Left A Letter
Lizzie Smith Write to Her Sister Nellie
Explaining the Suicides
Gilbert Whitney and Lizzie Took Their Lives Deliberately- Incidents Which Seem to Throw Light on the Relations Which Existed Between the Two
GALESBUBG, Mich., April 6.—(Special.)- The discovery of a man and woman, both dead in bed, at the Bennett house last night about 6 o'clock, put this town in a fever of excitement which was only increased when the strange actions of the unknown couple were made public. The deliberate way in which they had taken their lives excited lively comment and speculation regarding the causes which led up to the committing of the deeds and when an investigation showed only meagre means of identifying the man and absolutely nothing by which the woman might be known, the interest knew no bounds. The careful way in which their clothes were hung up the unmussed condition of the bed and the coolness of the victims gave the affair an air of the most uncanny mystery.
When THE TELEGRAPH arrived from Kalamazoo about midnight, nearly every store was shut, but after some questioning it was found that the bodies were at I. N. Carson's undertaking rooms. Mr. Carson had gone to bed, but very kindly got up again, and at the request of THE TELEGRAPH, dressed and went down to his store.
Story of the Suicide. On the way down he told the story of the suicides follows: The couple came in on the 3 o'clock morning train and stood on the depot platform for some time, the man urging the girl to go to the hotel. Reluctantly she consented. The hotel was shut for the night, but a vigorous pounding brought Clerk John Fargo to the door. The couple were admitted, the man registering as Frank Rohin of South Haven. He did not register for the girl and the clerk thinking them man and wife assigned them to one room. Before going up stairs the man informed the clerk that they should remain in town all of the next day. That was the last ever seen of them alive. No noise or disturbance was heard during the night and when the clerk received no response to his call at 7 o'clock he thought nothing of it. At 8 o'clock he called them again, and again received no reply, but at the suggestion of Mrs. L. E. Cole, the landlady, they were not disturbed.
When 6 o'clock came and still no signs of life in the room, Mrs. Cole grew suspicious, first calling in Constable Miner, and she forced the door. The couple were apparently asleep. They were lying on their backs and each held a handkerchief to their face. The sweet, sickening odor of chloroform was plainly apparent. The couple were undressed, the man wearing a flannel undershirt and the girl a combination chemise and skirt. The bed was undisturbed and showed that no struggles of any kind had taken place. The faces were badly discolored and the whole place wore a weird, ghostly appearance that started cold chills up and down the back. This was accentuated by a paper bearing the significant word strychnine which lay close by upon the floor.
Died from Chloroform. Dr. McBeth was immediately called in and after an examination, decided the couple had died from chloroform. The strychnine was evidently either a blind or was to have been taken If the anesthetic failed to do its work. It was evident from the peaceful condition of the bodies that strychnine had not been taken. They had been dead, the doctor decided about twelve hours. Justice Brown impaneled a jury but the testimony brought out nothing that would shed any light upon the identity of the deceased.
Arrived at the store Mr. Carson opened the door and the deathly odor of carbolic add and embalming fluids rushed out of the place, almost sickening one. A lamp was lighted and by its spluttering light Mr. Carson led the way to the back room. The bodies lay on narrow biers and were covered with sheets, except the faces, which were hidden from view by wet rags which had so settled over the features as to leave them plainly visible. These cloths turned back showed the discolored faces of the suicides. The blood had settled in the cheeks, giving them a dark red color which contrasted vividly with the waxen white of the noses and chins, from which the blood had receded. The month of the man was partly open, showing a set of bad teeth. A tatooed camera and the letters "G. L. W. " on his arm and a smooth shaven face were the only identification save the name "Whitney, which had been on the collars and cuffs, and from which an attempt had been made to remove the name.
The remains of Gilbert L. Whitney, the suicide, have been sent to his parents' home. No one has yet claimed the remains of Lizzie Smith, his companion. There was a steady succession of visitors at the undertaker's during the day, the majority of them ladies.
SUICIDE WAS PREMEDITATED.
Lizzie Smith Left a Letter Which Throws Light on the Matter.
Important facts have come to light in this city which explain the circumstances surrounding the double suicide at Galesburg and prove that it was premeditated on the part of both, the result of a guilty infatuation.
From a conductor on the G. & R. & I. it was learned that the couple had been seen at the Michigan Central crossing. Operator Brown was seen and he corroborated this report. He said that just before the 1:30 o'clock morning G. B. & I. train arrived he heard someone talking on the station platform. Partly from curiosity and partly became it was train time, Brown stepped out upon the platform and saw the couple. They were conversing quietly and there was nothing about them to attract particular attention.
