ODD DEATHS
Recently, I discovered odd deaths within the family. Because these discoveries left questions I wanted answers to, I dug into the research. Some associated family lore goes along with these events and when I have a specific incident, I’ll include it.
While these tragedies brought great trauma to our kin at the time, generations and separation insulate us. (Or, do they?) Discussion makes it easier to share and clear up confusion that comes from myth and mystery. From there, we turn it into a true biography of our relative with a beginning, middle and end. Hopefully, we learn what drove them to do the things they did.
So, I ‘ll bring a few of these (not all, by any means) to your attention and see what you think of this odd collection of Dexter and associated family demises. Be sure to leave a comment after the article!
THE SAD LIFE OF WILLIAM HUSTON
First of all, let’s start with William Huston. William was my 2nd great grandfather, my paternal grandmother’s grandfather. He was born May 27th, 1838, a son of Archibald Huston. On May 30, 1860, he married Elizabeth Ridenour of Xenia, Ohio.
Shortly after his marriage, William enlisted and served in the Civil War in the 154th Ohio Infantry, a National Guard regiment, as a private. When serving our country, he lost his arm.
Years after mustering out, William and Elizabeth finally started their family. I located records for 4 sons that made it to adulthood: Charles, Edward, George and Frank. There is a large gap that doesn’t show any children, yet there are articles that refer to a 5th son and 3 daughters.
After the Civil War, a traumatized and disabled William needed time to adjust – time his wife also needed to give him. The younger children don’t appear in census, so I am assuming they stayed with other relatives. As yet, their names are unknown.
DECISION OR ACCIDENT?
Alas, William had a difficult life and found a more difficult, sad end. According to a news article, there was considerable street conversation about William’s family.
The gossip suggested that it “was well known” that William was beaten badly by one of his sons the year before his death. (See article within photos). Despondent that he could not provide the way he thought he should, and overcome with despair, William decided there was only one way out.
SECOND ARTICLE COMMENTARY
A second article claims there was no depression, no sadness and no poor home life: William’s death was an unfortunate event. This article claimed that William purchased poison instead of “medication”. He took it before he arrived home that fateful day without realizing what it was.
Despite lingering for some hours, William succumbed to the poison he had ingested, aged just 61 years.
Which son was it that caused physical and emotional injury to William? Did my great grandfather George beat his father or was it one of the other siblings? Fining this answer could also provide insight on why my great grandparents were divorced. Did this odd death occur as a result of a thrashing by a son or a combination of errors?
NEXT UP: WILLIAM’S BROTHER GEORGE W. HUSTON
Our next odd death will be that of William’s brother, George Washington Huston – the brother William named his son (my great grandfather) after.
