The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-05-25

and would not be home until evening. Mrs.
Nelson thought nothing strange of her hus-
bands absence until he did not arrive at
the supper hour and then she became some
what uneasy. Mr.. Nelson had been acting
strangely depressed for the past few weeks,
and while hardly believing that he would
take his own life. his wife recalled that he
had let drop certain remarks while discussing
his business affairs which served to make her
more apprehensive than she would otherwise
have been. Mrs. Nelson reassured her
self, however, with the thought that her
husband had frequently remained away from
home at meal time. and when 10 o'clock
came retired confident that Mr.. Nelson would
return by midnight.
Mrs. Nelson awoke about 4 o'clock, and
finding her husband still absent became thor
oughly alarmed. Hastily dressing, she made
her way to Mr.. Nelson's office, in the Schultz
block, corner Seventh and Jackson streets.
The Office door was locked. but she could
hear the heavy breathing of her husband on
the inside. Vainly she called his name and
pounded on the door In an endeavor to
awaken him. The heavy breathing continued,
but no response was ELECTED by her fright
ened calls.
John e. Lindberg, a nephew of Mrs. Mel
son, Is employed by Mr.. Nelson clerk
in his insurance business and was known
to have key to the Office. He lives East
University avenue, between Canada and
Jackson streets. Mrs Nelson hurried to
Lindberg's house, and, after securing the
key, almost ran back to the office. She op-
ened the door and found her husband appa-
rently asleep a lounge in corner of the
room. All effort to awaken him, however,
proved futile. 1t was now nearly 6 o'clock,
and Mrs. Nelson hurriedly summoned Drs.
Robert Wheaton and Rogers.
When the physicians arrived a few mo
ments later they found Mr.. Nelson in
comatose condition. and evidencing all the
symptoms of morphine poisoning. 1t not
known when the drug had been Administered,
but the physicians were Of the opinion that
the unconscious man had taken large guam
tity, probably as much as ten grains. The
work Of resusctating Mr.. Nelson began at
once, and for three hours the physicians
labored increasingly, spurred on by the grief
Of the afflicted wife. Their efforts, however,
were productive Of no results.
At 9 o'clock the unconscious form of Mr..
Nelson was taken to st. Joseph's hospital,
Wuci0 LIS w nCdtCu anu 1bOeoTS again dL-
tempted to revive life's dying spark, but
with the exception Of a momentary rally
shortly after o'clock, their efforts were un-
availing, and at 4:05 O'Clock Mr.. Nelson
died in the presence of his wife and eldest
daughter.
Coroner Whitcomb was at once notified of
Mr.. Nelson's death, and, after viewing the
remains. directed that the body be removed
to Dampier's undertaking. rooms, where an
autopsy will be held at noon today. The cor
oner is Of opinion that it Is case Of sui
eide.
Mr.. Nelson was the local agent for the Buff
falo German and several other fire and life
insurance companies. He was also promin-
ent in secret society circles, and was men,
ber Of number of orders including the
Odd Fellows, Masons and Elks. Mr.. Nelson
carried life insurance in all of the beneht
societies Of which he was member, and was
according to the statement of his wife, in
sured in other companies.
singular story was abroad last night
which serves to add complication to the
story Of the death, and which, IL true would
throw very unpleasant consciousness on
the persons involved. 1t was to the effect
that number of the members of one of the
building associations of which Mr.. Nelson
was secretary had business meeting sched-
uie0 LOT MS ONCE SATURDAY night, ana that
he was lying on the lounge when they
reached the office. Some of them, it is said,
tried to wake him, but without success, and
then, instead Of making any alarm concluded
that the heavy sleep was due to intoxication.
This suspicion, If 1t really was entertained,
is now sufficiently proven unjust. The ru-
NOR stated that one Of the members of the
party was City Clerk Matt Jensen, and Mr..
Jensen was aroused at his home 612 York
street, late last night. Mr.. Jensen had not
until then heard of Mr.. Nelson's death and
expressed great surprise.
You were at meeting in Mr.. Nelson's Of
fee Saturday evening, were you not Mr..
Jensen?" inquired the reporter.
who, me? Never heard of any meeting"
said Jensen. It's news TO me. / haven't
the least idea what the meeting was for, If
there was one. / know I wasn't there.
81 have no idea of the motive that could
have prompted Nelson to take his own life.
Though I know he did not have much money
mot as much, l have heard him say, as
when he was first elected county treasurer
yet do not know that he was In any way
financially involved.
Some time ago, Just before Nelson took
a trip South. he told me that he was going
South for his health. Since he returned /
had seen very little Of him. That's all
know about Nelson. know. however, that
he did Z yery large insurance business among