Seely, Mary Ann 1840 – 1895

SEELY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/10/2021 at 09:39:48

Source: Decorah Republican May 16, 1895 P 2 C 2

Drowned in a Rain Barrel.
MAYNARD, May 9—Last night Mrs. S. C. Seely, wife of one of our wealthiest citizens and a retired farmer, committed suicide by immersing her head and shoulders in a rain barrel. Although she had for several days been despondent, having been in poor health, and had threatened to take her own life, at one time with laudanum and once with a butcher knife, the family were not greatly alarmed, for she was of a very nervous temperament and highly demonstrative. All yesterday she was in an extremely excited state. The doctor administered quieting powders, but without much effect. It was with some difficulty that they induced her to retire, which she did at 9 o’clock, but without removing her dress. At 10 o’clock her son came home and, as was his custom, went into his mother's room to bid her good night. He discovered she was not in her room and search was instituted and she was found drowned in a rain barrel in the kitchen. Neighbors were called and the doctor at once summoned, but all efforts to resuscitate her were fruitless, as life was extinct when she was found. She was evidently insane.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows this was Mary Ann who was born May 3, 1840 and is buried in Long Grove Cemetery.