About this time Officer Stockdale came on to the platform and the couple at once moved away as though they did not wish to be seen. When the G. R. & I. train pulled in, the man stepped up to Brown and asked if it was a through train. Receiving a negative reply, a little exclamation of disappointment escaped him which leads to the supposition that the couple had no especial desire to go to Galesburg, but instead wanted some place where they could consummate the course they had decided upon and not be known.
Investigation by the Under Sheriff. When word of the suicide was received in this city together with some slight information Under Sheriff Vosburg drove down to Galesburg, saw the cuffs which bore the name Whitney and the tatoo mark, and on his return efforts were made to find a Whitney family. Word was sent to J. H. Whitney of the Botsford paper mill. His son was not at home, and hitching up a team he drove to Galesburg with many misgivings. His worst fears were realized, for when the wet cloth which hid the man's face was turned back, he at once identified his son. He could give no reason for the rash deed nor could he identify the girl.
Lizzie’s Letter. Careful investigation by the police, however, brought out that she was Lizzie Smith who gave testimony in the case of the recent suicide, May Farrier.
This morning THE TELEGRAPH called upon the girl's father, W. M. S Smith, who has recently removed from South Haven and lives off of east Main street near the Lake Shore depot. He had been apprised of his daughter's death in two ways. By the police and by the following letter which was brought from the postoffice last night. It was postmarked Dowagiac, end the signature had been changed from Lizzie Smith to Lizzie Whitney.
It read as follows, except the spelling, which was very bad:
"KALAMAZOO, April 4, 1895. "Dear Sister:— "I could not tell you how unhappy I am and have been for some time, but not showed it. Ah, Nellie, do not do as I have. You see how my life has ended. Yours will end the same If you do. 1 have not been happy since Mary died, Ah, do take my advice and lead a straight life. I ask one favor of you. Go to Mr. Harper and tell him to take Perlie. He will find her a good home, that is what he done and good-bye and God bless you Nellie. When you get this letter I will be cold, and Budge with me; he says he can't live without me, so we have decided to go together. So farewell but don't ever tell Perlie what I have done for it would worry her too much. I say again good-bye and God bless you all.
"From your unhappy sister, "LIZZIE A. WHITNEY”
What the Woman's Father Says.
To THE TELEGRAPH, Mr. Smith said that while his daughter was a good hearted girl, she had frequented sporting houses in spite of his efforts to prevent it. She was about 22 years of age and claimed she was married to Stephen Sprague. By him she had had two children, a son and a daughter. The former is dead but the latter, the Perlie referred to in the letter, was playing on the floor with Mr. Smith's youngest son, entirely unconscious of her mother’s terrible death. Lizzie and Whitney had been going together for five or six months, Mr. Smith said, and on the day before they disappeared, Whitney had been to the house and stated that he was going on the road for the Botsford company, that he should leave for Chicago that night and that Lizzie would accompany him to that city and return at night. For that reason, Mr. Smith had not worried, Nellie, the sister to whom the letter was written was present during the interview but said very little. Mr. Smith is blacksmith in hard circumstances. He said he had no money to provide for the burial of his daughter and that he had written to her husband in South Haven.
Lizzie Smith was well known about town. Her character was not good and she was looked upon by the police as a common prostitute. Even her father doubts her marriage to Sprague, as he says he never saw any certificate.
Whitney was a young man who had not improved his chances. He was about nineteen years of age, belonged to an estimable family and had every opportunity but had led a fast life and for some time had been in the company of the Smith girl a great deal. Mr. Whitney can assign no cause for his rash deed.
A report was circulated on the streets this morning to the effect that a letter similar to the one written by the Smith girl had been received, from Bert Whitney, by his brother. Mr. Whitney denies this and stamps the report untrue. Other than this he did not care to talk for publication.
J. H. Harper was shown Lizzie Smith's letter. Regarding the reference to himself, Mr. Harper said that last December a certain man and his wife expressed a desire to adopt a child and spoke to Mr. Harper about it. He spoke of Perlie Smith and she would have been adopted but at the last moment the mother could not part with her and so paid her board with a family on north Edwards street. Mr. Harper has several parties who are looking for a child to adopt, and as the little girl is bright, he thinks there will be no trouble in finding a good home for her.
