Mr. and Mrs. Elisha P. Hotchkiss of Greene Found Dead, Coroner Decides Each Took Own Life

DOUBLE SUICIDE

(May 9, 1921)

   Early on Monday morning, Charles Vought, a newspaper carrier of Greene, on going to the home of Elisha P. Hotchkiss on Genesee Street in that village discovered the body of Mr. Hotchkiss hanging by a rope from the banisters of his home.  On taking down his dead body and removing it to his room the lifeless body of his wife, Edith, was found in the bed.

   Dr. A. R. Morse of this village was called as coroner to consider the fatality and from the evidence presented he came to the conclusion that Mrs. Hotchkiss took her own life by drinking peraldehilde and her husband upon finding her dead decided to follow her example.  Mrs. Hotchkiss was about 53 years of age and had been sick for some time.  Her husband was about 55 years of age.  They had no children.

   Mr. Hotchkiss has been employed in the Lyon Iron Works for more than 40 years.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows, Genegantslet Tribe of the Red Men, the Greene Canton, the Ocean Engine and Hose company and at one time the Chief of the Fire Department.  He was also a member of the Anawan Haymakers of Binghamton and he and his wife were members of the Rebekahs and the Congregational church of Greene.

   The double funeral was held Wednesday at 2 o'clock from the Congregational church, Rev. G. R. Foster officiating.  Burial in Sylvan Lawn cemetery.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.