June, 1901, from a lightning stroke. At the time of the
accident, a storm was brewing and Perkins in the barn engaged in
harnessing his horses. The lightning bolt struck the stable, on the
north gable, tearing a board off and striking Perkins who was in line
of its decent, killing him instantly.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(564) John Castieau, July 11,1901
Verdict: I find that John Castieau came to his death on the evening of
the 9th of July 1901, from the effects of injuries received from a gun
shot wound in the left side of chest from the hands of Joseph Turner.
The killing occurred near the home of said Joseph Turner, about 2
½ miles west of New Albany. The testimony of the
witnesses, as to the location of the parties involved when the shooting
was done was of such a conflicting nature as to any definite conclusion
as to the degree of the crime.
Post Mortem Examination John Castieau made abut 13 hours after his
death. Rigor mortis well marked. A bruise, slight in character
was found under the left arm, about the insection of the
deltoid muscle. A yellow cast of the skin about the bruising showed it
was comparatively recent. In the axilla (arm pit) was the wound
that caused death, it was 2 inches from the apex of arm pit, on left
side and was clean cut and circular, and about an inch in
diameter. The anterior edge of wound was in line with the middle
of axilla. ( arm pit) The skin was blackened with powder
stain about its orifice. There was no internal wound of
exit. The chest cavity was then opened by cutting costal
cartilage , and lifting the sternum. The upper portion of left lung was
torn to pieces and filled with small fragments of the rib. The charge
then passed through the Aorta, tearing it almost in too and through the
upper portion of right lung, striking the spinal column at about the
junction of third rib on right side. The shot holes were found in the
pericardium and in the heart itself. Three gun wads and a few
bird shot were found in chest cavity near the apex of the right lung.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
(565) Robert Wright, July 17,1901
Verdict: I find that Robert Wright came to his death on the evening of
the 16th of July, 1901 from pistol shot wound in the face and body
received at the hands of Benjamin Shadley. The shooting occurred
shortly after 7 o'clock of the above date, on the southwest corner of
Bank and Main Streets, New Albany. Three shots were fired, all of them
striking Wright. One entered the abdomen, 4 inches above the umbilicus
(Navel), and 1 inch to the right of the median line, another the nose
at its junction with the forehead, a third, the right arm on outer
side, 4 inches above the elbow. Wright walked as far as Griefe’s
Shop on Main about Bank, and died there a few minutes later.
W.L. Starr F.C.C.