Mrs. Whitney is subject to heart disease and news of her son's sad death was a strain upon her nerves which she was scarcely able to bear. While she was completely prostrated, it is expected that there will be no evil results. Kalamazoo Saturday Telegraph April 6, 1895 page 1
Lizzie Smith Write to Her Sister Nellie
Explaining the Suicides
Gilbert Whitney and Lizzie Took Their Lives Deliberately- Incidents Which Seem to Throw Light on the Relations Which Existed Between the Two
GALESBUBG, Mich., April 6.—(Special.)- The discovery of a man and woman, both dead in bed, at the Bennett house last night about 6 o'clock, put this town in a fever of excitement which was only increased when the strange actions of the unknown couple were made public. The deliberate way in which they had taken their lives excited lively comment and speculation regarding the causes which led up to the committing of the deeds and when an investigation showed only meagre means of identifying the man and absolutely nothing by which the woman might be known, the interest knew no bounds. The careful way in which their clothes were hung up the unmussed condition of the bed and the coolness of the victims gave the affair an air of the most uncanny mystery.
When THE TELEGRAPH arrived from Kalamazoo about midnight, nearly every store was shut, but after some questioning it was found that the bodies were at I. N. Carson's undertaking rooms. Mr. Carson had gone to bed, but very kindly got up again, and at the request of THE TELEGRAPH, dressed and went down to his store.
Story of the Suicide. On the way down he told the story of the suicides follows: The couple came in on the 3 o'clock morning train and stood on the depot platform for some time, the man urging the girl to go to the hotel. Reluctantly she consented. The hotel was shut for the night, but a vigorous pounding brought Clerk John Fargo to the door. The couple were admitted, the man registering as Frank Rohin of South Haven. He did not register for the girl and the clerk thinking them man and wife assigned them to one room. Before going up stairs the man informed the clerk that they should remain in town all of the next day. That was the last ever seen of them alive. No noise or disturbance was heard during the night and when the clerk received no response to his call at 7 o'clock he thought nothing of it. At 8 o'clock he called them again, and again received no reply, but at the suggestion of Mrs. L. E. Cole, the landlady, they were not disturbed.
When 6 o'clock came and still no signs of life in the room, Mrs. Cole grew suspicious, first calling in Constable Miner, and she forced the door. The couple were apparently asleep. They were lying on their backs and each held a handkerchief to their face. The sweet, sickening odor of chloroform was plainly apparent. The couple were undressed, the man wearing a flannel undershirt and the girl a combination chemise and skirt. The bed was undisturbed and showed that no struggles of any kind had taken place. The faces were badly discolored and the whole place wore a weird, ghostly appearance that started cold chills up and down the back. This was accentuated by a paper bearing the significant word strychnine which lay close by upon the floor.
Died from Chloroform. Dr. McBeth was immediately called in and after an examination, decided the couple had died from chloroform. The strychnine was evidently either a blind or was to have been taken If the anesthetic failed to do its work. It was evident from the peaceful condition of the bodies that strychnine had not been taken. They had been dead, the doctor decided about twelve hours. Justice Brown impaneled a jury but the testimony brought out nothing that would shed any light upon the identity of the deceased.
Arrived at the store Mr. Carson opened the door and the deathly odor of carbolic add and embalming fluids rushed out of the place, almost sickening one. A lamp was lighted and by its spluttering light Mr. Carson led the way to the back room. The bodies lay on narrow biers and were covered with sheets, except the faces, which were hidden from view by wet rags which had so settled over the features as to leave them plainly visible. These cloths turned back showed the discolored faces of the suicides. The blood had settled in the cheeks, giving them a dark red color which contrasted vividly with the waxen white of the noses and chins, from which the blood had receded. The month of the man was partly open, showing a set of bad teeth. A tatooed camera and the letters "G. L. W. " on his arm and a smooth shaven face were the only identification save the name "Whitney, which had been on the collars and cuffs, and from which an attempt had been made to remove the name.
The remains of Gilbert L. Whitney, the suicide, have been sent to his parents' home. No one has yet claimed the remains of Lizzie Smith, his companion. There was a steady succession of visitors at the undertaker's during the day, the majority of them ladies.
SUICIDE WAS PREMEDITATED.
Lizzie Smith Left a Letter Which Throws Light on the Matter.
Important facts have come to light in this city which explain the circumstances surrounding the double suicide at Galesburg and prove that it was premeditated on the part of both, the result of a guilty infatuation.
From a conductor on the G. & R. & I. it was learned that the couple had been seen at the Michigan Central crossing. Operator Brown was seen and he corroborated this report. He said that just before the 1:30 o'clock morning G. B. & I. train arrived he heard someone talking on the station platform. Partly from curiosity and partly became it was train time, Brown stepped out upon the platform and saw the couple. They were conversing quietly and there was nothing about them to attract particular attention.
