The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-04-03
SHE IS FOUND.
Body Of Mrs. Stafford Taken
From Kansas River.
Was Discovered in Water Near
Calhoun Bluffs.

The body of a woman. believed to be
that of Mrs Alice Sanford, was discov-
cred in the Kansas river near Calhoun
Bluffs this afternoon Mrs Stafford
wandered away from her home on
March 10 and has never been heard OF
or seen. She went some time durln8
drowned herself
At 2:30 the patrol wagon was sent to
Calhoun Bluffs, two miles east of To-
'peka. While the body was not recog-
nized, there is little doubt that it is that
&of Mrs. Stafford.
Mrs. Stafford had been melancholy ana
MAD brOoded over the loss of her hus>
band and two children. A year ago she
became interested in Christian Science
with the idea that the subject would
occupy her mind.
Monday evening. March ., Mrs. SAT-
ford was melancholy and made no re-
Spouse to the questions of her childreis
and refused to talk. She threw Nersels
on SOFA and buried her face in the
pillows The children were alarmed al
her actions and sent for Mrs w. c.
lSk, Christian Science healer Who
was = friend Of Mrs Stafford and who
had instructed her in the study of the
science. Mrs. Fisk called at the Sailors
home early in the evening and remained
until hale past o'clock Mrs. Safforc
seemed to feel better. She chatted with
Mrs Fisk and slept for about half an
hour. Before leaving her Mrs. Fisk saw
ner prepare to retire. Mrs. Stafford said
Miss Alice Stafford was not at home
during the evening She. returned about
IL: 30 o'clock from a concert and spoke
with her mother and retired At )
Q CLOCK IN the morning the domestic
went to the house as usual and knock
ed Miss Stafford. not hearing her moth
er open the door. admitted the woman
and looked in the sitting ROOM where
her mother had been sleeping, and dis
covered that she was not there.
A search revealed the fact that every
article of Mrs. Sadford's clothing was in
the house Not even underclothing or
the night robe WE'RE missing Mrs SAT-
ford's shoes and Shippers were found in
the house.
The suicide theory was advanced and az
the home is not far fS1n the Kansas river
It was thought that sA, might have drown
ed herself. No footprints could be found
leading to the river or on the river bank,
which might have beens made by a woman
Footprints on the river bank, made by
without heels were found, but as no shoes
were missing from the house the tracks
were not connected WI h Mrs Stafford.
though It was supposed that Mrs Stafford
had taken her own life
Mrs Stafford was in COMFORTABLE circunn-
stances, SO financial difficulties are not
supposed to be the cause for suicide. She
owned the house where she lived a farm
IN the southwestern part Of Shawnee. coun-
W, and had money ranging from 500 to
800 on deposit in three banks.
Mrs Stafford had been used to comfort
and money Her mother lives in Detroit
ana at one time her father was connected
with a large business house in Kentucky
at a salary Of $500 or 5000 a year. She
was, of especially prepOssessing appearance
and while she did not live in a Luxurious
manner her home in North Tobeka was
comfortable and pleasant When Mr.. SAT-
ford died, little more than TWO years
ago, he left some life insurance besides
the. property 70 his WIFE
Mrs. Stafford had four children. Miss
Alice Stafford. the oldest. Harry about II
years of age, Albert and Dudley.