Sellers - Moreland
Source: Weekly Argus News Oct 2, 1897 p3 c2
Moreland Sellers, a well known resident of the county and an uncle of J.M. Sellars of this city, was found dead this morning at his home in Darlington, the remains decomposed beyond recognition. He was last seen alive about 8 o'clock last Thursday evening and it is supposed that his death occurred that night. The old gentleman lived alone in the east part of the town and his non appearance at his boarding house or other accustomed haunts occasioned an uneasiness or speculation as being generally supposed that he had gone to his farm or else that he was visiting relatives in the country. The first inkling that there was anything wrong came to John Sparter, a neighbor, when he stepped from his house this morning. A most offense and sickening stinch greeted his nostrils and Mr. Sparter lost no time in investigating the cause. It was soon located in the Sellars home and upon forcing an entrance a horrifying scene was presented. Upon the bed lay the remains of Mr. Sellers but so badly decomposed that not a sing feature could be recognized. The natural gas fire was buring at winter heat and the house was like a bake oven. There was present also a strong odor of burnt gas. This furnished the clew (sic) and it was speedily determined that Mr. Selllers had come to his death from suffocation. It is known further that he had been a sufferer from asthmatic trouble so that the gas fumes may not have been solely responsible. On last Monday Mr. Sellers drove to his farm two miles south of Darlington returning late in the evening with a load of clover seed. He got supper at Kashner's restaurant, his boarding place and about 8 o'clock had a short conversation with James Sellers in which he complained that he had become thoroughly chilled on his ride. He evidently went straight home and in turning on a full fire unconsciously worked his own destruction. The news of the horrible discovery spread rapidly this morning and a summons was sent for Coroner Barcus. In his absence from the city Squire Hanna was called upon to hold the inquest. GS McCluer going along as clerk and JM Sellers and FP Mount, relatives of the deceased, accompanying them. At noon the examination of witnesses had not been completed bgut the verdict will be rendered in accordance with the facts given above.
Moreland Sellers was 76 years of age and was one of the county's oldest and best citizens. He has a fine farm between Crawfordsville and Darlington and resided there until after the death of his wife some two years ago when he removed to Darlington. Four sons survive him: Edward and William live in Iowa; Henry in ND and Robert in Kansas. He leaves also several brothers and sisters. On account of the condition of the body it was found necessary to dispense with a funeral and the burial occurred this afternoon at the Odd Fellows cemetery at Darlington - transcribed by kbz
Source: Weekly Argus News Oct 2, 1897 p 3 c4
Squire Hanon, who conducted the inquest over Moreland Sellers at Dalrington finds that he came to his death from natural causes. Two physicians testified to the fact that the deceased was predisposed to heart trouble and in their opinion his death was due to that cause although it might have been due to the fumes of burnt gas. The fumes were not sufficiently strong, however, to cause suffocation. He was last seen alive on Tuesday evening instead of Monday evening as was reported.