Morning journal and courier., 1891-04-10
A Sad Case.

Born and reared in luxury, dying in want with hardly a friend about her, such was the sad history of Mrs. Jerome Chap man, who died last Saturday afternoon at No. Beecher court. In her last illness she was attended by Mrs. Carrie Davis, who lives at 1072 State street and who has been kind friend to the old lady for many years.
 Mrs. Chapman, despite the skilled efforts of her physician, Dr. Lucy Creemer Peck ham, rapidly grew worse and died about 3:3O o'clock that afternoon. Her illness was pleurisy. The remains were buried Monday by Lewis & Maycock in the Vest vile cemetery at the towns expense. At the burial there were none present save the undertaken, grave digger and Mrs. Davis. The husband went to Bridgeport where he has three sisters and brother in comfortable circumstances.
 He did not return until late Saturday night and then learned from Mrs. Davis of his wifes death. He told her she could have whatever of the effects in the room she desired, that he would never want them or return again. He sold the stove that night and with the proceeds went back again to Bridgeport.
 Quite sensation was created the next day when a report was spread abroad to some extent among the neighbors and few friends to the effect that the body of Mrs. Chapman had been stolen from the grave in the Westville burying ground.
 Whether or not there was any foundation to this rumor probably will never be known. It came to Agent Preston's ears, who hQa hoen oOnaidarah1v infaraotoa iv, the case, and he immediately went over to see Registrar Carr, and found that no per- init for disinterment had been granted. Then he with MT. Maycock, went out to the cemetery and made an investigation. A rod was run down into the grave and the coffin felt all right below. There were no indications of disturbance about the grave. But, nevertheless, there are some who believe the poor woman's body was stolen and sold for medical purposes for the sum of $25.
 nature that death probably was greeted about eighteen years ago and was then married to the man named Chapman whom she met some years before in the town of Prospect. Her maiden name was Robbins and she came from prominent Spring field family. Her first husband was wealthy New Yorker named Slocum, who surrounded her with luxuries and com forts. The time she passed in this city was bitter period. Circumstances grad ually grew worse, and little by little the relics of better days were sacrificed for the present wants. She earned a pittance by her industry with the needle whenever she could find employment.
 About year ago the husband and wife lived in a garret on Congress avenue in miserable quarters, but were brought by friends to the room iu Beecher Court. Elf forts were made to have Mrs. Chapman go to the almshouse, but she said she would starve first, and she did pretty nearly. Many are the times she has endured actual suffering from the lack of food, and it is
 said she would have died but for the in-
 tervention of friends. MT. Preston said
 that he went down to Bridgeport several times to find the husband and set him to do something for his wife's benefit, but was unsuccessful in his efforts.
 Mrs. Chapman was sixty-fve years old when she died, and few stories are those of sadder nature than tue brief one above told of her life. She was liked by all who came in contact with her for her kindly and genial ways.