Mrs. PATRICK (Johanna) HORRIGAN - died 1887

HORRIGAN

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 5/9/2005 at 20:42:48

DEATH. From the Waukon Democrat--Last Saturday shortly after noon the body of Mrs. Johanna HORRIGAN, wife of Patrick HORRIGAN, a well to do farmer of Union Prairie township, was found hanging to the stair railing in their house, and life so nearly extince that recuscitation was impossible. The old lady, it is said, had been somewhat demented at times and she and her husband had finally concluded to separate, she to go to her relatives in Wisconsin. The farm and other property was recently sold for which several thousand dollars was realized and this was to be divided between them and among their children. Last Saturday the separation was to take place, but it seems that the old lady relented and told her husband that she would not part for hom, but that they would both go together to Wisconsin and requested him to hitch up the team to start on the journey. Mr. HORRIGAN and one of the daughters went out to do so and during their temporary absence she committed the deed. She had taken a strip of stong calico, tied one end around her neck and the other to the stair railing and literally strangled to death.

Postville Review, 10/8/1887 - contributed by Sharyl Ferrall