SPURGIN, D.M.
Source: Greencastle (Putnam County, Indiana) Star Press 18 June 1892 p 8
On last Wednesday morning Mr. DM Spurgin one of Greencastle’s oldest citizens was stricken with apoplexy while sitting in a chair at his place of business. He had not complained and was thought to be in his usual health; he arrived at his business room first on that morning and opened it. Later Messrs. Lyon and Sweeney arrived and found him as usual. About 9 o’clock a young man – a customer – noticed Mr. Spurgin fall back in his chair and called Mr. Sweeney’s attention to it; deceased was unconscious and breathing with difficulty. Drs. Leatherman and Smythe were summoned but the stricken man was past the aid of medical skill and he passed to the beyond in a few minutes. Deceased was one of our best known citizens – a pioneer in the city and for many years was prominent in its business affairs; he had long been a consistent member of the ME Church and was highly regarded by all who knew him; he was in the 79th year of his age; and leaves his wife and one son with other relatives and many friends to mourn his demise. – kbz
Note: David M. Spurgin born 7 May 1814 - died 15 June 1892 - buried Forest Hill Cemetery, Greencastle
Source: Greencastle Banner & Times 16 June 1892 p 1
DM Spurgin is dead. Yesterday morning he come down town opened the gallery, where his jewelry business has been located for many years and did his usual morning work. Mr. Lyon, proprietor of the art gallery and his assistant, Mr. Sweeney were in the room. About 9:30 o’clock they heard very heavy breathing and rushing into the front room saw Mr. Spurgin sitting in his chair with his head leaning back. They at once summoned Drs. Leatherman and Smythe but by the time they arrived the spark of life was extinct. Death was caused by apoplexy. Mr. Spurgin was one of the best known of our citizens, his tall, commanding figure being known far and wide. He moved to Greencastle about 36 years ago and had been in business here for many years. He was born at Mt. Sterling, Ky and was 77 years of age. He leaves a widow. Capt. Will Spurgin his son at West Point, NY was apprised of the death by wire yesterday. For several months Mr. Spurgin had been in failing health, but he would not relinquish his business and yesterday morning shortly before his death he complained of severe pains in his back. The funeral will be held Friday morning at 9 o’clock from College Avenue Church, Dr. Town officiating.