Annie Quarsell
South Idaho Independent, Paris, Idaho, Friday, 6 September 1889, page 2
MURDER CASE
Condensed from main article
Proceedings in the Justice Court at Paris, Tuesday, September
3rd, 1889. The People vs. Oscar Quarsell, charge of murdering his wife, Annie
Quarsell, on the evening of Aug 24th, 1880. District Attorney R S Spence, Esq.
conducting the prosecution, Counselor J C Rich appearing for the defense.
Testimony of witnesses for Plaintiff. Sam Lewis, merchant of Montpelier is slightly acquainted with the deceased; said She was in my store on Aug. 21st of this year. She seemed to be in a happier state of mind than usual. Mr. Quarsell drank some whisky or bandy; Mrs. Quarsell had a drink of wine. Did not see to be any difficulty between Quarsell and wife, on that day.
John W Peterson, of Ovid; Have known Mrs. Quarsell 7 or 8 years; I saw her in her house on Thursday of the same week that she died. She appeared the same as usual. Oscar had told me that his wife was subject to cramping spells.
Isaac Tunks of Ovid; Slightly acquainted with deceased. Saw Oscar and wife returning from Montpelier on Aug. 24th, late in the afternoon did not speak with them. Saw her after death, about 8 or 9 o'clock the next morning. Body was lying in front room of Quarsell's home on a trussed of boards. Hands looked natural, face looked placid, as though she had not suffered much in death. No bruise or mark on neck at that time. Had a lengthy talk with defendant that day. He was bare headed when I saw him in the morning; looked excited. Said his wife had taken strychnine.
Lars Jensen, I am acquainted with Quarsell and wife. Last saw deceased on Aug 24th, about half an hour before sun down at her home. I have known Oscar and wife for 7 or 8 years.
John Petersen of Ovid; I am acquainted with Quarsell. Saw him on Aug 24th at his place at the well after a dipper of water, shortly after sunset. I spoke to him and said, "Well, Oscar, here is a load of wood for you." He did not answer. He appeared to be kind of intoxicated. He appeared to stagger in his walk. He came from around the corner of the kitchen. Did not see Annie at that time. When I had unloaded I went to the house with son and Sarah Johnson. Mrs. Quarsell was lying insdie of first room on her back on the floor. I spoke to him and asked him what was the matter. He said he did not know and laid down again. I thought he was drunk. After speaking to him in his house, I went home and told my own folks.
Philemon Lindsay of Ovid; The paper I handed to you contained, as I supposed strychnine. I took it from the dipper take from the side of the dead body of Mrs. Quarsell.
Dr. C A Hoover recalled: Made a chemical test of the substance above named and pronounced strychnine. One grain if this substance would dissolve in about one pint of water. The body had lain from time of death till I saw it about 22 hours. Saw it about 5 o'clock on if Aug. 26th. The body as far as upper portions was undressed. Prior to my post mortem examination, the body had been removed from where I first saw it to the meeting house about 1 1/4 miles. At that time the body was dressed and prepared for burial. I noticed the bruises on her neck. Did not attend the coroner's inquest, I got to Ovid after the inquest was held.
Note: It is assumed that since she was taken to the Ovid Church for the funeral that she was buried in the Ovid Cemetery.