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| Dr. Lydia Hammond Strowbridge. [photocopy from Grip's Historical Souvenir of Cortland.] |
CORONER'S INQUEST.
Coroner Geo. D. Bradford Empanels a Jury to
Enquire into the Cause of Death of Miss Ione Barber.
It was
made public on April 1st that the death of Miss lone Barber, aged 20 years, 8
months and 7 days as per death certificate, occurred at 7 o'clock on the above date.
The fact of her death attracted only such attention as is usual under ordinary circumstances,
as she had little acquaintance in this village. The body was prepared for
burial and undertaker F. E. Williams, of Homer, given charge of the same.
Having received the proper permit for burial he removed the body to the home of
the dead girl's parents, first house north of Mr. L. L. Rood, in Homer village.
It
appears that there were those in Homer who were somewhat loth to believe that everything
was right in the case, and Coroner George D. Bradford of that village, notified
the parents that a post mortem examination would be necessary. A jury composed
of Charles A. Ford as foreman, Will Collins, William Wilson, William H. Foster,
W. S. Clark, Charles S. Pomeroy and Hugh McDairmid were empanelled, the body
viewed, and an adjournment taken pending the post mortem and subsequent burial
of the unfortunate young girl.
Monday, April
6, the investigation for the purpose of ascertaining whether or not a crime had
been committed was begun in the Brockway building in Homer.
Captain
J. W. Strowbridge was first sworn, and testified that he was the husband of
Mrs. Doctor Strowbridge, a practicing physician of Cortland. Never knew Miss
lone Barber. A girl called at the house, No. 20 Monroe Heights, in Cortland,
about 11 P. M., some two weeks ago. She was alone in the consultation room. Neither
knew how or where she came from. Saw the body after death. My wife was in
attendance upon the sick girl; but received no pay for the case. He also stated
that owing to the absence of the city health officer from town, there was a
slight delay in obtaining blank certificate of death, which was secured by the
undertaker, the body being subsequently removed.
Dr. W. J.
Moore was next placed on the stand, and testified that he was a practicing physician
of Cortland, and health officer of the village; a death certificate was issued from
and recorded in his office April 2d. The copy of which was here produced, in
which it was certified that death resulted from "catarrhal fever,
congestion of the lungs, liver and stomach with a scrofulous diathesis,
repelled eruptions, etc." He had received certificates from the same doctor
on two or three previous cases; but not for similar cause, in the past three
years, one being an old lady nearly 96 years of age, another being a Mrs.
Felkel, and one he did not recall. Being asked why congestion of the lungs only
was noted on burial permit, the witness stated that owing to the limited space
on blanks allowed for inserting nature of disease it was customary to state
principal cause reported by the attending physician, in cases of reported
complication of ailments.
C. Bert
Peck was then sworn: Had known deceased since about September 1, 1890; last saw
her alive about 2 weeks ago; saw her at her father's house, either in the afternoon
or evening; had conversation, she complained of no illness; knew of no
suffering; not positive whether or not he had had any correspondence with her, would
not swear either way. Had no intimation of her intention to go from home. Placed time of last visit at March 22; knew nothing
of her whereabouts until heard of her death April 1, about noon, when he met
her father on Main street, Cortland, the latter saying she did not die at home but
at Dr. Strowbridge's. Did not go with deceased and never had been at Mrs.
Strowbridge's house, saw body at Mr. Barber's house latter part of last week.
Did not know her reason for going there.
Mrs.
Betsey E. Nichols, of Onondaga Valley, testified to knowing deceased as a domestic
at the Mansion House in January or February last. Never saw, but had heard of
letters being seen and read. Knew nothing of the girl's habits of life.
