Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1871-08-01
Fiekleness OF her Maryland Lover-A
Broken Engagement and a Broken
Heart-"Ihe World IN 50 Cold
and Dreary without You,

Miss Laura Shanks, a native of st. Nsrv,s
county, Md, but tor the past year a resident of
South Washington, where she was regarded "a
the most beautiful woman Ia that part of the
city, if not in the District. committed suicide
last evening by taking lsudanum. at the resi-
oence OF her sister, Mrs. Parkinson, No. sol 10th
street - W, nearlv opposite Ryland Chanel
fOr some DAYS past unfortunate girl see med
10 nave lost her usual cheerfulnessOf disposition
and had no appetite but was not considered in
mentally or physically. Yesterday she assisted
her sister in cleaning the breakfast dishes and
Immediately afteT-H ards retired To her own room,
which She did not leave during the entire dav
Mrs. Parkinson called her several times during
the day and evening TO come dewn and take
something TO eat, but she declined. About Q
O'Clock last evening Mrs. Parkinson took some
supper to her room, and tried hard TO induce her
tn eat, but she still declined, saving she would
perhaps feel better in the NOR ming. Mrs. Park
iI'son then left her. Her brother. Mr.. Maurice
Shanks. Who j. n conductor on the street cars
arrived home about n I O'Clock p. M. and when
he reached the head OF the stairs near her room
HEARD HER GRoAN,
and called to her; but not receiving an answer
he called TO others OF the family, and going into
the room they found her in a stupor Dir Ham-
NETT was sent for, and did all he could to restore
her To consciousness, but without success, as
death ensUed about half-past twelve O'clock
An empty two ounce vial, Labelled .'laudanun,
POISON; from DIT. Rowland's drug store, was
mattress and pillow a goblet was found dis
ooloTec by the drug.
LAST SAD WORDS 70 HER LOVER,
There was also found in tie bed a small box
directed 10 Joseph AllstOn, Great Mills ST
Mary's county, Md, in which were locket and
three small shirt-bosOm studs, and the following
My Dear Little Darling:-I cannot live away
from you any longer. The world is so cold and
dreary without you; and have reason 10 believe,
darling, that Won are false.
Your heart-brOken LAURA"
PATHETIC NOTE TO HER SISTER
Another note, directed To her sister Mrs Par
hpr linz Foil.
"MOlie, please send this box TO Joe. Don't
think he has treated me unkindly because 1
have done this.
My dear sister, i only wish there was some way
could repay you for your kindness 10 me since
nave been with you, but you will be rewarded
for II in the next world
Your attached sister. IAURA
Please send the box by the first opportunity
= Give myprayer-bOok TO Carrie. Tell
her II Is all that had TO leave her for a keep
sake. Here follows three lines Obliterated by
pencil Mollie. please don't let the doctors
touch me- IL had wanted to live would NOT
have taken the laudanum.
Your devoted sister, LAuRA,
The deceased was
AN ORPHAN GIRL.
a native OF st. MaTy's county, Md. She was
ahout u years of age, and as amiable az she was
beautiful. The young man. whose address an
pears on the box. is a resident of the neiohl.or-
hood where she was born and raised, and II was
generally believed that they were engaged to be
married. as IL was noticed a short time after one
of his visits some months since that she wore an
engagement ring. About two weeks ago Miss
Pan kinSon received a letter from the nefghbor-
hood of Great Mills, in which il was stated that
Allston was
BLIRTING WITH ONE GIRL AND CouRrrxG
ANOTHER,
and that he was making preparations to marry
young lady of that vicinity in Augusta Miss
Thompson. The family stroye to keep the con-
tents OF the letter from being known to Laura
fearing that she would take her ACKNOWLEDGMENT
100 much To heart. AllstOn came to the CITY
about the 21st OF July and remained here until
last Saturday, during which time he visited her
frequently, and, "a far as was known, they were
on very good terms until Saturday, and from
the fact that after that day
THE ENGAGEMENT RING
was not seen on her finger, it is believed that
they had difference, and the engagement was
broken. After he left she seemed to lose all in
terest in the affairs of this world, and refused
up TO the hour Of her death, ali food or nourish-
menc.
The BODY is attired in green dress, tan colored
gloves, white collar, and pink ribbon on the
breast This morning many of the neigh bors
among whom she was great favOrite, called 70
ook on her features for the last time, and the
Gene was sad one, as each and all were deeply
afflicted at her terrible fate.
Offeer HOrner was present soon after the oc-
rurrence and took charge OF the body, AMI with
omcer Burr, this afternoon summoned a Jury
Tor Dr. Potter, the coroner, who is holding an
inquest.