Edward Olai Thompson (1862-1884)

THOMPSON, GRINDEM

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/11/2015 at 22:29:58

From Nevada Representative April 30, 1884

The Roland Tragedy.

The domestic troubles in the family of Mr. Ed. Thompson, living two miles south of Roland, a brief moment of which recently appeared in this paper, reached a sad culmination last night. Mr. Thompson left Roland for home in the early evening, and soon after his arrival began to manifest violence toward his wife. A revolver which he used in a threatening manner was taken from him by a sister of Mrs. Thompson visiting her from Chicago. Mrs. Thompson, fearing further demonstrations of violence, ran out of the house. She was pursued by Mr. Thompson, who, seizing an axe, dealt her several severe, and as he doubtless supposed deadly blows. The sister ran for help. When she and others returned to the scene of blood, Thompson was nowhere to be seen. He was found dead; two or three hours after in the well near, into which he had thrown himself immediately after the commission of his murderous act.

Mrs. Thompson's injuries are of the most serious character. No less than five blows were dealt her on the head resulting in two fractures of the skull, one necessitating a trepanning operation. Her recovery is possible, but very doubtful. She is in a condition of almost entire unconsciousness. The coroner has been notified and an inquest will probably be held today, when additional facts connected with this terrible tragedy will, no doubt, be made known.

For the above account of the sad affair, we are indebted to Dr. Monk, who, with Dr. Stitzell, was called last night to visit Mrs. Thompson.

From Nevada Representative May 7, 1884

The Roland Tragedy.

Last week Wednesday a coroner's inquest was held concerning the death of Edward Thompson, but the investigation brought to light no additional facts not in accord with statement of the affair published in the last issue of the REPRESENTATIVE. It appeared in evidence that Thompson was somewhat under the influence liquor, and that he had furnished himself with a loaded revolver which he threatened to use until it was taken from him by Miss Belle Grindem, sister of Mrs. Thompson. The funeral of young Thompson took place Thursday at the father's residence, and was conducted in a very quiet manner. The condition of Mrs. Thompson is favorable with a fair prospect of ultimate recovery.

The coroner's jury returned the following verdict, which was fully justified by the testimony:

We, the said jurors whose names are hereto subscribed, so upon our oaths say that we find that Edward Thompson came to his death by his own hands in Howard township, by drowning himself intentionally in a well, the 29th day of April, 1884.

ERICK R. SHELDAHL.
JOHN TWEDT.
AMOND ERICKSON.

ATTEST: JOHN I. HOSTETTER.
Coroner.