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Submitted: 2/9/14 • Approved: 2/10/14 • Last Updated: 4/9/18 • R747673-G747672-S3
Oct. 1, 1887
Oct. 5, 1914
Parents: John Belcher Wright and Sophia Williams
Spouse: John Francis Williams
C C Note* This was back in the day before Postpartum Depression and treatment were available. Being committed to a mental institution in 1914 was a horrible proposition.
Deranged, Says Coroner.
That Mrs. Louise Lillian Williams, wife of John F. Williams, managing editor of News Herald No 1529 Pennsylvania avenue, committed suicide by shooting herself with a 38-caliber army revolver while temporarily insane was the verdict of Coroner A. R. Snyder after an inquest had been held yesterday morning at the Prank-Sievers Undertaking Company.
Dr. C. C. Cummings testified that he had learned from a nurse who attended Mrs. Williams at time of the birth of their 9-weeks child, that Mrs. Williams had called her several times within the last few weeks and told her that she believed she was going insane.
Mrs. M. M. Smith, a neighbor, on the stand said she had not beard the shot fired, but she had heard the baby crying at one time daring the morning. The tragedy was discovered after Mr. Williams had repeatedly telephoned to his home. Finally he called Mrs. Smith and asked her to go to his home to see if Mrs. Williams was there. She found the body of the young wife in a bedroom.
P. E. Burton, business manager of the News Herald, testified that he, in company with C. S. Bankard, drove to the Frisco depot, where Mr. Williams had gone to meet a house maid. There Mr. Williams was informed of the tragedy and was taken home, where he was overcome.
— Joplin Globe.
Printed on Page 2 of the Neosho Daily Democrat, Neosho, MO on Wednesday, October 07, 1914
Contributed on 2/9/14 by tslundberg
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Record #: 747673