The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-08

first child Mrs. Gompf became somewhat
violent and threatened to kill the infant
as we'll as her husband. The child died
within ii few days and her mental aberra-
ton increased. After several months treat
Later DR.. w. 3. Fletcher was called to
attend her regularly. Occasionally the
symptoms of violent insanity would show,
ana In order 10 keep her mind occupied Mr..
Gompf built a new house on Davidson
street. Mrs. Gompf was an excellent house
Keeper and took great pride in their home,
out soon tired of the new place, and i'm ac-
cordance with her desires a new and more
pretentious home was built in Woodruff
Place. Occupied with the care of this new
ana larger house her mind seemed to i'm
prove. and until recently she was rational.
several times during the last few months
her mlno gave way, and in her moment
self and her husband. Nothing of a really
violent nature was noticed in her acts until
Friday last, when she, as the couple sat at
breakfast, arose from her chair and began
without warning throwing dishes from the
table to the floor. Her husband ran from
the house and went to the lumber office on
Michigan street, where he called police
headquarters. District Patrolman Haley
was sent to the house with Mr.. Gompf, and
reported that ne found Mrs. Gompf quiet
ana engaged in household duties. He
thought there was little danger. Mr.. Gompf
then visited police headquarters in person
and asked Captain Dawson for advice In
the matter. He was referred to Police Sur
geon Christian, who advised him to stay
away from home for a few days and give
lis vile time 10 rest ana occupy n6r m1nd
with other things. Mr.. Gompf had told
DIR. Christian that one of his wife's de-
lusions was that he habitually associated
with other women. Mr.. GOmpf returned to
headquarters and told Captain Dawson of
the plan proposed by DR.. Christian. Cap
tain Dawson, who would not advise him
before, said it would not be right TO do such
a thing, as in his absence she might take
her own life. He advised the employment
of some one to live i'm the house and watch
the actions of Mrs. Gompf and protect the
husband while he silent from anV violent
act which Mrs. Gompf might undertake.
The advice of DR.. Christian was, however,
followed, and Mr.. Gompf slept at the homes
adjacent on either side Saturday and Mon
day nights. He kept watch of the house a
great deal, and last saw his wife about the
house Saturday evening. One light was
burning continually, and yesterday morn
ing, fearing something was wrong, he called
at police" headquarters and asked for some
one TO mi him TO his home. De-
tectiVe Bray was sent. and after breaking
i'm the door of Mrs. Gompfs room her life
less body. partially dressed and upon the
bed. we!. covered with bedclothes, was
found. The condition of the body indicated
death had come twenty-four or more hours
before. All Of the gas vents throughout the
house. with the exception of the one in her
bedroom, were found open. There was one
ODen window. The house was filled with
gas. and particularly the room in which the
body was found. This was tightly closed,
and all of the gas in that room must have
found it's way there under the door through
a large space there. Everything indicated
that her death was due TO suicide, but Cap
tain Kinney. thinking the case was one
needing INVESTIGATION. went at once to the
house. He found the house Immediately
clean. everything in its place. and not the
slightest evidence of any struggle The door
TO Mrs. Gompf's bedroom was locked with a
kew from the inside, and there was nothing
which would even suggest death due to the
act of another. The coroner viewed the
body there. and il was taken by Under
takers Adams q Kreiger and prepared for
burial.