Moses Porter Suicide Report
By WM. S. INGRAHAM
BRO. SMITH: As it has been reported that Moses Porter, of Mantorville, put an end to his life in consequence of his religious faith in the Advent doctrine, the facts in the case may be called for at this time. Bro. Porter had been afflicted for many years with a fever sore on one of his limbs. Last spring it dried up. Soon after it was discovered by his friends that he was deranged. After good counsel, it was decided that his derangement was caused by the sore ceasing to run, and the disease turning in another direction and affecting the brain. The following note is from the Mantorville paper. WM. S. INGRAHAM. MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE.—On Thursday of last week our town was thrown into a state of excitement by the startling report that Mr. Moses Porter, an old and respected citizen of Mantorville had attempted suicide. Mr. Porter has been out of health for a long time, and subject to deep depression of spirits. Indeed, his nearest friends have known that for several months his mind has been sadly deranged. But watched with the tenderest care they did not think he would do harm to himself. On Thursday afternoon Mr. Porter went to a druggist, bought a quantity of opium, took it home and openly, before some of his family, prepared and swallowed it. Soon after, he washed and dressed himself in his best clothes, gave his family some business memoranda, and while in conversation with a neighbor, showed such signs of stupor that it gave rise to suspicion. Upon being questioned, he did not deny what he had done. Help was sent for, and everything that could be done to save him was tried. He resisted as long as able to, every effort to relieve him. He breathed until 11 o'clock on Friday, when his sufferings, mental, and bodily, were ended. Mr. Porter was respected as an honest and truly conscientious man, indeed, since his derangement his chief trouble had been that he might do wrong. He had many friends and in other parts of the State. He leaves a wife and two daughters, who have the heartfelt sympathy of the community. And to make the circumstance still more afflictive, Mrs. Porter was at the time, very ill. We are glad to be able to state that she is now recovering.