CATES, Abigail E. - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Mrs. Abigail E. Cates, aged 86 years fell last evening at 9 o’clock from a second story window at the home Hospital and was instantly killed.  The supposition is that during the necessary absence of the nurse that the old lady under the belief that the window was not open, arose from her bed to open it and losing her balance fell to the ground.  Mrs. Cates was apparently resting easily when Miss Price, the day nurse made her report at 8 o’clock.  Mrs. Cates had not eaten her supper and was complaining of nausea.  Receiving this report, Miss Meddendorp the night nurse gave particular attention to the old lady visiting her room three times within the next hour.  On Miss Meddendorp last visit at 9 o’clock Mrs. Cates complained of being too warm.  The nurse told her that the window was open but she would not believe it.  Miss Meddendorp left the room and went down stairs to make a report of the case to Superintendent Sollers.  On her return to the ward she found the bed that had been occupied by Mrs. Cates employ.  She made a search and found the body of the old lady lying on the ground, face downward under the window.  She evidently had tried to open the window already open and in the act fell to the ground.  The shock killed her as no bones were broken and only minor bruises inflicted.  The body was removed to the Folkemer Undertake establishment to be prepared for burial.  Mrs. Cates was taken to the hospital from the Woman’s Christian Home on March 16.  She was suffering from the infirmities of age and was feeble and childish.  It was thought a week ago that she was dying and her granddaughter, Mrs. Blanche Walton Cox of Indianapolis was called to her bedside.  She rallied however and improved so much that she was able to leave her bed.  She was strong enough to sit up a portion of yesterday afternoon.  --- transcribed by  kbz