Throckmorton, Charles - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Charles Throckmorton, whose awful physical deformity led to him being dubbed “the seal man,” is dead. He formerly resided here where his shady transactions of various kinds are still fresh in mind. The Lafayette Courier says: “Charles Throckmorton, son of Mr. and Mrs. Neville I. Throckmorton, died at 9:45 o’clock last night at the home of Royal B. Spellman, and it is pretty well established that death was caused by morphine, the general impression being that the drug was administered with suicidal intent. The young man became ill yesterday morning, complaining of kidney trouble and a severe headache. Dr. F. B. Thompson called to see him and prescribed for the pains. At that time there were no indications of morphine poisoning. About 6 o’clock last evening the young man sank into a state of semi-consciousness and Dr. George K. Throckmorton was called at 9:15, great alarm being felt by that time. Dr. Westfall also was called. Dr. Throckmorton reached the house about fifteen minutes before death came, and at once recognized signs of morphine poisoning. Mr. Spellman gave some account of the young man’s brief illness and all details went to show that he had taken morphine. His father arrived a few moments after the death occurred. The body was placed in charge of Folckemer and was removed to the family residence, on Tippecanoe Street. No trace of the drug was found in the room, but the doctors are confident that he took an overdose some time during the latter part of the afternoon. It is known that on several prior occasions the unfortunate man attempted suicide. He was peculiarly deformed and that fact caused him constant despair. His arms, at birth, were mis-shapen and he was always subject to annoying and curious glances from passers by. This caused him intense pain and unhappiness, for he was very sensitive. His parents are among the most prominent people of the city and their grief is shared by many warm friends.

Young Throckmorton was born at Romney and possessed a bright, keen mind. For some time he was employed in his father’s real estate and insurance office in this city, but, being of a roving disposition, found occasion to absent himself from home in strange and unexpected ways. He was in serious trouble on divers occasions and became so despondent that life undoubtedly was a burden hard to bear. A few years ago he married a young Crawfordsville woman and went into the real estate business in that town. Later he returned to this city, his wife having left him. Then he went into the employ of the Chicago & Alton Road in Illinois in the office of his brother-in-law, Frank Miller, being a time keeper. Several weeks ago he came to this city with his sister, Mrs. Miller, who is ill. He took a room at Mr. Spellman’s home and remained there till he died. The young man was well known to most of Lafayette’s population and there will be some surprise expressed over his sudden death.” - thanks so much to "S" for all her obit work