The citizens of this place were shocked on Monday morning when news was received that Albert Healey had taken the life of a young lady in Cedar Rapids and then his own by shooting. Nothing definite could be learned for some time, or until the arrival of Clifford Healey, who gave all the circumstances of the case, All that is known is that Albert, Mr. Bacon, Miss Cobb and Libbie Breuchaud spent Sunday evening together at the home of the last named, which was also the place where Albert roomed and boarded. During the evening nothing unusual was noticed about the boy only that he was extremely nervous. When the family returned from church Albert and Miss Breuchaud went to take Miss Cobb home. This they did. After arriving at the home of Miss Cobb, they partook of a light lunch, but Albert did not eat, The girls jokingly remarked, "Well, maybe we will have to cut up Albert's food and mame him eat it.'' Other things were said among which was a remark of Miss Breuchaud that she ate to live for it was too expenisive to die. She said, "1 am not afraid to die only it is too expensive'' Plans were made for the coming week, but Albert frequently remarked, "you can't count on next week" When the party broke up Albert and Miss Breuchaud started home, a distant of about fifteen blocks, and had gone butt two of them when the residents of that vicinity were startled by a pistol shot. They immediately ran to their wlndows and doors and some of them saw the girl fall and instantly Albert fired a bullet into his brain and fell, Soon a vast crowd gathered, but no one could identify the boy or girl. Soon a patrolman arrived, and found in Albert's coat a letter directed to him.

The girl died almost Instantly and was taken to the morgue. Albert was removed to the hospital where he lingered in an unconscious condition for an hour and a half. The tragedy occurred at 9:40 in the evening. The ambulance had not much more than arrived when a telephone message called them to the hospital to take the lifeless form of Albert to the morgue. There the two bodies remained until Monday evening. During the day it is is estimated that more than four thousand people viewed the remains. A jury was impanelled but the inquest was not held until Tuesday morning when the facts as above given were found to be a fair representation of the case.

The members of Albert's family did all they could for the parents of the unfortunate girl, and were much relieved when hey found that not a bitter thought was held toward the insane boy. The mother of the young lady said. "It was not Albert Healey that did it", meaning the rational boy who had made his home with them for six months.

There is no question as to the cause of the terrible tragedy. One year ago Albert had a second attack of acute tonsilitis which left him in a very precarious state of health, but it was thought he would gradually recover. He did not improve very fast, and it was soon noticed that he was gradually growing desponuont, and shunned everybody, until of late he would scarcely speak to anyone. He was with his brother Ciifford until 11:30 on Saturday night, and on that occasion made the remark that life was not worth living. He attended church Sunday morning, and in the evening the young people intended to go to church but changed their minds.

The tragedy was one of the most appalling in the history of Cedar Rapids and the history of it will long remain in the minds of the people of that place. The remains were brought to Milledgeville, Tuesday morning and the funeral was held on Wednesday forenoon at the M. E. church. Rev. Baldwin, of Oregon, preached the semon and did much to comfort the sorrowing friends. Interment took plan at Bethel cemetery. The obituary given elsewhere.

O B I T U A R Y

Albert S. Healey, son of Mr. an Mrs. H. T. Healey, was born in Ogle county, Illinois October 20, 1873, and died in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 6, 1898 . aged twenty-four years, four months and sixteen days. His entire life was spent at the home of his parents, with the exception nearly three years which were spent in Iowa. As a child, youth and young man, he was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, yet at all times filled with ambition to rise high in the work life. Always of a kind and gentle nature, no one remembers a single instance where he gave the slightest indication of irritability, and the spirit of anger never entered his soul.

His early education was obtained in the district schools but after reaching his majority he went to Cedar Rapids Iowa where he perfected himself the line of work in which he was engaged at the time of his demise.

While at Cedar Rapids he endeared himself to all who became acquainted with him., by his kindly disposition and honest, manly character. He was in the employ of the general offices of the B. C. R. & N. railroad. His employer says of him, "He was one of the most competent and faithful employees in the offices, always cheerful and attentive to duty, and has always been known as an exemplary young man.

Three years ago, Albert was stricken with acute tonsilitis. He suffered the most excruciating agony for many weeks and when be was finally relieved, be was left in an emaciated condition. In the mouth of February 1897, he suffered another severe attact and his rapid decline in mental and physical health can be dated from that time. While this was apparent to his brothers, still they hoped that time would eradicate all trace of the disease, but it did not. It was not long before Albert began brooding over his condition, and this continued until he ended his own life to escape the dreadful curse under which he had been laboring so long.

No one but God knows of the mighty struggle he had for an entire year, and no one who knew this sweet, pure and nob1e life will hold him responsible for his last earthly act. While Albert had never identified himself with the church, he was a regular attendant upon its services, as well as those of the Sunday School and League, and lived a true, consistent Christian life

Obituary Collections of Ezra Wolber - Sterling Public Library