This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: JohnHutchins16 Surnames: Harkness Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.neosho/569/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Yakima [Washington] Republic Newspaper Tuesday 7 May 1912 "HARKNESS GETS WISH FOR DEATH" AGED PRISIONER SUCCUMBS TO EFFECTS OF MORPHINE TAKEN TO AVOID TRIAL In spite of the efforts of physicians and nurses to bring him out of the stupor into which he had fallen after an overdose of morphine, Ed Harkness, the aged prisoner arrested today by authority of the officers at Chanute, Kansas, where he is charged with arson, had his wish fulfilled (to die rather than to back to Kansas a face arson charges.) He succumbed to the effects of the morphine about 4:30 p.m. yesterday without recovering consciousness. Though up to a short time before the hour, there had been some indication that he might recover. PHOTO FOR KANSAS COURT Harkness' body was photographed this morning in order to satisfy the Neosho County, Kansas, Court, and his bondsman,that he was in custody. The disposition of his remains will probably await further advice from Sheriff W. Reynolds, who at the latest word from him was expecting to leave immediately for North Yakima to take the prisoner back. Further advice in regard to the crime, for which was wanted, indicated that he was implemented in the burning of a barn, seven horses, hay, oats, and a buggy, to defraud an insurance company." and from the Yakima Morning Herald of Wed. 8 May 1912, followed by material also from the YMH of Thurs. 9 May 1912: "Harknes Dies of Poison "Ed Harkness, the aged Kansas man who took morphine while in the county jail awaiting his return to Chanute, Kan. to face a charge of arson, died Monday afternoon. A photograph of Harkness' body was taken and has beensent to Kansas to satisfy the Neocho county court and his bondsmen that he is in custody. Further disposition of his remains will be made when word is received from the Kansas sheriff, who was ready to start to North Yakima for the man." and "Will Send Body East "Money has been deposited at Chanute, Kan., to cover the coost of removal from North Yakima to that town and burial there of the body of Ed Harkness, who died in the county jail Monday of morphine poisoning. A law officer from Kansas, who was looking for the deceased, for whom a reward had been offered, it is alleged, will arrive here today and will accompany the body east." Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.