Devils Lake inter-ocean. (Devils Lake, Ramsey Co., Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1905, 1886-07-24
SUDDEN DEATH,
William I. Cooks Sudden Taking
AWay-InQuest.

AWay-1uQueSC.
Wednesday afternoon young man
apparently under the influence of liquor
entered the Lakeview hotel office and
said he wanted to 60 to sleep. The pro-
prietor offered to conduct him to room
but the man couldn't walk. He was
carried up stairs and put into room
Half an hour later he was found to be
unconscious, and att o'clock his heart
had ceased to beat. The body was takcl,
to the parlor, and the coroner took
charge Of it. His effects, consisting of a
suit of clothes and a few minor articles
were examined and from papers found
it was discovered that the dead mans
name was William 1. Cook and that he
was discharged from l company, 18th
infantry, at Ft. Totten, June 10. Post.
master Egan informed the INTER. OCEAN
that Cook had been 4 lieutenant in the
18th that he resigned and subsequently
enlisting as private, had been promot.
ed to first sergeant, which position he
held at the date of his discharge. After
leaving the service Cook visited his rel
atives at Lexington, KY, of which city
he was native, and returning to Dakota
he kept bar at the Arlington. Minne-
waukan, until short time ago. He
had been in this city about week, and
had indulged rather freely in liquor.
Later in the evening the body was re-
moved to ITurst's undertaking rooms,
and there prepared for burial. A tele.
gram was sent the sister of tho deceased
at Lexington, KY, informing her Of the
death of her brother.
THE INQUEST.
An inquest was held over the remains
Thursday afternoon, before jury con.
slsting of /. I. Lee, F. $. Converse and
John F. Cowan, Coroner Zunich and
District Attorney Morgan being present
The testimony Of the witnesses went to
show that deceased had been drinking
Tor several days past; that he arrived
here from Minnewaukan last Sunday in.
tending to return Monday, but missed
the boat that he was ut Grand Harbor
Tuesday evening to see Dy. Swanston
and get medicine that would make him
sleep. The doctor gave him half a grain
OF morphia in four powders. Cook re-
turned here during the night and being
in a bad condition DR.. Camp was called
at 2:3O Wednesday morning. DR.. Camp
prescribed bromide of potassium and
hydrate OF chloral in two hour doses, but
the physicians examined at the inquest
agreed that had Cook taken the decoc-
ton all at one dose there could have
been no injurious results. DR.. Camp saw
his patient Wednesday noon, and Cook
wanted whisky. The doctor told him
he must not drink. The unfortunate
man continued to drink, however, dur
ing the afternoon, and about 2:3O went
into Rawson's barber shop and said he
wanted to see Geo. Thompson, one of the
BARRIERS. Thompson testified that Cook
complained Of loss Of sleep. From here
he went to Rasmns .Dohnson's saloon
where he made the same complaint.
After taking half u glass Of beer he went
to the hotel and asked for a room. He
sat down and seemed to fall asleep inl-
mediately. Unsuccessful attempts were
made to arouse him, and he was finally
carried up stairs and laid upon the floor.
This was about 80. An hour later
DR.. Camp was called and efforts were
made to arouse him, but in VAN.
The verdict Of the jury was that Cook
died from paralysis Of the heart.
A telegram was received from the sis
ter Of the deceased yesterday instructing
the coroner to place her brother in a
plain coffin, bury him in the cemetery,
mark the grave and send bill to her.
The funeral took place Yesterday after
noon in accordance with these instruct.
IONS