About this time Officer Stockdale came on to the platform and the couple at once moved away as though they did not wish to be seen. When the G. R. & I. train pulled in, the man stepped up to Brown and asked if it was a through train. Receiving a negative reply, a little exclamation of disappointment escaped him which leads to the supposition that the couple had no especial desire to go to Galesburg, but instead wanted some place where they could consummate the course they had decided upon and not be known.
Investigation by the Under Sheriff. When word of the suicide was received in this city together with some slight information Under Sheriff Vosburg drove down to Galesburg, saw the cuffs which bore the name Whitney and the tatoo mark, and on his return efforts were made to find a Whitney family. Word was sent to J. H. Whitney of the Botsford paper mill. His son was not at home, and hitching up a team he drove to Galesburg with many misgivings. His worst fears were realized, for when the wet cloth which hid the man's face was turned back, he at once identified his son. He could give no reason for the rash deed nor could he identify the girl.
Lizzie’s Letter. Careful investigation by the police, however, brought out that she was Lizzie Smith who gave testimony in the case of the recent suicide, May Farrier.
This morning THE TELEGRAPH called upon the girl's father, W. M. S Smith, who has recently removed from South Haven and lives off of east Main street near the Lake Shore depot. He had been apprised of his daughter's death in two ways. By the police and by the following letter which was brought from the postoffice last night. It was postmarked Dowagiac, end the signature had been changed from Lizzie Smith to Lizzie Whitney.
It read as follows, except the spelling, which was very bad:
"KALAMAZOO, April 4, 1895. "Dear Sister:— "I could not tell you how unhappy I am and have been for some time, but not showed it. Ah, Nellie, do not do as I have. You see how my life has ended. Yours will end the same If you do. 1 have not been happy since Mary died, Ah, do take my advice and lead a straight life. I ask one favor of you. Go to Mr. Harper and tell him to take Perlie. He will find her a good home, that is what he done and good-bye and God bless you Nellie. When you get this letter I will be cold, and Budge with me; he says he can't live without me, so we have decided to go together. So farewell but don't ever tell Perlie what I have done for it would worry her too much. I say again good-bye and God bless you all.
"From your unhappy sister, "LIZZIE A. WHITNEY”
What the Woman's Father Says.
To THE TELEGRAPH, Mr. Smith said that while his daughter was a good hearted girl, she had frequented sporting houses in spite of his efforts to prevent it. She was about 22 years of age and claimed she was married to Stephen Sprague. By him she had had two children, a son and a daughter. The former is dead but the latter, the Perlie referred to in the letter, was playing on the floor with Mr. Smith's youngest son, entirely unconscious of her mother’s terrible death. Lizzie and Whitney had been going together for five or six months, Mr. Smith said, and on the day before they disappeared, Whitney had been to the house and stated that he was going on the road for the Botsford company, that he should leave for Chicago that night and that Lizzie would accompany him to that city and return at night. For that reason, Mr. Smith had not worried, Nellie, the sister to whom the letter was written was present during the interview but said very little. Mr. Smith is blacksmith in hard circumstances. He said he had no money to provide for the burial of his daughter and that he had written to her husband in South Haven.
Lizzie Smith was well known about town. Her character was not good and she was looked upon by the police as a common prostitute. Even her father doubts her marriage to Sprague, as he says he never saw any certificate.
Whitney was a young man who had not improved his chances. He was about nineteen years of age, belonged to an estimable family and had every opportunity but had led a fast life and for some time had been in the company of the Smith girl a great deal. Mr. Whitney can assign no cause for his rash deed.
A report was circulated on the streets this morning to the effect that a letter similar to the one written by the Smith girl had been received, from Bert Whitney, by his brother. Mr. Whitney denies this and stamps the report untrue. Other than this he did not care to talk for publication.
J. H. Harper was shown Lizzie Smith's letter. Regarding the reference to himself, Mr. Harper said that last December a certain man and his wife expressed a desire to adopt a child and spoke to Mr. Harper about it. He spoke of Perlie Smith and she would have been adopted but at the last moment the mother could not part with her and so paid her board with a family on north Edwards street. Mr. Harper has several parties who are looking for a child to adopt, and as the little girl is bright, he thinks there will be no trouble in finding a good home for her.
