Phoebe Ann Hopkins Posson

Tired of the World Mrs. Phoebe Ann Hopkins Posson dies by her own hand.
Was a sister of Congressman A. J. Hopkins and of Mrs. Floyd Holland of Sycamore.
Funeral  this Saturday Morning at Hinckley.

 Mrs. Phoebe A. Posson, a sister of Mrs. Floyd Holland of Sycamore, committed suicide on Wednesday afternoon at her home near Maple Park by shooting herself in the head. She was alone when the act was done and her body was found by her daughter Effie, when she came home from school. To all appearances her death was instantaneous. Mrs. Posson had been in ill health for some time. About three years ago her husband M. L. Posson Jr. who was a well known citizen of DeKalb County, died. Since then she has brooded so over his death as to bring on attacks of extreme melancholia and it is thought by relatives and friends that the deed was committed while suffering from one of these attacks.

Since her husband's death she lived upon a farm  a little southwest of Sycamore until late last fall, when her brother A. J. Hopkins bought a farm for her near Maple Park and had it fitted up a pleasant  home for her. In spite of all done for her she seemed to grow more melancholy and since the anniversary of her husbands death on May 7, she was especially so. Mrs. Austin, a neighbor, saw her but a short time before the act was done. Mrs. Posson was going to her home telling the neighbor she was having a nervous Chill; after a short time she retuned home and in about an hour Mr. Austin heard two reports, but thought they were from hunters and gave the matter no further thought. When found an old revolver was lying by her side that had two empty cartridges in it. Only one shot had been effective.

Mrs. Posson was born in Cortland August 14, 1848 and was married at the same place when 22 years of age. She has spent her entire life in this vicinity. She was highly respected by all who knew her, retiring in her nature and of a most happy disposition until her bereavement three years ago. Since which time her brother A. J. Hopkins has been very devoted to her giving her every care and attention, hoping to alleviate her sufferings. She leaves three children: A daughter Effie and two grown sons John and Chester: Also a sister Mrs. Floyd Holland of Sycamore, and three brothers; A. J. of Aurora, Charles of Independence, Iowa and Dr. M. of Washington State. The funeral will be held on Saturday morning at the home near Maple Park, a short service only, and the remains will be taken to Hinckley where services will be held at the M. E. Church and interment will be in the Hinckley Cemetery, by the side of the remains of her late husband.

Source: Syamore True Republican, May 19,1900