Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-11-15

trunk the burns were not SO severe
ana Mrs. DeButts' face was rather
more charred and blackened than
burned and her hair had only been
slightly burned. There was not
great deal of fire in the furnace and
most OF the Goals were close in front
and just inside the door against the
forward side OF the fire pot
DIR. Rowland reported the case to
Coroner Z. NJ. Singleton and the lat
ter did not deem an inquest neCes-
sary.
Mystery Shrouds Tragedy.
Viewed at various angels. the
tragedy Is regarded in Melbourne to
be surrounded by mystery. Altho it
Is believed. it was said, that the case
could not be other than one Of sui
eide. the horrible method used is un-
explainable. How even If Mrs. De-
Butts was demented she could force
herself to infiict such a death is hard
to understand.
Mrs. DeButts was a fairly large
woman. The opening into the fire
pot OF the furnace thru the double
doors was quite large. but not large
enough. 1t Is believed, for her to
nave thrown herself quickly in on
the fire and ashes. It must have re-
CURED little time at least for her
to have forced SO much of her body
thru the door.
Death Probably Came Quickly.
The smoke and gases given off by
the hre In such closely confined
space probably produced uncon-
seriousness In h short time and death
from the same causes and burns fol-
lowed without great delay.
1t Is not regarded as probable that
Mrs. DeButts was overcome by &
seizure or stroke OF some kind and
fell into the furnace. while perha ps
IN front OF the open door stoking the
nre., Neither is 1t regarded as likely
tnat she may have taken poison
either by mistake or with intent and
Ieii In her death agonies into the
furnace.
Injury May Have Been Cause.
me most plausible explanation is
that Mrs. DeButts became deranged
as q result Of Ill health. It was said
that she had been In poor health for
TWO years and that her condition may
nave been caused by an injury. While
driving to Des Moines with one OF her
sons, the car struck pile OF dirt in
the road and Mrs. DeButts was
thrown against the top of the car.
sne had complained OF injury to her
back and spine and 1t is thought
pressure that resulted may have
brought on mental disorder,
Relations In the family were "a ia tn
nave been happy and furnish no
reason for Mrs. DeButts wanting to
kill herself.
Daughter Of M. e. Andrews.
Mrs. DeButts was the daughter of
Mr.. and Mrs. NJ. e. Andrews, 81
West Church street She was born
IN illinois but was reared in wash
ington township where her parents
settled In 1869. Mr.. and Mrs. De-
Butts lived in Washington township
Tor number Of years then moved to
Melbourne.
In addition to the husband, four
sons and daughter survive her.
They are Floyd, Arthur, Archie and
Veima DeButts. Melbourne, and
Harry DeButts. Des Moines. Mrs. De-
Butts parents, Mr.. and Mrs. An
drews, are living as arc seven
brothers and sisters. The latter are
Nd. l., Walter L.. and A. ]. Andrews,
and Mrs. r. A. Mason, Melbourne;
Mrs. Lena Workman, Iowa City.s Mrs.
Charles Laird. who Is living in
Canada, and Mrs. vala Chambers, OF
Washington.
The funeral was held at the Chris
tan church In Melbourne at 80 this
afternoon. following prayer service
at the home at o'clock. Rev. Mr..
Coonradt, Of Collins, conducted the
service and burial was in Maple
Grove cemetery.