Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-10-28
DIES FROM 100
MUCH MORPHINE
Frederick Paterson, a Well
known Resident of City,
Found Dead in Bed
aAY De CASE OF SUICIDE
Had Been Used to Drug, AZ q Medicine,
and Had Been Cautioned on Taking
Too Much Leaves a Note That
Makes Family Suspicious Of Self De-
struetion-coronsr Will Investigate.

ing at his home, 402 North First aven-
ue. While life was not quite extinct
the patient was SO far gone that he
breathed his last half hour later. and
was past the aid Of physician who
was Immediately summoned.
Mrs. Paterson called her husband at
the accustomed hour. z o'clock. He did
not respond to the summons, and she
went to his room. She was Mortified
to find him in comatose state and at
once surmised that he had taken an
overdose of the drug that he was In
the habit of taking for his severe asth-
matte trouble. She at once telephoned
for the family physician. who arrived
a few moments afterwards. but he
found that the deadly drug had been
so thoroughly absorbed by the tissues
that 1t would be of no avail to attempt
reconciliation. Mr.. Paterson died at
1880.
Leaves Note.
A note was found in the dead mans
room, reading as follows: Good bye;
Am going to see John" This was the
first intimation that there was possi-
bility of suicide. While the note was
not signed it was in Paterson's hand
writing and had either been written be-
fore he took the poison. or after he
had realized that he had taken an
overdose. The family is inclined to ac-
cept the latter theory, and do not think
that he meant to take his own life. Mr..
Paterson was decidedly cheerful yester-
day, and was feeling better than usual.
Was Used to tho Drug.
Mr.. Paterson was used to morphine
as medicine, It having been pre-
scribed for him year and a half age
Tor asthmatic trouble. with which he
suffered at times severely.
A Descendant Of Colonial Stock.
Mr.. Peterson was born in Monroe
county New York, in 1929, and was a
descendant of old colonial stock. His
grandfather, Major General James Pc
terson. was q member OF General
George Washington's stan, and served
during the entire revolutionary war,
participating in the battle OF Bunker
Hill. and being member of the last
division to be mustered out OF the serv-
Ice. He entered the war as colonel
Of Massachusetts regiment and was
mustered out a major general. Gem
eral Peterson was a member of con-
gress at one time and was also a Justice
of the United States supreme court. He
was also one of the founders Of the Or
der Of the Cincinnati.
Mr.. Peterson came to Marshalltown
on March "a, 1874. and entered the em-
ploy of his nephew. Fred ]. Woodbury.,
then owner Of the old Woodbury. mills.
He worked at the mills fifteen years,
and in recent years was in the employ
OF II. ]. Benson, who only short time
ago disposed of the property. A year
or so ago, however. Mr.. Peterson was
5cf his failing health.
Mr.. Peterson is survived by his wife
and four children--three daughters and
son. The daughters are Mrs. Jennie
Messenger. Of this city; Mrs. r. G.
Hargrave. OF Colfax, Wash; and Mrs.
Emery Brannan, of New York. The son
is Mr.. George Peterson. OF Chicago.
Another son, John. died in this city a
few years ago. An aged sister of the
deceased Is "Grandma" G. M. Wood
bury, now a resident Of Pasadena, Cal,
and. at so years Of age. is the only SUR
viving member Of her fathers family.
The funeral arrangements have not
yet been made, owing to the word ex-
pected from Mrs. Hargrave. Mrs.
Brannan has not yet been reached, be-
ing at the present time away from
home.
Coroner Lierle. who was at LaMoille
today. was notified by telephone of the
death and will investigate the circum-
stances upon his return to the city this
evening. It is not thought that an In.
quest will be necessary.