Mrs. Whitney is subject to heart disease and news of her son's sad death was a strain upon her nerves which she was scarcely able to bear. While she was completely prostrated, it is expected that there will be no evil results. Kalamazoo Saturday Telegraph April 6, 1895 page 1
Left A Letter
Lizzie Smith Write to Her Sister Nellie
Explaining the Suicides
Gilbert Whitney and Lizzie Took Their Lives Deliberately- Incidents Which Seem to Throw Light on the Relations Which Existed Between the Two
GALESBUBG, Mich., April 6.—(Special.)- The discovery of a man and woman, both dead in bed, at the Bennett house last night about 6 o'clock, put this town in a fever of excitement which was only increased when the strange actions of the unknown couple were made public. The deliberate way in which they had taken their lives excited lively comment and speculation regarding the causes which led up to the committing of the deeds and when an investigation showed only meagre means of identifying the man and absolutely nothing by which the woman might be known, the interest knew no bounds. The careful way in which their clothes were hung up the unmussed condition of the bed and the coolness of the victims gave the affair an air of the most uncanny mystery.
When THE TELEGRAPH arrived from Kalamazoo about midnight, nearly every store was shut, but after some questioning it was found that the bodies were at I. N. Carson's undertaking rooms. Mr. Carson had gone to bed, but very kindly got up again, and at the request of THE TELEGRAPH, dressed and went down to his store.
Story of the Suicide. On the way down he told the story of the suicides follows: The couple came in on the 3 o'clock morning train and stood on the depot platform for some time, the man urging the girl to go to the hotel. Reluctantly she consented. The hotel was shut for the night, but a vigorous pounding brought Clerk John Fargo to the door. The couple were admitted, the man registering as Frank Rohin of South Haven. He did not register for the girl and the clerk thinking them man and wife assigned them to one room. Before going up stairs the man informed the clerk that they should remain in town all of the next day. That was the last ever seen of them alive. No noise or disturbance was heard during the night and when the clerk received no response to his call at 7 o'clock he thought nothing of it. At 8 o'clock he called them again, and again received no reply, but at the suggestion of Mrs. L. E. Cole, the landlady, they were not disturbed.
When 6 o'clock came and still no signs of life in the room, Mrs. Cole grew suspicious, first calling in Constable Miner, and she forced the door. The couple were apparently asleep. They were lying on their backs and each held a handkerchief to their face. The sweet, sickening odor of chloroform was plainly apparent. The couple were undressed, the man wearing a flannel undershirt and the girl a combination chemise and skirt. The bed was undisturbed and showed that no struggles of any kind had taken place. The faces were badly discolored and the whole place wore a weird, ghostly appearance that started cold chills up and down the back. This was accentuated by a paper bearing the significant word strychnine which lay close by upon the floor.
Died from Chloroform. Dr. McBeth was immediately called in and after an examination, decided the couple had died from chloroform. The strychnine was evidently either a blind or was to have been taken If the anesthetic failed to do its work. It was evident from the peaceful condition of the bodies that strychnine had not been taken. They had been dead, the doctor decided about twelve hours. Justice Brown impaneled a jury but the testimony brought out nothing that would shed any light upon the identity of the deceased.
Arrived at the store Mr. Carson opened the door and the deathly odor of carbolic add and embalming fluids rushed out of the place, almost sickening one. A lamp was lighted and by its spluttering light Mr. Carson led the way to the back room. The bodies lay on narrow biers and were covered with sheets, except the faces, which were hidden from view by wet rags which had so settled over the features as to leave them plainly visible. These cloths turned back showed the discolored faces of the suicides. The blood had settled in the cheeks, giving them a dark red color which contrasted vividly with the waxen white of the noses and chins, from which the blood had receded. The month of the man was partly open, showing a set of bad teeth. A tatooed camera and the letters "G. L. W. " on his arm and a smooth shaven face were the only identification save the name "Whitney, which had been on the collars and cuffs, and from which an attempt had been made to remove the name.
The remains of Gilbert L. Whitney, the suicide, have been sent to his parents' home. No one has yet claimed the remains of Lizzie Smith, his companion. There was a steady succession of visitors at the undertaker's during the day, the majority of them ladies.
SUICIDE WAS PREMEDITATED.
Lizzie Smith Left a Letter Which Throws Light on the Matter.
Important facts have come to light in this city which explain the circumstances surrounding the double suicide at Galesburg and prove that it was premeditated on the part of both, the result of a guilty infatuation.
From a conductor on the G. & R. & I. it was learned that the couple had been seen at the Michigan Central crossing. Operator Brown was seen and he corroborated this report. He said that just before the 1:30 o'clock morning G. B. & I. train arrived he heard someone talking on the station platform. Partly from curiosity and partly became it was train time, Brown stepped out upon the platform and saw the couple. They were conversing quietly and there was nothing about them to attract particular attention.
