Lizzie Fletcher "The Wrong Bottle"

FLETCHER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 4/8/2015 at 09:44:52

The Wrong Bottle

Miss Lizzie Fletcher, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Fletcher of southern Harrisburg township, almost killed herself Sunday afternoon by strychnine poisoning. She had eaten a hearty dinner and was in her usual good health except that she had a headache. Thinking to relieve the headache she took what she thought was a headache powder, but it was strychnine.

This was about 2 o'clock P.M. As soon as she discovered her mistake Dr. Cresap was called by telephone, who arrived there in about half an hour. Miss Fletcher had already had two spasms, and had another after the physician's arrival, the last one being relieved by medical aid. She would undoubtedly have died had it not been for medical assistance, and the physician could not have arrived in time had it not been for the telephone.

Here is a good argument for you to put in a telephone at once, if you are not already connected with your neighbors and your physician in this up-to-date way.

There are a number who are of the opinion that the poisoning was intentional and that for some reason Miss Fletcher sought to take her own life. If this be true it is to be hoped that her friends will dissuade her from making further attempts.

Note: Handwritten on clipping “5-13-07”

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol 3, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA