Obituary
Anderson, Stewart | ||
Newspaper: Democratic Northwest | ||
Date: 1884-05-29 | ||
Age: 75 | ||
Page: 5 Col: 1 | ||
Miliary Service: | ||
Obituary: WOOD COUNTY TRAGEDY. Horrible Work of an Insane Woman. Bowling Green, May 20. A most revolting tragedy was enacted in the farmhouse of Stewart Anderson about three miles east of here, yesterday morning. The old people were the only occupants of the premises. The wife was 66 and the husband 75 years of age. The former was known to be of unsound mind and had been several times in an asylum. She was under medicinal treatment at the time of the tragedy about to be related. About 8 o'clock Sunday morning, Dr. Whitaker, the family physician, was on his way to the house when be met Mrs. Anderson who on his invitation took a seat beside him in his buggy. They conversed briefly on commonplace matters until reaching the premises. Dal Anderson, a married son, who lives in the neighborhood, had just arrived in advance of them. The doctor calling him apart cautioned him that his mother's mind was in an unsettled and dangerous condition, and that she required watching closely. Dr. Whitaker had given the same admonition to the old man, who was in feeble condition, on his previous visit, and Anderson replied that he was fearful she might kill him. When first entering the house nothing wrong was detected, but on the son's opening the door to another room to procure some water in which to dissolve some medicine, he started back with horror exclaiming "My God! Mother has killed father." The white haired old man, with unturned face was lying prone on the floor, his head which was mashed in a horrible manner resting on the broom. That instrument of domestic industry was drenched with blood and a clotted pool had formed on its upper surface. Examination disclosed a fracture of the skull in the back of the head. The instrument of death used by the mad woman was a heavy cane. She was muscular and with such a weapon used on a nearly helpless victim could speedily execute her diabolical work. The only words she uttered on hearing the son's horrified exclamation were: "Well, thank God, the old man is dead." Mrs. Anderson was promptly arrested and lodged in jail. She maintains a stoical silence in regard to the tragedy. Her brother, Dave Phillips, who maliciously killed Chas. Lundy of this place several years ago, is now in the insane asylum at Columbus, having first been found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to the penitentiary one year. He was adjudged insane at the conclusion of his term of penal service. The sister is insane beyond all doubt. Mr. Anderson was among the oldest settlers of Wood county, having lived here for more man 50 years. |
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