About this time Officer Stockdale came on to the platform and the couple at once moved away as though they did not wish to be seen. When the G. R. & I. train pulled in, the man stepped up to Brown and asked if it was a through train. Receiving a negative reply, a little exclamation of disappointment escaped him which leads to the supposition that the couple had no especial desire to go to Galesburg, but instead wanted some place where they could consummate the course they had decided upon and not be known.
Investigation by the Under Sheriff. When word of the suicide was received in this city together with some slight information Under Sheriff Vosburg drove down to Galesburg, saw the cuffs which bore the name Whitney and the tatoo mark, and on his return efforts were made to find a Whitney family. Word was sent to J. H. Whitney of the Botsford paper mill. His son was not at home, and hitching up a team he drove to Galesburg with many misgivings. His worst fears were realized, for when the wet cloth which hid the man's face was turned back, he at once identified his son. He could give no reason for the rash deed nor could he identify the girl.
Lizzie’s Letter. Careful investigation by the police, however, brought out that she was Lizzie Smith who gave testimony in the case of the recent suicide, May Farrier.
This morning THE TELEGRAPH called upon the girl's father, W. M. S Smith, who has recently removed from South Haven and lives off of east Main street near the Lake Shore depot. He had been apprised of his daughter's death in two ways. By the police and by the following letter which was brought from the postoffice last night. It was postmarked Dowagiac, end the signature had been changed from Lizzie Smith to Lizzie Whitney.
It read as follows, except the spelling, which was very bad:
"KALAMAZOO, April 4, 1895. "Dear Sister:— "I could not tell you how unhappy I am and have been for some time, but not showed it. Ah, Nellie, do not do as I have. You see how my life has ended. Yours will end the same If you do. 1 have not been happy since Mary died, Ah, do take my advice and lead a straight life. I ask one favor of you. Go to Mr. Harper and tell him to take Perlie. He will find her a good home, that is what he done and good-bye and God bless you Nellie. When you get this letter I will be cold, and Budge with me; he says he can't live without me, so we have decided to go together. So farewell but don't ever tell Perlie what I have done for it would worry her too much. I say again good-bye and God bless you all.
"From your unhappy sister, "LIZZIE A. WHITNEY”
What the Woman's Father Says.
To THE TELEGRAPH, Mr. Smith said that while his daughter was a good hearted girl, she had frequented sporting houses in spite of his efforts to prevent it. She was about 22 years of age and claimed she was married to Stephen Sprague. By him she had had two children, a son and a daughter. The former is dead but the latter, the Perlie referred to in the letter, was playing on the floor with Mr. Smith's youngest son, entirely unconscious of her mother’s terrible death. Lizzie and Whitney had been going together for five or six months, Mr. Smith said, and on the day before they disappeared, Whitney had been to the house and stated that he was going on the road for the Botsford company, that he should leave for Chicago that night and that Lizzie would accompany him to that city and return at night. For that reason, Mr. Smith had not worried, Nellie, the sister to whom the letter was written was present during the interview but said very little. Mr. Smith is blacksmith in hard circumstances. He said he had no money to provide for the burial of his daughter and that he had written to her husband in South Haven.
Lizzie Smith was well known about town. Her character was not good and she was looked upon by the police as a common prostitute. Even her father doubts her marriage to Sprague, as he says he never saw any certificate.
Whitney was a young man who had not improved his chances. He was about nineteen years of age, belonged to an estimable family and had every opportunity but had led a fast life and for some time had been in the company of the Smith girl a great deal. Mr. Whitney can assign no cause for his rash deed.
A report was circulated on the streets this morning to the effect that a letter similar to the one written by the Smith girl had been received, from Bert Whitney, by his brother. Mr. Whitney denies this and stamps the report untrue. Other than this he did not care to talk for publication.
J. H. Harper was shown Lizzie Smith's letter. Regarding the reference to himself, Mr. Harper said that last December a certain man and his wife expressed a desire to adopt a child and spoke to Mr. Harper about it. He spoke of Perlie Smith and she would have been adopted but at the last moment the mother could not part with her and so paid her board with a family on north Edwards street. Mr. Harper has several parties who are looking for a child to adopt, and as the little girl is bright, he thinks there will be no trouble in finding a good home for her.
