I have covered crime and divorce in 1917, so it makes sense to cover the death logs from that year as well.
As you are going to see, the death logs in the past were rather blunt.
1. Cranky
For instance:
“Richard Knippers, Dolton grocer, run over and killed after he cranked auto truck.” [Source]
2. Cut Throat With Razor
And then there were numerous reports of people hacking their throats with razors. For example:
“Frederick Dibble, manager of Union Horse Nail Co., committed suicide in Kenosha sanitarium. Cut throat with razor.” [Source]
3. Afraid of Being a Burden
There was also a lot of poison.
“Mrs. Elizabeth Baker… suicide. Poison. Didn’t want to be a drawback to daughter.” [Source]
4. Why We Keep Matches Away From Children
And, not surprisingly, matches. Stories like this are why parents need to be reminded to keep the matches away from the little ones.
“Elizabeth Oliphant, 2, played with matches. Dead.” [Source]
5. Clothes on Fire
Here’s another:
“Sam Greenblatt, 8 months old, burned to death when his brother set fire to clothes while playing with matches.” [Source]
6. Carbolic Acid
Then there was good old carbolic acid.
“Body of suicide, man about 35, found on beach in Humboldt Park. Carbolic acid.” [Source]
7. Two’s the Charm
Ira was serious:
“Ira Doolittle… tried to die by gas. Then shot himself.” [Source]
8. Mission Accomplished?
How did he die and where were his sons?
“Furman Updike, whose sons were accused of plotting his death, died.” [Source]
9. Plunged
Jumping from windows was also common. No Putin needed.
“Attorney Rudolph Matz, 56, plunged to death from 18th floor of Hotel Belmont, New York. Nervous breakdown.” [Source]
10. Bullet in Head
And finally, this one is just sad.
“Michael Dwyer, crippled newsboy…, found dead. Bullet in head. Police probing.” [Source]
