BLACK, Theodore 1852 - 1878

BLACK, EVANS, LAPP, DURR, GLASGOW

Posted By: Richard K. Thompson (email)
Date: 12/5/2011 at 22:13:00

Fairfield Ledger
Feb. 6, 1878
Pg. 3 Col 5

SUICIDE

Untimely Death of a Promising Young Man

In these days the suicidal mania seems to be spreading far and wide, and many in ths family which is made sad and sorrowful by the suicidal death of one of its members. To most people the idea of self-murder is so grossly repugnant that they cannot imagine the grief, the suffering, the care and trouble which the unfortunate victim of his own misdirected will thinks can only be healed by his own death. This community has fortunately been free for many years from any acts of this kind, and it is with regret that we chronicle this item.

This community was greatly shocked on Friday last to learn of the death of Dr. Theodore BLACK, at Batavia, a young physician of unusual merit and promise, well connected, and in comfortable circumstances. As soon as the news was received Coroner EVANS was summoned, and with friends of the deceased was soon present at the scene of the tragedy. Young BLACK had been in the city, and spent the day with friends who reside here. He left on the afternoon train apparently in as good spirits as usual, and even after his arrival at Batavia nothing unusual was noticed in his conduct.

About 4 o'clock he went into the store of John LAPP and purchased a pistol with a round of cartridges and then went to his room. This was the last seen of him alive. About 5 o'clock Herman DURR found him lying on a lounge in his office dead. The revolver he had purchased but a short time before was held in his tightly clenched hand, and his life's blood was oozing from a gastly wound in the forehead. An examination proved that the ball had entered the brain, and from his position and repose of his countenance, death must have been quick and painless. After the inquest, at which no important facts were developed, the body was brought to this city, where it was interred in the cemetery on Monday, a large number of friends and relations assisting in the last sad rites.

For some years Theodore had been troubled with a disease which baffled the skill of physicians, and his fear and dread of becoming insane is what drove him to the fatal deed. In his conversation of late with different persons he has often said that he was tired of life, and that death only would end his troubles, and it is probably that he had entertained the idea of suicide for some time.

Had he been in good health a bright prospect was before him. With his steady habits, energy and industry, he might have risen to prominence in his profession. During his course of study with Dr. BLAIR in this city, and at college in Cincinnati, he made unusual progress, and was devoted to his work. Perhaps too close attention to this weakened and shattered his consitution and made him miserable. Among his friends, and they were many, he was universally esteemed, and they will deeply sympathize with the family in their hour of trouble. Let us hope that he may rest peacefully, free from the cares of life, without its troubles and afflictions.

* Transcribed for genealogy purposes. I am not related to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot 172, Old Fairfield City Cemetery, Fairfield, Iowa. Dr. Theodore BLACK was a son of Moses BLACK and Nancy C. GLASGOW BLACK. He was born March 18, 1852, and died Feb. 1, 1878.