Connecticut western news., 1874-02-13
The Van DeusenvilIe Suicide.

Below we publish the obituary of the young lady, Miss Gussie E. Rogers, who committed suicide at Van Deusenvile on the 29th of January, the particulars of which, it will be remembered Were briefly as follows: Miss Rogers dismissed the school, of which she was the teacher at noon on the day previous and wen: to her boarding place, at MT. Burget's, and in the afternoon returned to the school house where she remained alone until 4 o'clock, and then went home as usual. In the evening Mir. Burget's family had company, but they discovered nothing strange in the appearance of Miss R. At the usual time she retired to her room. At half past five on Thursday morning she walked rapidly from her room down stairs, through the sitting room and kitchen, out the back door, through the barnyard and oyer g large tract of land to ths river, where she committed the rash deed.
 Nothing was thought strange of her pass ing through the house and out of doors al the time, half clad. as she had complained of being unwell, and had been taking med icine, but after short time the family be- came alarmed and commenced a search. They called, but on receiving no response went to the place where they supposed she was, but found her not. They then went 10 the nelghbors, but with no better sue cess. Then general search was instituted in all directions On the edge of the ice, near large hole in the rver, they found her cloud and back comb. As soon as possible diligent hands worked faithfully to recover the body from it's watery grave At II o'clock they found it about twelve feet below where she was supposed to have walked in,
 In her room was found addressed to heI parents, the following letter.
 VAN DEUsENv1LLE Jan 18th. 1874
 My DEAR PARENTS: : When this is found shall be no more Do not mourn for me. The reason write this is because fear you might think death. No one is to blame. I am simply tired oi living. Long have wished that death might be coming to V D. V. and getting my Register YOU can draw the $90 due me for teaching. Please pay my board bill at MT. Burghardt's. that is the only debt owe. Do not get expensive cof fin, would rather have plain one. I cannot write to Frank. Tell him not to mourn for me The Ring is in my trunk, and if he does not cali for it, I wish Gertie to have it. My watch and chain you may dispose of as you think best. Ii you wish to keep it in the family instead of sell; then she may give it to just which one of the girls she thinks best. My Writing Desk is Adde's, Ma the dress that is not made Please burn the the lette@ Frank has written me. No one is to blame % for this ; rash act nor have had any trouble but be kind to each other, and to their dear Parents know cannot be happy after death, but can. not help this Oh Ma my brain fairly whirls as l write this, but don't mourn for me let me pass from memory as from sight. Your last words
 P.S.-My dearest Parents and Sisters, look to God for help and guidance in this afiliction Put your trust in Him who is able to save to the ut te-most. Think Of me no more.
 Those situated to form the most correct estimate that human judgment can render, recognize in this last act no moral wrong. No personal accountability attaches to the deed-a deed that would most solemnly have been deprecated by herself. We are :earfully and wonderfully made It was not herself. but the sudden outbreaking of deadly malady within. This, preceded by overtaskel physical strength, too con- ccntrated action of brain and incipient fc- Yer there. These were the causes, which. acting together, produced a result pro nOunced by professional medical opinion as temporary alteration of mind. The seat of thought thus disturbed, guided to each act of the last tpenty hours of her life. Those affective hours cover aN Hat there toas of her brief and happy exist ence here that now awakens lamentation and woe in her childhood's home. In that home, and to an extended circle of friends, Gussie was endeared by the various social ties that bind as one, all true and loving hearts. From the sad scenes that followed the closing of this mortal to our friend, how willingly we lift up the Inspirations to her entrance on the immortal In a fee ble effort to follow for a moment the freed spirit in it's flight, our cry is:
 Joy to thee! darling: Thus redeen,e,l one joy! This note of cheer is sent for ward because the dear departed was wur- thy example of a true Christian life. Her prominent characteristics were conscien- uousness and marked propriety in all that pertains to church membership and every other position. She mingled in pleasing union the solid happiness of soul at peace with God and q nature abounding in the gratulations of a young life that moved her to delight in every form of activity, both natural and spiritual. Choosing for her associates in church relation, the de-
 
 nearly to the usages of those times: When they that feared the Lord apake often one to another'-she, when meeting with them in any place, participated In the sacred fel- loWsh1p by giving utterance 10 her thoughts as inspired at the time. Thus arc her ac- cePtable words remembered in this town. and also ln the several places where, as teacher of youth, she had dwelt.
 Thence, ln addition to the tender rcmem- brances of her pupils, will finger long ill t e recollection of m any individuals the sound Of her voice in praise and reverent prayer. h personal appearance she was of slight ngure; lightsome in mannLr; genial word for every one. Said friend whs had known her always, The record she has left IS that of a beautiful life' The boau- ty of innocence, purity, truth and holiness. was hers. Early consecratinG herself to her Redeemers service, and ever seeking by word and act to win souls to Christ, her early termination of that seryIce below may 1t not by the spirit of God be en- ployed as means of drawing the dear ones. for whose salvation she ardently longed, to seek that salvation for her sake an in ducement that now is joined to the Holv Sptr'Fs cGN. Some of those loved kindrt d with anxious speed, made the hurried search TOT the lost one. With celerity were the precious remains hastened from outward harm tenderly borne to the pa rental charge. As adorned by loving hands for it's last repose was placed her flesh to rest in hope of glorious resurrection, when those who thus kindly have fulfilled the last sad offices to their departed one shall themselves also have been laid in the grave, bow blessed would be "a part with her in tho first resurrection. On such the second death shall have no power
 To all whose hearts are saddened by the decease of this young lady, what is the voice that rises from the waters and the grave? Were it her own tender ples dings to which once again we might listen, would It not be gentle word of interro- gatioD, saying to each one of us: Are you SO prepared for your own departure