Frank Gross

GROSS

Posted By: David Gross (email)
Date: 2/1/2019 at 20:48:04

Spencer Reporter
April 17, 1907

The oldest son of Joe Gross, living nine miles north of Peterson, met death Sunday by taking a large dose of strychnine which he purchased at Royal, saying he wanted to poison gophers. After he had taken the poison, he told his father what he had done. Dr. Wm. Esser of Peterson was immediately called but arrived too late to help the boy who is nineteen years of age. He died at eleven o'clock Sunday morning. No reason Is known why he took poison.

ROYAL NEWS

The people of this vicinity were shocked Sunday afternoon by a message telling of the death of Frank Gross, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Gross living southwest of town. Frank was about the place as usual Sunday forenoon and after getting his mornings work done went to the house and washed and changed his clothes and informed his mother that he was going over to a neighbors for a visit. Nothing was thought of the matter until sometime in the afternoon while Mr. Gross was busy in the yard, he was startled by his son appearing in almost an unconscious condition and announced that he had poisoned himself. He was taken to the house and medical aid summoned at once but nothing could be done to save his life and he died in intense agony in about an hour. He left no statement telling his reasons for committing the rash act and his parents and friends can offer no explanation of the sad affair. It Is certainly a sad case and the entire community sympathize with the stricken family in their sad bereavement. The funeral was held Wednesday from the residence and interment was made In Clay Cemetery.