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Author: KarinKing45
Surnames: Zerkel, Droegemeyer, Smith, Kelly, Drake, Schnepp
Classification: obituary
Message Board URL:
http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.indiana.counties...
Message Board Post:
Decatur Daily Democrat
Adams County, Indiana
Saturday, Sept. 1, 1934
WOMAN DIES AFTER DRINKING PHENOL
Mrs. Neva Droegemeyer Ends Life Because She Didn't Know How To Live
Mrs. Neva Droegemeyer, aged 26, the former Miss Neva Zerkel, who was secretly married
in May, this year, to John L. Droegemeyer, ended her life today by drinking carbolic acid,
at her home, 1037 Edgewater Avenue, after leaving a note to her mother and husband.
She was taken to the Methodist hospital in the Julian Schone ambulance. She died at
8:45 a.m. Her body was removed to the Schone Funeral Home.
And investigation of the death of the woman was begun by Deputy Coroner Walter E.
Kruse.
Mrs. Droegemeyer, who had recently rented an apartment on Edgewater Avenue, left the
following note: "This is, I hope, farewell to all. It is my own fault, for I
don't know how to live - Neva. Goodbye mom, Johnny and everyone."
A purse containing $32.25 was found in the room. This, with two rings and a wrist
watch also found in the woman's flat, were taken to the Police Station and later
turned over to her father. Mrs. Droegemeyer was employed at the Fisher Brothers Paper
Company. Her purse contained notes on psychology, and several books which she recently
read.
She was a member of the Methodist Church and a member of Beta Chapter of the Gamma
Omicron Literary Club. She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Zerkel, of
Decatur; four sisters, Mrs. Roy Smith, Mrs. Ed Kelly and Mrs. Frank Drake, of Decatur,
and Mrs. Ralph Schnepp of Berne and two brothers, Herbert of Decatur and Kenneth of Linn
Grove. The body was taken to the Zwick Funeral Home in Decatur.
The funeral will be held Monday at 2 p.m.
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