Edgar Fitch(died 1893)

FITCH, SHATTUCK, WILLIAMS

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 3/9/2009 at 11:25:05

Jackson Sentinel, May 11, 1893

Accidental Death.

Edgar Fitch, of Delmar, Iowa, was found dead in his bed at the City hotel, corner State and Sixteenth streets, at 9 o’clock yesterday morning. The man had been suffocated by gas. When the door of the room was forced upon the gas jet was found turned on full head. The coroner’s investigation did not reveal whether Fitch committed suicide or came to his death accidentally. – Chicago Herald, 7th inst.

Mr. Fitch, who resides upon his farm between Maquoketa and Delmar, went to Chicago about a week preceding his death with live stock. He sold his cattle, remitted $2,100 check home, and remained in the city to visit the world’s fair a few days and had occupied this room several nights, which would disprove any impression that he had blown out the gas. Mr. Sewell Shattuck, who went after and accompanied the remains home, was of the opinion from what he could learn, that Mr. Fitch had turned the gas off, but before loosening his hold upon the thumb screw had unconsciously turned it on again. His valuables were found all safe in his room. His remains were brought home Sunday night and buried on Monday. The news of his sudden death was received by the wife and mother while trading at D. H. Anderson’s store on Saturday, and was a terrible shock to them, both fainting. Edgar A. Fitch was born in Clinton county, Iowa, and was in his 27th year. Nov. 27th, 1889, he was united in marriage to Miss Carrie Williams, to whom was born one child. The deceased was an industrious, honorable young man and was respected and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and his wife and relatives have the heartfelt sympathy in his sudden and untimely death. The funeral occurred at the M. E. church on Monday, Rev. Jas. Hughes of Mt. Vernon officiating.