Rock Island daily Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1886-1893, 1889-03-20

One OF the saddest and most sensa-
tional tragedies that has ever shocked the
people Of Rock Island, one of those
peculiarly unfortunate and unexplainable
affairs which, alas, have not been infre,
quent in nature throughout the country
OF late, occurred in this city this morning
Mrs. F. E. Rand, wife of the late con-
ductor. F. E. Rand. was found dead In
bed with her children on either side of
her and each almost beyond relief from
the effects Of deadly inhslations,
the act and purpose Of their mother. who
succeeded too we'll N effecting her own
death. Drs. Craig and Bernhard, who
were quickly summoned, were not long
In pronouncing Mrs. Rand dead, and
they were keenly aware. too. that If the
children were saved. it would be only by
the most energetic and skillful efforts.
AN AWFUL SCENE.
The awful scene as oeheld by an ARGUS
reporter almost Immediately after the
discovery. was one that told the
story of the terrible crime without inqui-
ry. The poor mother. left alone in the
world by her husbands death only two
weeks ago. oppressed beyond consolation
by the separation from one who had been
so loving and devoted. had, in momen,
of desp air. though not without premedi-
tation. taken her own life and attempted
TO take her children with her. Thi.
theory, quickly as it was formed, was
correct.
Mrs. Rand had been respondent and
oppressed ever since the death of her
husband, Conductor i. E. Rand, of the
G.. B. & @. who, the readers of the
ARGUS will remember, died suddenly OF
hemorrbsge of the lungs at his
home. 107 Thirteenth street, We'd
nesday morning. March 8-two
weeks ago this morning. He had
been out on his run as usual the day be-
fore, returning that night his wife ac-
companying him as was her custom dur
ing the last year of his life, realizing as
she did. the near approach of death and
fearing that it might occur at any time.
She loved him dearly; and although she
knew of the inevitable. and his death,
though it came without final warning.
was not unexpected, was to her great
blow and she never rallied from 1t. Since
her return from Lyndon whittier she &C
companied her husband remains for iu>
terment. she has worn sad and hopeless
expression. has talked continually of her
loss, and the tender offices of sympathy
on the part of neighbors, and friends
have failed to comfort her.
Last night Mr.. and Mrs. Freeman, of
Little Sioux. Iowa. the latter Mrs.
Rand's sister, and who have been with
her ever since her bereavement. started
for home. Mrs. Rand stood on the door
step as Mr.. and Mrs. Freeman departed
and size turned to 60 back into the house
was heard to remark: 81 don't see why
couldn't keep poor Fred" She had
often said: II don't see why I had to
give Fred up; he was so loving and good
to me-" Later in the evening Mrs. Rand
made enquiry OF some of her friends for
a bible. She finally succeeded in getting
one from Mrs &. G. Sommers, who re-
sides across the street, not informing the
lady of anything concerning her purpose
exec pit desire to look 10 something.
DISCOVERY OF THE TRAGEDY.
1t was not until about $50 this morn
ing that the neighbors had any intima-
tion of the tragedy. About that time
Mrs. Sommers called at the home of Mrs.
W. o. Willis, wife of Conductor Willis,
WHO lives in the north side of the
double brick on Thirteenth street,
the south side being occupied by
Mrs. Rand. and asked # any of Mrs.
Rand's children had been seen this morn
ing. Mrs. Willis replied negatively. and
said she would investigate. Mrs. Willis
had heard of Mrs. Rand's children being
unwell during the day before. and she
thought this might have kept them in
bed later than usual. Going to Mrs.
Rand's house she rang the door bell, and
receiving NO response, went to the rear
door and found it locked also. Conduc-
tor w. H. Whitfield, whose house is im>
south of the double brick, was
advised. and he and Mrs. Whitfield Joined
Mrs. Willis and Mrs. Sommers, who by
this time had become greatly alarmed.
Mr. Whitfield forced opened a
window and admitted the ladies
by opening the back door from the
inside. MIR. Whitfield then led the
way to the hall, and the smell of escap-
ing gas. which was almost suffocsting.
aroused their apprehension Hurrying
up to Mrs. Rand's chamber on the second
floor and opening the door the room was
found full of gas. Mrs. Rand lay dead
upon the bed. her face pinched and
showing every mark Of having expired
In Intense agony. A child lay on either
side girl of five and boy of six. The
boy was unconscious, but the girl was
awake. and Mrs. Willis now thinks she
heard the little girl cry when she rang the
door bell.
The children were quickly carried to
Mrs. Willis home, where every means of
were applied by Drs. Craig
and Bernhardi. The girl. Lottie, who