Mrs. Whitney is subject to heart disease and news of her son's sad death was a strain upon her nerves which she was scarcely able to bear. While she was completely prostrated, it is expected that there will be no evil results. Kalamazoo Saturday Telegraph April 6, 1895 page 1
Lizzie Smith Write to Her Sister Nellie
Explaining the Suicides
Gilbert Whitney and Lizzie Took Their Lives Deliberately- Incidents Which Seem to Throw Light on the Relations Which Existed Between the Two
GALESBUBG, Mich., April 6.—(Special.)- The discovery of a man and woman, both dead in bed, at the Bennett house last night about 6 o'clock, put this town in a fever of excitement which was only increased when the strange actions of the unknown couple were made public. The deliberate way in which they had taken their lives excited lively comment and speculation regarding the causes which led up to the committing of the deeds and when an investigation showed only meagre means of identifying the man and absolutely nothing by which the woman might be known, the interest knew no bounds. The careful way in which their clothes were hung up the unmussed condition of the bed and the coolness of the victims gave the affair an air of the most uncanny mystery.
When THE TELEGRAPH arrived from Kalamazoo about midnight, nearly every store was shut, but after some questioning it was found that the bodies were at I. N. Carson's undertaking rooms. Mr. Carson had gone to bed, but very kindly got up again, and at the request of THE TELEGRAPH, dressed and went down to his store.
Story of the Suicide. On the way down he told the story of the suicides follows: The couple came in on the 3 o'clock morning train and stood on the depot platform for some time, the man urging the girl to go to the hotel. Reluctantly she consented. The hotel was shut for the night, but a vigorous pounding brought Clerk John Fargo to the door. The couple were admitted, the man registering as Frank Rohin of South Haven. He did not register for the girl and the clerk thinking them man and wife assigned them to one room. Before going up stairs the man informed the clerk that they should remain in town all of the next day. That was the last ever seen of them alive. No noise or disturbance was heard during the night and when the clerk received no response to his call at 7 o'clock he thought nothing of it. At 8 o'clock he called them again, and again received no reply, but at the suggestion of Mrs. L. E. Cole, the landlady, they were not disturbed.
When 6 o'clock came and still no signs of life in the room, Mrs. Cole grew suspicious, first calling in Constable Miner, and she forced the door. The couple were apparently asleep. They were lying on their backs and each held a handkerchief to their face. The sweet, sickening odor of chloroform was plainly apparent. The couple were undressed, the man wearing a flannel undershirt and the girl a combination chemise and skirt. The bed was undisturbed and showed that no struggles of any kind had taken place. The faces were badly discolored and the whole place wore a weird, ghostly appearance that started cold chills up and down the back. This was accentuated by a paper bearing the significant word strychnine which lay close by upon the floor.
Died from Chloroform. Dr. McBeth was immediately called in and after an examination, decided the couple had died from chloroform. The strychnine was evidently either a blind or was to have been taken If the anesthetic failed to do its work. It was evident from the peaceful condition of the bodies that strychnine had not been taken. They had been dead, the doctor decided about twelve hours. Justice Brown impaneled a jury but the testimony brought out nothing that would shed any light upon the identity of the deceased.
Arrived at the store Mr. Carson opened the door and the deathly odor of carbolic add and embalming fluids rushed out of the place, almost sickening one. A lamp was lighted and by its spluttering light Mr. Carson led the way to the back room. The bodies lay on narrow biers and were covered with sheets, except the faces, which were hidden from view by wet rags which had so settled over the features as to leave them plainly visible. These cloths turned back showed the discolored faces of the suicides. The blood had settled in the cheeks, giving them a dark red color which contrasted vividly with the waxen white of the noses and chins, from which the blood had receded. The month of the man was partly open, showing a set of bad teeth. A tatooed camera and the letters "G. L. W. " on his arm and a smooth shaven face were the only identification save the name "Whitney, which had been on the collars and cuffs, and from which an attempt had been made to remove the name.
The remains of Gilbert L. Whitney, the suicide, have been sent to his parents' home. No one has yet claimed the remains of Lizzie Smith, his companion. There was a steady succession of visitors at the undertaker's during the day, the majority of them ladies.
SUICIDE WAS PREMEDITATED.
Lizzie Smith Left a Letter Which Throws Light on the Matter.
Important facts have come to light in this city which explain the circumstances surrounding the double suicide at Galesburg and prove that it was premeditated on the part of both, the result of a guilty infatuation.
From a conductor on the G. & R. & I. it was learned that the couple had been seen at the Michigan Central crossing. Operator Brown was seen and he corroborated this report. He said that just before the 1:30 o'clock morning G. B. & I. train arrived he heard someone talking on the station platform. Partly from curiosity and partly became it was train time, Brown stepped out upon the platform and saw the couple. They were conversing quietly and there was nothing about them to attract particular attention.
About this time Officer Stockdale came on to the platform and the couple at once moved away as though they did not wish to be seen. When the G. R. & I. train pulled in, the man stepped up to Brown and asked if it was a through train. Receiving a negative reply, a little exclamation of disappointment escaped him which leads to the supposition that the couple had no especial desire to go to Galesburg, but instead wanted some place where they could consummate the course they had decided upon and not be known.
Investigation by the Under Sheriff. When word of the suicide was received in this city together with some slight information Under Sheriff Vosburg drove down to Galesburg, saw the cuffs which bore the name Whitney and the tatoo mark, and on his return efforts were made to find a Whitney family. Word was sent to J. H. Whitney of the Botsford paper mill. His son was not at home, and hitching up a team he drove to Galesburg with many misgivings. His worst fears were realized, for when the wet cloth which hid the man's face was turned back, he at once identified his son. He could give no reason for the rash deed nor could he identify the girl.
Lizzie’s Letter. Careful investigation by the police, however, brought out that she was Lizzie Smith who gave testimony in the case of the recent suicide, May Farrier.
This morning THE TELEGRAPH called upon the girl's father, W. M. S Smith, who has recently removed from South Haven and lives off of east Main street near the Lake Shore depot. He had been apprised of his daughter's death in two ways. By the police and by the following letter which was brought from the postoffice last night. It was postmarked Dowagiac, end the signature had been changed from Lizzie Smith to Lizzie Whitney.
It read as follows, except the spelling, which was very bad:
"KALAMAZOO, April 4, 1895. "Dear Sister:— "I could not tell you how unhappy I am and have been for some time, but not showed it. Ah, Nellie, do not do as I have. You see how my life has ended. Yours will end the same If you do. 1 have not been happy since Mary died, Ah, do take my advice and lead a straight life. I ask one favor of you. Go to Mr. Harper and tell him to take Perlie. He will find her a good home, that is what he done and good-bye and God bless you Nellie. When you get this letter I will be cold, and Budge with me; he says he can't live without me, so we have decided to go together. So farewell but don't ever tell Perlie what I have done for it would worry her too much. I say again good-bye and God bless you all.
"From your unhappy sister, "LIZZIE A. WHITNEY”
What the Woman's Father Says.
To THE TELEGRAPH, Mr. Smith said that while his daughter was a good hearted girl, she had frequented sporting houses in spite of his efforts to prevent it. She was about 22 years of age and claimed she was married to Stephen Sprague. By him she had had two children, a son and a daughter. The former is dead but the latter, the Perlie referred to in the letter, was playing on the floor with Mr. Smith's youngest son, entirely unconscious of her mother’s terrible death. Lizzie and Whitney had been going together for five or six months, Mr. Smith said, and on the day before they disappeared, Whitney had been to the house and stated that he was going on the road for the Botsford company, that he should leave for Chicago that night and that Lizzie would accompany him to that city and return at night. For that reason, Mr. Smith had not worried, Nellie, the sister to whom the letter was written was present during the interview but said very little. Mr. Smith is blacksmith in hard circumstances. He said he had no money to provide for the burial of his daughter and that he had written to her husband in South Haven.
Lizzie Smith was well known about town. Her character was not good and she was looked upon by the police as a common prostitute. Even her father doubts her marriage to Sprague, as he says he never saw any certificate.
Whitney was a young man who had not improved his chances. He was about nineteen years of age, belonged to an estimable family and had every opportunity but had led a fast life and for some time had been in the company of the Smith girl a great deal. Mr. Whitney can assign no cause for his rash deed.
A report was circulated on the streets this morning to the effect that a letter similar to the one written by the Smith girl had been received, from Bert Whitney, by his brother. Mr. Whitney denies this and stamps the report untrue. Other than this he did not care to talk for publication.
J. H. Harper was shown Lizzie Smith's letter. Regarding the reference to himself, Mr. Harper said that last December a certain man and his wife expressed a desire to adopt a child and spoke to Mr. Harper about it. He spoke of Perlie Smith and she would have been adopted but at the last moment the mother could not part with her and so paid her board with a family on north Edwards street. Mr. Harper has several parties who are looking for a child to adopt, and as the little girl is bright, he thinks there will be no trouble in finding a good home for her.
Mrs. Whitney is subject to heart disease and news of her son's sad death was a strain upon her nerves which she was scarcely able to bear. While she was completely prostrated, it is expected that there will be no evil results. Kalamazoo Saturday Telegraph April 6, 1895 page 1
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