Mrs. Charles
Antisdel, landlady of the Mansion House, in Homer; knew Ione Barber, who worked for her for some 4 weeks during
latter part of January and first of February, 1891. The girl was out nights—some
times all night, one night in particular she went out at 7 P. M. and returned at
8 A. M. Mr. Antisdel discharged her then. She gave as her excuse that her little
brother was sick at home. Found four very formal letters, in Ione's room, all
commenced "To Ione," closing "From Bert." One was of a
reproving nature for being in company with another gent. Another instructive of
future meetings and designs. The third of a commandant-assuring nature, while
the fourth enjoined secrecy. Said letters were shown to others at the same
time. Witness had remonstrated with Ione without effect. Girl was not in good health
while working at hotel—complaining frequently of feeling tired and went about
in a languid manner. She was discharged about February 18 last. Last saw her
two weeks ago last Thursday at a window in her father's house as I was riding
by. Did not think Mr. Peck the only gentleman company she had, although Ione
stated the former would some day marry her. Of course I do not know who
"Bert" is, but conclude from conversations and other situations.
Mrs.
Kehia A. Bostwick, a boarder at No. 20 Monroe Heights was sworn, but knew
little concerning the case, she having been absent from Cortland on a visit to Tompkins county, returning about the time of Ione
Barber's death.
Melina
Dickinson, as bath lady at Mrs. Strowbridge's, testified that on the evening of
March 23, 1891, she was alone in the sitting room about 9 o'clock when there was
a knock at the door. She opened the door; saw no carriage or person save a girl
who inquired if Mrs. Strowbridge was in. Being informed that Mr. and Mrs.
Strowbridge were both in attendance at a meeting, the girl said she was sick
and would come in and wait. There was no further conversation between us, no
further information. Mr. and Mrs. Strowbridge returned about two hours later,
awakening me from a slumber into which I had fallen—as I reclined upon a couch
in sitting room. I then went immediately to my room. Saw the girl the next
morning; she was so sick she could not come down so the table, a cup of tea was
taken to her room. She wrote a letter to (she said) her mother and I posted it
for her. I assisted her down stairs, where she could better receive constant
care, she was apparently very feeble and complained of pain in her side. Mrs.
Kenney, of Truxton, had the care of her from Saturday out as she required care.
She had one chill, could not fix time of same. Body was not swollen although
she constantly complained of pain as though the right side were swollen. She
had a full bath by direction of doctor—hot water baths being one of our common
methods of treatment. There appeared to be eruptions on the surface of her
body. As I understood from the girl her parents knew she came there since her
brother was sick at home and she had no other place to go. She sat up a great deal,
it being more comfortable. She was rational, though very pale while there, as she
was on the night she came. Noticed no peculiarities. My duties are simply
attending the baths.
Charity
M. Bush, of Slaterville, as cook for six months past, knew nothing of the girl
or features of the case, further than that there was a very sick girl there,
and April 1 the doctor said she had lost a patient—did not say who or what
patient. The doctor prepares all food for patients. I do the laundry work also.
Miss Ida Bush, daughter of preceding witness heard the name of deceased
mentioned only once then in general conversation. Her duties being confined to
the dining room.
The above
testimony was concluded about 3:40 P. M., when the coroner announced that it
would be necessary to adjourn to the house of Mr. Barber to take the testimony of
a witness who was unable to be present. Arriving at the house, the father, mother
and a sister of the deceased were examined. Charles H. Barber, father of the
deceased, swore he knew nothing of the intentions of Ione when she left house; knew
of no letters. Peck called once a week after she left the Mansion House. Knew
of, neither suspected any difficulty, Ione done things of which I did not
approve, but remonstrance proved useless. Acknowledged the receipt of a letter,
which was not answered, after Ione left home the last time.
Mrs.
Sarah E. Barber, mother of deceased, swore that Ione lived at home since
leaving the Mansion House; had been out and stayed all night during that
period. On the evening of March 23, she made no reply when
I asked her where she was going. She carried a little package; do not know the
contents. She went on the 7 P. M. car to Cortland. Received a letter the
following evening telling us where she was. Did not go down until evening
before she died. Noticed shortness of her breath as I entered the room. Ione
exclaimed: "Oh, mamma, what shall I do?" I replied: "You'll have to do the best you can."
