http://www.cooganresearchgroup.com/crg/index.htm

18 September 2011

COOGAN story 

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appearing in "Pomeroy's Democrat" [IL ?], 13 OCT 1877:

...

One of the saddest cases which has occurred in Chicago was witnessed
Tuesday evening at the Illinois Central depot.  A sickly looking 
young man came to one of the officers on duty there, and begged his
assistance in case he should need it. The officer readily consented,
thinking no more of it.  An hour later the young man, while waiting
in the restaurant for the outgoing train, was seized with a fit, in
which he died.  Upon his person was found the following notes, 
written upon a druggist's prescription blank:

"My name is W. R. Coogan, and my residence is No. 31 Grant street,
Indianapolis.  If anything should happen to me, will someone be so
kind as to send me home, and give $20 of the money now in my
possession to Dr. T. S. [Haker], No. 190 North Pennsylvania street,
Indianapolis. Also, write to R. D. [Stidham], Moore's Vinyard, Ind.,
and state the facts in the case, and request him to take charge of
my body.  This I ask for Christ's sake. Amen.
                            W. R. GOOGAN [sic]

"Invalid on his way home from Bethesda Springs, Wat ke ha, Wis."

Upon the back of the blank was written:

"Mary, my heavenly mother, I love thee, and implore thy intercession
at the hour of my death."

The body of the unfortunate young man was sent to the Morgue, and
telegrams forwarded to his friends.

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