PARSONS, Thomas: Died 1922

PARSONS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/3/2013 at 00:52:18

TOM PARSONS, RIVER HERMIT IS FOUND DEAD
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Douds Recluse Ate Taited Food?
**Handwritten: 1922

Douds, May 11.-Thomas Parsons, a recluse well known in this vicinity, where he has lived along the river for years, was found dead in his cabin at Leando, across the Des Moines from here, today.

From the condition of the body it is supposed that Mr. Parsons died from being poisoned by eating spoiled food. He was known to have a habit of picking up refuse and sorting over garbage and to eat such foodstuffs.

Discovery of the body, lying on the floor with the feet toward the door, was made by Mrs. W.H. Morrison, who was passing the house. She called assistance, and E.P. Greenfield, the postmaster, went in M.L. Sadler, justice of the peace, acting as coroner, called an inquest for this afternoon.

Mr. Parsons' age is unknown. He never seemed able to compute it himself, but was supposed to be about 80 years old. He is said to have had about $4,000 in a Fairfield bank.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 212, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA