Person:Loretta Whisler (1)

Pentwater News, Thrus. December 13, 1883, pg. 1

Suicide - Mrs. Loretta Cargill, Wife of James Cargill, of Weare, while despondent takes 8 grains of morphine and dies.

One of the saddest events which it has been our duty to record, occurred on Sunday night last, at the residence of Mrs. James Cargill, in Weare. Mr. Cargill is one of the young and prosperous farmers of that township, and to all appearances, a favored one. The head of a fine family of four healthy children, two boys and two girls, the oldest being six years and the youngest five months old; a wife of whom he had every reason to be pround and who he loved with all his heart, and returned the affection. They were fortunate in the possession of a nice home and all the comforts which prosperous farmers enjoy. There was but one little cloud to mar their domestic happiness. Some difficulty had arisen between the family and the family of Mrs. Cargill's sister, who lived about two miles from them. For nearly a year they had not visited one another. A brother of the sisters visiting them, heard the story from one side and on Sunday last, took tea at Mr. Cargill's and the other side of the story was told. Mrs. C. was much affected and cried at the time; afterwards, however, she appeard to regain composure and went about her household dtuies cheerfully. After washing her dishes she seated herself at the table and commenced writing a letter to her parents. Mr. C. read in a book some time and then retired, leaving her writing tat the table. At about ll o'clock she waited upon one of the children, and at 12 o'clock she called to him. He hastily arose and asked what was the matter. "Oh Jimmie, I've done an awful thing. I was crazy. I've taken 8 grains of morphine." Mr. Cargill immediately made use of such remedies as were as hand, sent for neighbors and the doctor, but nothing could save her, and sincerely regretting her rash deed, she died at 6 o'clock Monday morning. The funeral took place at the Town Hall, at Smith Corners, yesterday, and was largely attended.

It is quite probable that, alone by herself Sunday night, she brooded over the family troubles until she had become wrought up to such a state of nervouse excitement that she was temporarily insane and took the drug. Mr. C. has the sympathy of the neighbors in his terible affliction.