BALDWIN, Clarissa Henrietta: 1881-1914

BALDWIN, HAYWOOD, RANSOM, RAMSEY, DERR, CUMMINS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri
Date: 8/29/2013 at 12:27:26

Suicide of Mrs. John Baldwin.

Friday, June 26, 1914, the friends and acquaintances of Mr. and Mrs. John Baldwin of Selma, were shocked to hear that Mrs. Baldwin, a lady loved and esteemed by all who knew her, had attempted suicide and that there was no hope for her recovery. As we learn the particulars, Mrs. Baldwin had been in poor health at times for several years and frequently became quite despondent. For a month past she had suffered much pain from supposed a appendicitis and dreaded much a proposed surgical operation.

Thursday evening with her husband and son and Mr. and Mrs. Alf Owens, she was out auto riding and seemed in good spirits, talking much of enjoying the celebration of the coming Fourth of July. She arrived home about 10 o'clock and soon retired, her husband and little son occupying a separate room. About 6 o'clock a.m. Mr. Baldwin heard her get up and go down the hall and soon return to her room. A few moments later he was aroused by a shot and rushing to Mrs. Baldwin's room found her clothing on fire, which he smothered out and summoned assistance. To her family and immediate friends she gave the reason, "I could not stand the pain." She dreaded the surgical operation that doctors pronounced necessary.

Drs. Gray of Selma, Sawyer of Eldon, and Brockman were soon at her side, but gave no hopes for her recovery. She used a 38 caliber revolver as she lay on the bed, the ball penetrating the bowles and kidneys, going thro' the body and bed and into the floor. She died about 8 o'clock that evening.

Mrs. Baldwin's maiden name was Nettie O. Haywood, her girlhood home being in Harrisburg township, her parents being Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Haywood. Her age was 32. The funeral was held Sunday at 2 p.m. and was the largest in attendance ever known in that locality, 60 autos and as many carriages, being in the procession to the Iowaville cemetery where she was buried. Rev. S.M. Johnson preaced the discourse. Deep sympathy goes to the husband, the son and other relatives in their afflictions.

**Handwritten: 1914
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Obituary.

MRS. JOHN BALDWIN

Clarissa Henrietta Baldwin was born Oct. 31, 1881, at St. Fransesville, Mo. and died at her home in Selma, Iowa, June 26, 1914. She was the daughter of Wm. F. and Amanda Haywood, and was married to John A. Baldwin Dec. 25, 1901. To this union were born two children, one dying in infancy. She leaves to mourn her departure her husband John A. Baldwin and son William Stanley Baldwin; four sisters, Mrs. Nina Ransom of Selma; Ia. Mrs. Isabella Ramsey of Valley Junction; Mrs. Virginia Derr of Gale, Michigan; Mrs. Blanch Cummins of Eldon and three brothers, William, Marvin; and Otho Haywood of Eldon, besides a host of other relatives and friends who sincerely mourn her departure. She was a member of the Rebekah of Selma and the O.E.S. of Douds, The burial was conducted by Rev. S.M. Johnston of Selma before a large concourse of sorrowing friends. Many beautiful floral offerings were sent by friends which helped to show in what esteem she was held by all who knew her. Her life was full of good deeds and her death leaves many sad hearts in and around Selma.

**Handwritten: 1914

++Both articles are transcribed as published.++

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 201, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA