Addison Lincoln Berry 1861 - 1938

BERRY, GRIFFITH

Posted By: Deb (email)
Date: 12/9/2014 at 21:29:45

ALBERT BERRY ENDS OWN LIFE
Sperry Man Found in Northern Hotel Boom - Dies of Strychnine Poisoning

Albert Berry, about 67, Sperry, retired farmer, committed suicide by drinking strychnine solution at the Northern hotel, 4?5½ South Main street at about 7 o'clock Tuesday night.

He succumbed at St. Francis hospital shortly after being taken there in the police ambulance by Patrolmen O. D. Taylor, Robert Johnson and James Kemp.

The Sperry resident registered at the hotel between 3 and 4 p.m. yesterday, police were told by Vilda Randoff who said she was proprietor of the establishment.

Investigate Groans

About three hours later, police quoted her as saying, she and a roomer at the hotel, Alice Headman, heard groans in Berry's room. Rushing there to investigate, they found the Sperry man in considerable pain.

When they asked what was wrong Berry told them he had taken strychnine. They called police and while awaiting the ambulance said they told the retired farmer they understood no poison could be purchased without a prescription.

The hell it can't, they said Berry screamed. They said he then held up a small brown bottle half full of white powder.

To Kill Gophers

Investigation by Coroner Chris Adank today revealed Berry bought the poison at a dug store here yesterday afternoon. The druggist complied with the law in every respect, Coroner Adank said. "Berry signed the book as required, using his true name, but stated he was purchasing the poison to kill gophers," Coroner Adank reported. When he registered at the hotel, Mr. Berry remarked he had drunk a quantity of beer, police were informed by the hotel proprietor.

No message was left by Berry and the cause of his suicide is not known, Adank said, but added he learned the man previously had threatened to end his lief by shooting himself. A widower, his wife died several years ago. Among survivors are several children. The body was removed last night to the Fry funeral home, Mediapolis. pending arranging for the funeral.

The Daily Hawk-Eye Gazette

Funeral Services Will Be On Friday For A. L. Berry, 76

Funeral services will be held at the Fry funeral home in Mediapolis Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock for A. L. Berry, 76, Sperry, who committed suicide by swallowing strychnine at the Northern hotel here Tuesday night. Interment will be in Old Stone cemetery near Mediapolis.

Mr. Berry was born in Des Moines county, May 10, 1861. He was married to Eunice Griffith in this county April 30, 1882. She died August 31, 1931.

Surviving are the following sons and daughters: James Berry of Rural Route 3, Burlington; William Berry of Otwell, Arkansas; Mrs. Charles T. Pohren of Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Anna Baker, Sperry. Mrs. O. O. Baldwin, Danville, and A. L. Berry Jr., Peoria, Illinois. Thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren survive. Three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death.