The Davis City Advance, Davis City, Iowa
Thursday, June 27, l895

U.S. Lane, who went to Leon to prepare the body of JET COFFEY for removal to this place, brings the sad intelligence that her death is a clear case of suicide. It seems that she had purchased three different poisons at Ven Werden's drug store in the afternoon. She was as lively as ever during the evening and retired at her usual hour. Some time during the night she took the poison. She awakened her room mate by her groans, who inquired if she was sick. Not receiving an answer she arose and became convinced that she was sick and summoned some of the household. Physicians were soon at the place and did their utmost to ward off the poisonous effects but to no avail. She never spoke after her room mate arose and left no word or reason for her rash act. An empty bottle and tumbler were found in the yard where they were supposed to have been thrown by the deceased after she had swallowed the poison. What reason she had for committing the deed is not known. A few theories are given but none on which any credence can be placed. Despondency is the most credible, but she seemed to be in very high spirits and she did not act like one in trouble.

She was very bright and intelligent and a graduate of the high school at this place. She had worked hard to earn money to enable her to attend the Normal Institute, and it seems strange that she should make an end to her short life under such circumstances. She was 17 years of age and had the natural ability to make a good mark in the world. It is indeed a sad affair.

-- WELDON MESSENGER.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
September 3, 2003