Olson Rasmus02

Waupaca County Post

December 15, 1898

Rasmus Olson, living alone in a house on Wisconsin Street, in the first ward, was found dead in the doorway of his house on Sunday afternoon about 4 o’clock. The body was nude and was frozen. On his face and around him and the house were evidences of Paris Green, and Dr. Pelton, who was called, stated that his death was evidently due to that poison. He was over 90 years old, and had been a familiar figure on the streets, for many years. He was a working man, and was employed sawing wood nearly all the time.

Justice Scott held an inquest on Monday morning, with the following jurors: O. Ovrom, M.B. Scott, O. Holly, G. Nelson, Fred Jensen and Peter Holst. Their verdict was that death ensued from a dose of Paris Green, taken with suicidal intent.

Mr. Olson’s nearest relatives are two step-sons, Hans P. and Henry Mortenson, who took charge of the remains and performed the last sad rites. The funeral was on Tuesday afternoon.