The Journal Leon, Iowa December 20, 1883 G.W. ROBERTS being sworn, says: I am the husband of the deceased; by occupation a farmer, am a wood mechanic Wife about 29 years old. Married in Trenton, Mo., in 1870. She is a daughter of THOMAS W. COOPER. Last saw her alive this morning about 8 or 9 o clock. I saw nothing uncommon with her mind. I next saw her about half past 12 o'clock at home lying on the floor dead, with her face toward the bed. She did not seem to be cold then; had her hands raised up from the floor. Saw a revolver lying on the floor about opposite her feet, about 3 feet from her. I placed a pillow under head, then locked the door and went to the school house after my daughter. Saw the pistol was the one she owned herself. Her brother-in-law bought it for her. She has been subject to fits of despondency; has threatened to take her life once before. I took a revolver from her about a year ago. I cannot say that we have always lived agreeably together. Have had some difference of opinion. She was high tempered and did not like to live as we were living. My means would not allow of us living better. She said the neighbors had talked about her a good deal; that they were slandering her. I don't think they had any reason to slander her. I found this letter lying on the Bible. The Bible was open at the 70th Psalm. I have followed my trade ever since we were married with the exception of 3 or 4 years. She seemed to be satisfied a couple of years when we lived in Trenton. -- GEO. W. ROBERTS ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- OLA A. ROBERTS being sworn says: I am 12 years old; am daughter of the deceased; have lived at home; was at school today; come home about 1 or 2 o'clock. Ma tried to kill herself about a year ago. She bought this revolver about three months ago; she tried to shoot herself about a year ago. Pa held her and I took the pistol away from her. I went to school 20 minutes before 9 this morning. Ma was pleasant this morning, and singing when I left. Pa came after me between 1 and 2 o'clock. I come home found ma on the floor dead, her face toward the bed. Saw pistol on the floor behind ma about 4 feet from her, as if she had thrown it there. Mary Fraser come home with me. There were no other person here but Pa, that I know of. This letter is in ma's handwrite. I am sure ma had told me that she might leave me, and yesterday she told to go to her father's in Mercer Co., Mo. His name is THOMAS W. COOPER. She told me yesterday if I should come home and find her dead, to not be frightened. I was not much surprised to find her dead. Ma did not like to live here, she wanted to live in Trenton, Mo. This is ma's writing. -- (Witness was shown a writing on the margin of the Bible at the 70th Psalm. The writing was this is my refuge," and at the top of the Psalm was written "Mercy." Ma helped to plant and tend the crop here. I am the only child I know of. When I left this morning ma had no bruises or sore on her. -- OLA A. ROBERTS To be Continued . . . The Verdict; State of Iowa, Decatur County. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert January 9, 2010 [email protected]