Post Script

In every episode, no matter how small or how immense, there is always room for some gratitude.

The Logansport Times had reported that, as widow of a Cigar Maker’s Union member, Emma stood to receive a death benefit. While the Logansport newspapers varied in their reports of the amount bestowed upon her—amounts cited ranged from $200 to $350—whatever the amount was, you can be sure she did, in the end, receive it. In that era, I’m sure the young widow was grateful for whatever help she could receive in an age when women bereft of their husbands had little recourse for supporting themselves.

Shortly after the ordeal was over and the uproar over the attempt had settled down, a simply-worded letter appeared in the Logansport Pharos Tribune on July 22, 1897:

Card of Thanks.

We wish to return our thanks to the neighbors and friends and especially to the Cigarmakers union for kindness shown us during our late sad bereavement.

            Mrs. Emma Brown.

            Mrs. Ellen Brown.

            Miss Ella Brown.