Dwelle, Mae 1852-1918

DWELLE, PARK, PALMER, FARNSWORTH, HARRIS

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/18/2016 at 16:07:45

October 24, 1918 - Storm Lake Register - Mrs Mae Dwelle, who died in this city last Friday evening about 8 o'clock will be buried in the potters field this afternoon, Thursday, because of the fact that she maintained a secrecy as to her life during the two years residence in Storm Lake.

About 2 years ago James Harris of this city answered an advertisement in one of the Des Moines papers which was inserted by Mrs Dwelle, who was advertising for a husband and as a result in a short time, Mrs Dwelle became Mrs James Harris, the marriage taking place in Des Moines.

They came to Storm Lake where they made their home in Mr Harris' residence in the south part of town. Mrs Harris seemed to have no desire to become acquainted with her neighbors and after several of them had called on her without being admitted, they became aware that she did not care to make friends with any one.

Mr Harris learned little of her past life as she spoke but little of her former homes and relatives. About two months ago Mrs Harris secured a divorce from her husband on the grounds of inhuman treatment. She claimed to be trained nurse and several weeks ago went to D.V. Redenbaugh, who is unable to help herself, and where she had been up until her death.

She seemed very mysterious, however. As she troubled no one and took good care of her patient, very little was thought of her manner. A short time ago she spoke to members of the Redenbaugh family about her son and of his living at Boone, but did not mention his name.

She told them last week she was not feeling well and wanted to go away for treatment for a few weeks and would return and expected to leave Thursday. She was taken ill however on Wednesday and went to see a physician. On Thursday she fell to the floor unconscious and died Friday night.

She is thought to have had a stroke of paralysis. The authorities were notified and search was made to locate her relatives. Nothing could be learned of where to locate her people. She claim to have had funds in the banks at Des Moines and Marshalltown but nothing could be found.

An obituary of her mother was found among her papers and gave the address of her sister, Mrs Samuel Park of Norter, Mrs George Palmer.

Tuesday morning a gentleman arrived who was supposed to be her son, Burnie L Farnsworth, a Northwestern conductor living at Boone. He stated that she had been married to a man by the name of Farnsworth in the first place and that he was still living at Boone and also spoke of her marriage to Mr Dwelle, who died some time ago but did not know of her marriage to Mr Harris, as it seemed the family had heard nothing from her for some time.

He evidently learned that she had no money to leave and left on the next train for his home refusing to bury his mother. The remains have been at the Hughes undertaking parlors since Friday and everything possible has been done to locate some one who would claim them, without success and so the burial will take place this afternoon.

Mrs Dwelle had but few belongings. Her trunk contained however six razors, a large knife and a pistol and she carried two razors in her pocket book as they have been found since her death. The reason for her carrying the weapons is not known. The case is one of the queerest ever faced by the local authorities.