Typed and spelled as
written: Kay Cunningham
The Marlin Democrat
Marlin, Texas, Thursday, January 28, 1904
Took Chloroform Route
~~~~~
Man From Louisiana Shakes Off
Mortal Coil
~~~~~
Tells Wife Good-By In Letter
~~~~~
A man named Stoddard
committed suicide Friday night in a room over the McWilliam restanrant by
drinking chloroform.
The poison was probably taken about eight o'clock and death came about two
hours later. As soon as the man's condition was discovered a physician was
summoned and everything possible done to arouse the man but the poison had done
its work and his life light passed out.
The suicide was apparently about 45 years old and has a family in Boughton.
La., from which place he came to Marlin about one week ago. He stated as his
business here that he was seeking farm hands for the cotton and cane fields of
Louisiana. He had been drinking pretty heavily of late and at times seemed very
despondent. Once before he had attempted suicide but was prevented from
accomplishing the deed by a timely intervention.
He ran out of funds a few days ago and telegraphed the sheriff at Boughton,
who he stated was his cousin, for $50. The money came promptly and it does not
appear that his financial condition was such as to produce a desire to die. On
his person was found a last letter to his wife, the contents of which indicate
that the man had brooded over some domestic trouble, real or imaginary, until
his mind had reached a frame where self destruction suggested itself to him as
the only solution to his troubles.
Soon after his death a telegram was sent to his people in Louisiana
notifying them of his sad ending and asking for orders as to the disposition of
the remains.
Drs. Ward and Smith were present at the time the man died. A two ounce
chloroform bottle was found under his head, about a third of it gone. On his
person were found 30 cts in silver, and empty pocket book and a letter he had
written to his wife, Mrs. F. J. Stoddard at Boughton, Richland Parish, La.
The letter stated, among other things, that he was in Marlin, had been drunk
for several days, had had a fight with a man who entered his room with a drawn
knife and whom he hit with his wooded leg, closing his letter with the statement
that he had purchased a bottle of chloroform, with which he intended to "put
himself to sleep, to wake up in the hereafter". The letter was written on
Wednesday January 20, stamped and addressed, but never mailed.
Copyright Permission granted to Theresa Carhart and her volunteers for printing
by The Democrat, Marlin, Falls Co., Texas.