Stayed by her side throughout the night and went after my husband early in the
morning. She was dead when we returned.
Eva
Barber, a sister, denied any knowledge of the delicate health of deceased. Witness had been working for parties in Scott for
several weeks and disclaimed any knowledge.
Mrs. Submit
Kenney of Truxton, was the first witness called Tuesday morning. She testified to having officiated as a relief for
the doctor in caring for the sick girl. She was not sent for, but being accustomed to call
occasionally when in Cortland, did so a few days prior to the death of the girl
in this case. Firmly declared her belief in an alleged conversation with Ione before
her death that through the self application of powerful drug preparations a
miscarriage had been affected; gave me to understand that she came directly
from and with the full knowledge of her mother. Had no knowledge of the matter
aside from the girl's statement, which I believe now.
The
result of the autopsy held at the instance of the Coroner, April 3, at 9 A. M.,
without the minute details, is substantially given in the testimony of Drs.
Jewett and Dana, which follows:
Dr.
Jewett: I was called to assist in autopsy. Found body well nourished, indicating
a girl of good health and constitution. Heart normal. No inflammation of lungs,
stomach, liver or bowels. Some inflammation and pus in pelvic cavity. Death caused
from blood poisoning, the result of a recent abortion.
Dr. Dana,
called, corroborated the above in all respects. Body healthy to external appearance.
Skin smooth. No marks of scrofula or recent eruptions. No inflammation of vital
organs, except in or near pelvis. Some blood settled in parts of body lying lowest
as is common after death. Death from abortion probably within from 4 to 7 or 8
days. No evidence of any active medicine having been taken, which would have
been shown by stomach and bowels.
F. E.
Williams testified that the body upon which examination was held was the same
one brought from the house of Dr. Strowbridge.
Dr.
Sumner C. Webb, a practicing physician of Homer, who was called to assist at
the post mortem, corroborated the testimony of preceding medical witnesses, and
gave as his opinion that death resulted as above stated. Remembered the remark
of Mr. Barber when the Coroner stated that post mortem would be held, that Dr. Strowbridge
told him "that there may be a post mortem over this body; but I do not see
why it is necessary, as I don't see why they cannot take her certificate as
well as any."
Mr.
Charles Antisdel, Miss Maude Nichols, Mrs. Amasa B. Newton, Mr. Wm. G. Berry, were examined as to letters and deportment
of deceased, revealing little aside from what has been substantially related above,
except as Miss Nichols mentioned, the letters were dated Cortland, N. Y.
C. Bert
Peck was recalled as the last witness. Said he became acquainted with Ione Barber near Hamilton, last September while
hop picking; and was frequently in her company since. Made general denial of
correspondence, but finally admitted writing the letter of reproval—result of
temporary anger, and had been greatly grieved over his haste. Admitted driving
to Scott for Eva after death of Ione; no one sent him. Implicated no one. Never
heard of the marriage question prior to yesterday.
After a
consideration of the evidence as adduced, the jury found the following verdict:
That Ione
Barber came to her death on April 1st, 1891, from an operation producing abortion,
at 20 Monroe Heights, Cortland, N. Y. We further believe that she came to her
death at the hands of Mrs. Lydia A. Strowbridge.
Officer L.
W. Porter of Homer, arrested Mrs. Strowbridge Wednesday forenoon, and a hearing
was held before Justice A. W. Kingsbury, John Courtney, Jr. appearing as
counsel for defense. In the afternoon application for bail was made before
County Judge Eggleston. The bond was fixed at $5,000 and was signed by Madison
Woodruff and Lewis Davis as sureties.
Recommended:
Recommended:
Find a Grave, Dr. Lydia Hammond Strowbridge: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=114780626
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