Merced Star
March 11, 1897

DEATH OF C. H. CARY

The news was brought into town last Thursday morning that Charles H. Cary had committed suicide. At first the report was discounted, for it seemed impossible to believe, but subsequent information from reliable sources only served to confirm the news.

Cary's family went to an entertainment at the school house the night before and did not return home until a late hour. James Ferris, who has been in the employ of Mr. Cary, talked with him until about 10 o'clock, discussing the future work on the farm, and he seemed to be in his usual good spirits. Shortly before 3 o'clock Thursday morning Mrs. Cary called Ferris and another employee, told them that her husband was very sick and sent Ferris for her brother, Ira Bailey. When they arrived at the house at about 4 o'clock Cary was dead.

Death was caused by squirrel poison, but why he should have committed the deed is a mystery that Cary's friends are unable to fathom. He was a cheerful, sanguine man, seemingly in the best of health; he was in good circumstances and his domestic relations were of the happiest.

Mr. Cary was about 42 years of age and a native of Iowa. He had resided in Merced and Stanislaus Counties since the early seventies. He always took prominent part in politics, but not for himself. He cared for no preferment, but was always looking out for his friends. He leaves a wife and three boys.

The remains were taken from his residence on the Bledsoe ranch near Montpelier to Modesto where the funeral services were held at Odd Fellow's Hall last Sunday under the auspices of Wildey Lodge, of which Cary was a member. The services at the hall were conducted by Rev. J. H. N. Williams of the Methodist Church, after which the impressive services of the order were observed at the cemetery. Many of his Merced friends went down to attend the services and returned on the evening train.

Transcribed by: Alma Stone