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James Waldron
James T. Waldron (b. 1858-d. 1881). James T. Waldron was the son of successful Bloomington citizen, John Waldron, Sr. The younger Waldron worked at his father's tannery along west Kirkwood Avenue before his surprising death at the age of 23 from a morphine overdose. There was some debate during the time of his death concerning whether his death was accidental or a suicide. Different accounts, in different papers reported the death as either a suicide or an accident. Having taken 5 grains of morphine, many at the time considered this a "suicide" rather than an accident. He was a promising young citizen who was thought to be a young man of much potential. Like his brother John B. Waldron who died in his 30's, James T. Waldron died before his time, with so much promise unfulfilled.
The Republican Progress, Bloomington, Indiana, March 16, 1881, p.2 A Sad Affair Sudden Death of James Waldron. The citizens of this community were startled on Wednesday morning last by the announcement that James Waldron, a son of John Waldron, President of the first National Bank of Bloomington, had died from the effects of swallowing three grains of morphine. Early on Tuesday evening the young man purchased the deadly drug at Shoemaker’s saying that he wished it for the toothache. When purchasing the powders, at his request, one dose was put up separate from the rest. He talked pleasantly, and seemed to be in good spirits, which was pretty good evidence that he had no intention of taking his own life. Between eight and nine o’clock at night young Waldron, in company with Ol. Barton and Joseph Allen, started for the room of William Blair, in James Small’s residence on North College Avenue. At the gate of the house he became exhausted, and had to be assisted to the room. His friends now became alarmed and one of them went for a physician; word was also sent to his parents.!
By the time the persons sent for arrived the patient was in a stupor, from which he did not recover up to the hour of his death, 1 o’clock in the morning. Thus it was that a promising man in the prime of his youth was suddenly cut down, surrounded by his heart-broken father and mother, brother and sisters. The body was removed to the family residence about 4 o’clock in the morning. Coroner McLahlin held an inquest in the afternoon and rendered a verdict that the deceased came to his death by an overdose of morphine administered by himself. The deceased was 22 years of age. He was employed at his father’s tannery and was an intelligent and industrious young man. By his gentile disposition and gentlemanly deportment he had won many warm friends, especially among the better class of the young people of this community. At his home he was much beloved by his parents and brother and sisters who are now overcome with anguish at his sudden taking off. His father’s employees also thought much of “Jimmy,” as they affectionately called him. And he will be sadly missed by them. It is a solemn and sad thing to think of this sudden affliction, and we can assure the grief-stricken family that they have the warmest sympathy of the public. The funeral was held at the Catholic Church on Thursday morning at 10 o’clock, the services being conducted by the Rev. Fathers Burkhart and Unverzagt. The coffin was carried from the house to the church by six young friends of the deceased, followed by a large concourse of citizens on foot.
Resolution of Respect.Whereas, It has pleased divine Providence to remove from us by death our highly esteemed and much loved friend James T. Waldron.
Whereas, he has endeared himself to us all by his amiable disposition and gentile companionship, by his nobleness of character and honesty of heart, be it
Resolved, By the members of the Bloomington Cornet Band that we humbly submit to the dictates of the Divine Ruler as to Him who doeth all things well.
Resolved, That in our associations and dealings with the deceased we have always found him a true gentleman, a warm and worthy friend and an honest and amiable associate.
Resolved, That we extend our earnest sympathy to the bereared family, and that we cherish woth kindest regard the memory of our departed friend.
Resolved, That we tender a copy of these resolutions to the family of deceased, also to each of the city papers.
Bloomington Weekly Telephone, March 12, 1881, p. 2.
Wednesday morning our citizens were shocked by a report that "Jimmie" Waldron was dead--that he had suicided the night before by taking morphine and died that morning. Upon inquiry it was found that every word of the report was true, and that James Waldron had died by his own hand. During the day the sad affair was the principal topic of conversation, many regrets being expressed at the unexpected termination of life of one who had been born and raised among us, and to whom a promising future seemed in store.
In according with our investigation the following seem to be the facts in regard to the sad affair: Tuesday afternoon Mr. Waldron got some chloroform and drank it with the intention of nerving him up to have his teeth filled, but he drank too much, and Dr. Crain told him to call again. Jimmie laid down on the Doctor's sofa, slept about an hour, then got up and left, asking that nothing be said of his condition. From here he went home and between five and six o'clock returned up town. Ten minutes before six he walked into Shoemaker's drug store and purchased FIVE GRAINS OF MORPHINE, He said to use in his teeth and to make him sleep during the night. It seems that he took the poison at once. Later in the evening he went over to Allen's store and attempted to borrow a revolver. This they refused him as he seemed intoxicated--the affect of the morphine made him drowsy, but Joe Allen promised to meet him at the drug store in a few minutes. Waldron went out and Allen went back to the rear of the store and told Will Blair what Waldron wanted. For some reason the thought struck Blair that Waldron wanted to TAKE HIS OWN LIFE And Blair asked Allen to go and get him at once. Allen went immediately to Shoemaker's and found him. Waldron was asked to go home, but he refused, then Allen insisted on him going to Blair's room--in James Small's residence. This he consented to, and they two, with Oliver Bartin, went to the room, Waldron saying that he had taken morphine, but denied it when they questioned him. As soon as the room was reached the effects of the poison was noticed and one started for the doctor. Will Blair was met going to his room and was told of Waldron's condition. He went over to his (Waldron's) home with the news then after three more doctors. They soon arrived, but it was too late for human aid, for the poison had made its way through his system. Medicines were injected but of no avail, and at (illegible) o'clock JAMES T. WALDRON passed peacefully and quietly away, surrounded by his family and a few friends. Father Unversaught was present and administered the dying mass.
No cause can be assigned for this rash act, as nothing was said or left that gives any explanation. THE FUNERAL Was held Thursday from the Catholic church as was very largely attended by our sympathizing citizens. Ja. Waldron was 23 (difficult to read--could be 28) years old.
