ABRAMS, Merle B. - Putnam

Merle B. Abrams, aged 28 years, last Tuesday died at the home of his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. William N. Steele, 319 South Washington Street at 11:15 this morning. The young man’s death came as the result of a stroke of apoplexy which he suffered shortly after 1 o’clock this morning.  He had not been in very good health for the past year but has not been confined to his home at any time.  On Monday evening he was downtown until after 8 o’clock and on returning home talked with his mother until after 9 o’clock before retiring.  At that time, he was apparently in the best of health and made the remark that he felt better than he had for some time.

At about 1:30 o’clock his parents heard him on the stairway seemingly trying to mount the steps. On rushing to his side they saw him place his hands to his head and sink to the floor. The only word he was heard to say after he had suffered the stroke was, “Mother.”

The decedent was one of the best known and most popular young men in this city. For a number of years he was employed by the Adams Express Company and he also spent some time in the employ of the American Express company.  With both companies he occupied a road position, traveling on the express cars and taking charge of the delivery of express at stations.  For the past year he has been in ill health and has not been working.

The decedent was born in Greencastle March 18, 1885 and in 1898 came with his mother and stepfather to this city. He had made a great many friends here who will learn with deepest sorrow of his untimely taking away.