HARTER, Mary Willie

A YOUNG GIRL’S SUICIDE.

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Mary Harter, Tired of Life, Ends
Her Troubles by Taking
Carbolic Acid.

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Mary Harter, aged twenty-one, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Harter, committed suicide on last Friday by taking carbolic acid. The suicide occurred at the home of the girl’s par­ents in the southeast part of the city. The acid was purchased for her on Friday morning by Robert Cole, who had boarded with the family for several years.

While the remainder of the family [was] seated at the dinner table, it was noticed that Miss Harter was absent. Upon being called the second time she came from a bedroom and took her place at the table. It was noticed that she was very pale and agitated and that she had pinned a note upon her breast. The family [was] horrified when inquiry developed the fact that she had taken the acid which was innocently pur­chased for her that morning. Dr. H. J. Hall was called immediately and did everything possible to save the life of the poor girl but the effect of the acid was too powerful to be overcome by antidotes and she died shortly after twelve o’clock. The agony accom­panying death by carbolic acid is generally very excruciating, but in this instance the victim passed away with but very little suffering. She was cons­cious until the last and talked freely, explaining that she had written the note pinned to her clothing believing that after taking the acid she would be unable to talk. The note read as fol­lows:

Franklin, Ind., Aug 21, ’91.

Dear Brother:

I have a few words to say to you. Please write a few words to Brown to let them know that I am gone. Don’t grieve after me for I would rather be dead than living. When I am put away see that my black dress is put on me. That is all I care for and ask of you. Good-bye forever.

Your loving sister,

Mary Willie Harter

To John Samuel Harter

It was rumored that the girl was driven to the deed by the increasing difficulties encountered in making a living, but this the family deny. It was also rumored that the deed was prompted by a desire to free herself from objectionable attentions but the true motive will probably never be known.

Miss Harter was an exceptionally good and dutiful daughter, religiously inclined, and of a quiet disposition. The case is a very sad one and much sympathy is felt for the family.

The funeral services occurred on Sat­urday afternoon at the house after which the remains were taken to Green­lawn cemetery.

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The Franklin Democrat, Friday, September 25, 1891,
Volume XXXII Number 14, page 6 column 2

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CORONER’S VERDICT

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The undersigned acting coroner of Johnson county, Indiana, did on the 25th day of August, 1891, hold an inquest on the body of Mary W. Harter, late of said county, found dead at her residence in the city of Franklin, Indiana, on the 21st day of August 1891, and having viewed the body and heard the testimony of witnesses, find that the deceased came to her death by reason of swallowing carbolic acid with suicidal intent.

The deceased was twenty-one years of age, five feet and ten inches high, dark hair and brown eyes. No valuables found on the body.

A. D. WHITESIDES, 
Acting Coroner J.C. 

Franklin, Ind., Aug 25, ’91.

Link to Mary Willie Harter’s grave

Submitted by Mark McCrady and Cathea Curry