Brownell, Bert 186? - 1898

BROWNELL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/27/2013 at 01:34:08

Elgin Echo, Thursday, 30 June 1898.

Great excitement was caused at Oelwein the evening of June 21 by the sensational act of Bert Brownell in his attempt to murder his wife and his subsequent suicide. Nothing is known of the cause for Brownell's terrible deed. Late in the evening he and his wife were sitting in their little home when he suddenly drew a revolver and without giving any warning what ever shot at Mrs. Brownell, the bullet grazing her head and producing but a slight scalp wound. He then placed the weapon against his own forehead sending the bullet into his brain and producing a wound from which he died at 4:45 AM the next morning without having recovered consciousness.

The suddenness with which the act was committed and the fact that Brownell has ever born the best of reputation and has ever been known as a genial young fellow who took life happy have served to surround the affair in mystery, and no reason can be assigned for the act except that of temporary insanity.

Brownell was about 30 years of age, and held a position as fireman on one of the trains running between Oelwein and Des Moines. He had two little children, and had ever seemed happy in his home life. The affair has produced a tremendous sensation at Oelwein.

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Submitter is not related.

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