Alpha Thompson 1876-1907

THOMPSON

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 8/31/2022 at 14:17:58

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, June 27, 1907
page 1

Ainsworth June 24, Miss Alpha Thompson commits suicide. A gloom of sorrow has been case over this place by the sad and tragic death of Miss Alpha Thompson, who committed suicide yesterday by taking carbolic acid. The shocking occurrence has taken from our midst one of the most prominent and respected young ladies of this community, and her death is mourned by a multitude of friends. Although it is not known what it was that led Miss Thompson to take her own life, it is believed that ill health was the cause. Yesterday morning when she joined the family at the breakfast table she complained of a severe pain in her head, from which she had been suffering at intervals for the past two or three months and although she ate a hearty breakfast it was seen that she was not as well as usual. She did not go to church was was her custom, on account of the painful headache, but remained at home to help her mother get the dinner.

At about 10:30 she and her mother went out to pick some strawberries near the house and upon their return to the house Mrs Thompson went inside for some potatoes. Miss Alpha followed her into the house, and when her mother went out to the well she followed to the porch but turned and went back into the house again. In a very few seconds she appeared on the porch again and said to her mother, Mama, it will soon be over. I have taken that carbolic acid. Kiss me goodbye." Mrs. Thompson helped her into the house, placed her upon a couch and immediately summoned medical aid, although Alpha had requested her not to call a physician. Her father and brother, Lee, were both at church and asking her mother to bid them goodbye for her when they returned, she lapsed into unconsciousness and when the doctors arrived it was too late. The poison was taken about 11 o'clock and shortly before 12 she breathed her last, after everything possible was done to save her life. The coroner, Dr. G. W. Hay, of Washington, was called and assisted by Dr. H. B. Hamilton and A. J. Laird, viewed the body and after going over the history decided it was a clear case of suicide.

Alpha Thompson was born at Ainsworth, June 11, 1876. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Thompson and had lived her all her life, with the exception of two years spent at college. She had taught in the vicinity of Ainsworth for a number of years, but at the time of her death she had charge of the primary department in the Ainsworth city schools, having recently accepted the position for another year. The funeral services were held this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the United Presbyterian church, conducted by Rev. A. S. Bailey. Interment was in the Ainsworth cemetery.