DOUGHERTY, Clarrendon Osmond 'Tay' 1856 - 1880

DOUGHERTY, VANCE, DAVIS

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/6/2021 at 14:54:26

"The Fairfield Ledger"
Wednesday, May 19, 1880
Page 3, Column 7

ACCIDENTAL POISONING.
Sad Death of C. O. DOUGHERTY from an Overdose of Morphine.

On Friday evening word came to his friends in this city of the dangerous illness of "Ta" DOUGHERTY, near Ashland, Wapello county, from an overdose of morphine, and later the telegraph brought the news of his death about 9 p.m.

About two weeks ago the deceased left home for a canvass of this and adjoining counties in behalf of the State Insurance company. His friends had heard from him on his journey, last receiving a letter a day or two before his death from Eldon. Friday morning about 11 o'clock he came to the house of Ruel Nimmock, an old friend of the family, near Ashland, and complained of symptoms of a severe attack of headache, to which he was frequently subject. Just before eating dinner he took a dose of morphine, a small quantity of which he had with him, but after eating the meal grew much sicker, and finally was seized with severe vomiting. During all this time the pain in his head grew worse, and finally thinking all the previous dose of morphine out of his system he took another, remarking, "That such a quantity would kill one who was not accustomed to its use." He then lay down and was soon in a sound, quiet sleep in which condition he remained for several hours. When Mr. Nimmock came into the room about dark he remarked the strange appearance of the sleeper and his unnatural, heavy breathing. Calling his wife they endeavored to arouse the boy, but without avail, and then messengers were sent for medical aid. Dr. Allen and another physician were soon there, but too late, and in a short time the patient gasped and struggled and his sleep was the sleep of death.

Of course there are many rumors as to this sudden death, but the facts teem to admit of no other supposition than that it was purely accidental. For years "Ta" had been a sufferer from headache in its most violent form, and had suffered until pain under its frequent attacks. Despite the warning of friends he persisted in the use of morphine to allay the pain, and used it freely, although he thought in a cautious manner. Usually he had a small quantity with him, and a one-ounce bottle of chloroform was also found in his pockets after his death. He was usually bright and cheerful, and so far as any one knows had no motive for self-destruction nor had ever entertained such an idea.

Clarendon Osman DOUGHERTY, was the oldest son of John E. DOUGHERTY, of this city, and was born in Mt. Pleasant, October 22, 1856, being at the time of his death over 23 years of age. He was a young man of good character and was much liked by his associates. His remains were brought here Saturday afternoon, the funeral occuring Sunday from the First M. E. Church.

This sad affliction falls with a particularly heavy blow upon the family of Mr. DOUGHERTY, owing to the dangerous illness, of a daughter, Eva, who was married to M. F. VANCE in this city but little over a month ago. While the father was at the side of his almost dying daughter at Winterset, occurred the terrible death of his son at Ashland.

Leaving Winterset full of hope for her recovery, he was met at the depot here with the startling news of the deceased of his son. With the family is the sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow, and the wish that the dark cloud will soon be removed.

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"The Fairfield Tribune"
Thursday, May 20, 1880
Page 3, Column 5

DEATH OF TAY DOUGHERTY.
He Takes an Overdose of Morphine and dies from its Effects Last Friday.

To the long column of mishaps which we have had to chronicle in Fairfield during the last six months, another is added this week in the sudden and sad death of Tay DOUGHERTY, which was occasioned by an overdose of morphine taken near Ashland last Friday. He was been (sic) in the employ of the State Insurance Company, and last Friday, shortly before dinner, suffering from a severe headache to which he is subject, halted at the residence of Mr. R. Mimmock, near Ashland, who is an old friend of the family. Soon afterwards he took a dose of morphine for the purpose of relieving the pain. After dinner he became sick to his stomache and vomited freely. His headache continuing, and supposing that the previous dose of morphine had been thrown up, he took another dose and laid down. He soon fell asleep and care was taken by the inmates of the house not to disturb him. About supper time his room was entered and it was seen at once that something was wrong. Physicians were summoned at once; but it was too late to be of any service. He had taken too much morphine into his system. He died at nine o'clock that night. When a child he was kicked in the face by a horse and the muscles of his face were affected so that he has ever since been subject to periodical and most excruciating headaches. Nothing seemed to relieve him but morphine, and although his father and friends had warned him against its dangers he continued its use as an antidote for his pains.

His remains were brought to Fairfield on Saturday, and Sunday the funeral occurred from the M. E. Church.

Clarendon Osmond DOUGHERTY was 23 years, six months, and 22 days old, having been born in Mt. Pleasant in 1856. He has lived here nearly all his life, and his death, and the manner of it, occasioned much comment.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fairfield, IA, in Lot Old.P.236. He was the son of John E. and Amanda M. DAVIS DOUGHERTY.