Donna Ingraham Wernberg, classmate of mine from Laurel, class of 1962, sent to me an article from the Marshalltown Times Republican dateline November 3, 1919. **Only the portion of the article pertaining to the cause of death has been re-copied.
MORPHINE CAUSES DEATH OF DOCTOR
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Dr.C. W. Patton of Laurel,
Dies from Overdose of Drug
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BELIEVED POISON TAKEN WITH SUICIDAL INTENT
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Had been sufferer from Kidney Trouble and despondent for ten days-said to have threatened suicide--served, with three brothers, in World War-practiced in city.
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An overdose of morphine, believed to have been taken with suicidal intent, caused the death of Dr. Charles W. Patton, of Laurel, and formally of this city at 9:15 this morning at his home. Dr. Patton had been suffering with kidney trouble for some time and had been despondent the past ten days. That he had threatened to end his own life was the statement of Mrs.Patton to the physicians. Dr. Ralph E. Keyser and Dr. W. F. Hanultou, called from the city.
The physicians were summoned at 11:00 Sunday night, shortly after the drug had been taken, and were at the bedside until 6 o'clock this morning when Dr. Patton's heart action showed improvement and his respiration was easier. Dr. Keyser said today that Dr. Patton had take three or four ounces of chlorodyne and morphine prescription in a glass of water retiring for the night.
Dr. Patton seemed to be in good spirits Sunday evening and accompanied his wife to church. He had not been in good health, however, since he underwent a minor operation last July. he had been worried over delays in this and added worry on the erection of his new home in Laurel is believed to be largely responsible for his act. Up to noon today it could not be ascertained whether the coroner would be called into the case.
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*** What is interesting is that today most obituaries do not mention cause of death.
Dr. Patton seemed to be in good spirits Sunday evening and accompanied his wife to church. He had not been in good health, however, since he underwent a minor operation last July. he had been worried over delays in this and added worry on the erection of his new home in Laurel is believed to be largely responsible for his act. Up to noon today it could not be ascertained whether the coroner would be called into the case.
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*** What is interesting is that today most obituaries do not mention cause of death.
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