Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-06-30
MRS. L. E. GANNON'S DEATH
It Resulted From an Overdose of Lauda-
mum Given to Allay Pain.
Her Drothcr-in-Law, Who Adminis-
tered the Drug, Now erased
With Grief.

Coroner Woodward was called to the resi-
dence of Mr.. Laurence E. Cannon, No 1872
street. this morning to investigate one Of
the saddest cases that has ever been called
to his attention. Mrs. Susan E. Cannon,
wife of the gentleman mentioned, had died
suddenly from the effects of an overdose
Of laudanum administered with the best
possible intentions by her brother-in law
Charles E. Cannon. who Is a clerk in the
adjutant generals Office. Neighbors of the
Gannons were terribly shocked this morn
ing when they learned Of Mrs. Gannon's sad
death, and the brother-in-law may have to
go to the insane asylum.
Mrs. Cannon, who was about fifty-two
years old, had suffered from heart trouble
for long time and last night between s
and 8 o'clock she was taken suddenly ILL.,
She suffered most excrutiating pain and the
colored servant. Isabella Miller. was called
to the room. Liniments were used external
ly and the rubbing given the patient by the
servant seemed to relieve the sufferer to
some extent.
A Dose of Laudanum.
But so intense was the pain that 1t was
thought dose of isudanum was neces-
sary. and the bIother-in-law gave her what
he thought was a moderate dose. which he
felt certain could do no harm. The dose he
thought would have the effect of killing
the pain. but never did he even imagine it
might kill the patient.
Mrs. Cannon rested well after her trs at
ment and both her husband and brother
felt certain that their remedy had had the
desired effect. But the dose was larger than
Mrs. Cannon could stand and her heavy
breathing this morning alarmed the MEM
bers of the household.
Drs. Coe and Leach were sent for, but the
drug had taken such effect and the last
sufferings of the woman had passed. She
died about $50 o clock.
Her death was q great shock to both her
husband and the b-other-in-law who had
given the fatal dose. The latter was COM
pletely overcome, and when he left the
house he rushed up to the parsonage Of st.
Paul's Church where he saw Father Foley.
Cra.ed by Grief.
'.Tve killed my sister," shrieked the al
most frantic man. and while In the parson-
age he grabbed knife from the table and
wanted to end his life with 1t, but was pre-
vented from doing SO by the pastor.
The man was relieved of the knife, which
he would probably have used in an effort to
end his life.
Father Foley had endeavored to reason
with him and give him what religious con-
ISOLATION he could. but even this did not
pacify the man, who had about lost his rea-
soning powers
1t was Necessary for Officers Evans and
Mitchell. who had been summoned to arrest
and hold him until the coroner disposed of
the case. and SO they took him to the eighth
precinct station to await the arrival OF DIR.
Woodward. On the way to the station his
rambling conversation indicated that the
anair had had a terrible effect on his mind,
and he begged for pistol, saying he wanted
to die.
The officers talked and attempted to rea-
son with him They explained that he
thought he had done things Tor the best,
and certainly he would not be condemned
Tor his mistake. Still. mis- mental sufrerlngs
seemed to increase. and soon after the cor
oner heard OF the facts he was sent over to
Providence Hospital for treatment.
Purely AN Accident.
Coroner Woodward heard the statements
OF members of the family concerning the
sad affair and concluded that an inquest
was not necessary. The affair was purely
death accordingly.
NJ. Laurence +. Cannon husband OF the
unfortunate victim OF the deadly drug. is
we'll known in this city. anu his numerous
friends will be panied TO hear OF the occur
renee which in so short time brought
gloom ana sadness over q happy nome. Mir.
Cannon II a clerk in the Treasury Depart
ment and Is director OF st. matthew's
Church choir.
Arrangements for the funeral win be pub
lished later.
rAis afternoon Mr. Charles (. Cannon.
WHO was still at Providence Hospital, was
In a sad condition. and It was said that mis-
mind was anected. but perhaps only tenn
porarily. 1t Is possible, however. tnat he
may eventually be sent to st. Elizabeth's 8
FOR treatment