OBIT:  ALTEMUS, William H.; 1909; Cambria Cnty., PA

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Cambria Freeman
Ebensburg, Pa.
Friday, 1 Jan 1909
Volume 43, Number 1


An Overdose of Laudanum Fatal
William H. Altemus, of Strongstown, Drank Two Ounces, 
Falling in Road
Was Postmaster and Merchant

Strongstown, Dec. 31 -- Postmaster and Merchant William H. 
Altemus, forty-five years old, died at 2:30 o'clock Monday 
morning as a result of taking an overdose of laudanum.  Mr. 
Altemus kept laudanum in this store and Sunday drank the 
contents of an ounce bottle.  He then went to bed, but an 
hour or so later got up with the intention of drinking 
another ounce bottle empty.  His wife told him she threw 
the liquid away and he went out into the street where he 
fell to the ground.  He was carried into the house and was 
conscious very little of the time after that until his 
death. Mr. Altemus, it is believed, did not fully realize 
what he was doing.  He was very nervous and used the 
laudanum to produce sleep. Members of the family declare he 
did not take the laudanum with suicidal intent.

William H. Altemus was married to Miss Jennie Gillespie, a 
daughter of Mrs. Martha J. Gillespie and the late Patrick 
Gillespie. He was a son of Mrs. Susan Altemus who makes her 
home with her son, Nicholas, near Vintondale. Mr. Altemus 
is survived, besides his mother and wife, by the following 
children:  Edgar, at home, a school teacher; Harry, Claire, 
Veda, Nellie and Margaret, all at home and Nicholas, 
mentioned above. He is also survived by two brothers living 
in Sioux City, Ia., and by two sisters, one of whom is Mrs. 
E. M. Burns of Ebensburg.

The funeral took place on Wednesday.