OBITUARY: Edward Otis, 1853-1915, Mitchell County, Iowa #1 of 2 [Osage News March 20, 1915] SUDDEN DEATH OF ED OTIS Was Found Lying on Couch Dead by Daughters When They Returned from School Louise and Helen Otis made a gruesome discovery last Friday afternoon when they returned home from school to find their father, Ed Otis, lying on the couch, cold in death. Assistance responded quickly to a summons. There was some evidence of a carbolic acid, and it was conjectured that death had been administered by his own hand, but evidence was not of such nature as to call for a coroner's inquest. Mr. Otis' death leaves his daughters, Mary Louise and Helen, orphans. He was provided with $3,000 insurance in the Modern Woodman lodge, half of which goes to each of his daughters. #2 OBITUARY Edward M. Otis was born Jan. 8, 1853, in Danby, Vt., and died March 19, 1915. Something like twenty-six years ago he was married to Mary Blanch Lindsay, by whom he had two daughters, Louise and Helen. Mrs. Otis died some years since and Mr. Otis' decease now leaves these daughters orphans. Mr. Otis has spent the greater part of his active life in the West and was for years a well-known stock buyer in these parts. It was while engaged in this business that the accident occurred that resulted in the amputation of his leg. He was a good-hearted man, well loved by his own; and by the community generally liked as the large attendance at his funeral indicated. The services were held at his late residence in the 3rd ward Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock and was conducted by Rev. H. O. Allen of the Congregational church. The sympathy of the community for the bereaved was well expressed in in the liberal floral offerings which covered the casket. He is survived by two brothers, William, of Danby Four Corners; and Grant, of Poultney, Vt. Submitted to IaGenWeb by Marilyn O'Connor, Aug. 2005 Copyright 2005 - M. O'Connor