George Straw

   Cause of his death was senility.

  General Notes:

1870 in Marshfield, Webster County, WI as follows:
Jacob born 1821 NH
Lucy age 46 born England
Louella age 19 b. Can
George age 17 b. Can
Horace age 16 b. Can
Robert Nelson age 13 b. Can
John A. Straw age 12 b. WI

(Mogollon Mountain Man; Nat Straw - Grissly Hunter and Trapper by Carolyn O'Bagy Davis; Sanpete Publications; Published 2003; Tucson, AZ)
"George Straw never married, nor did his brother John Abbott. Both sons lived in Springfield with their mother at 509 East Chase Street. Legal documents are the only surviving records of their lives. Probate files (#9044) indicate that on March 21, 1906, George at 54 yrs of age was declared insane by the Green County, MO, Probate Court Judge. George was taken away to the State Lunatic Asylum at Nevada Mansion. His brother "A.J.Straw" was named as his guardian (the initials were reversed, most likely a clerical error.The document should have read J. A. for John Abbott). Six months later, having been "restored to his right mind," George was released from the asylum, and control of his property was restored to him.
Presumably he returned to his job as an engineer with the railroad. Possibly George had a chronic problem because three years later there are additional records requesting the probate judge to again declare George insane, after having again been admitted to the asylum, and also requesting a disbursement of funds from George's estate. Unfortunately, there are no existing documents that would indicate the nature of George's chronic problems. The youngest brother John also spent time in the insane asylum and perhaps there was some form of inherited mental illness. Alcoholism or insanity resulting from syphilis were common afflictions at that time, but without documentation, there are only vague hints as to the source of their illness.
(obituary)
George Straw, 65, life-long resident of Greene County (Missouri) died at 8 AM today at his home, Rt 11, Springfield, following a brief illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, but they are in charge of the Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. Mr. Straw is survived by two brothers, Horace Straw, of the home address, and Ned (Nat) Straw of New Mexico. Mr. Straw's parents were early settlers of Greene County. (The Springfield Leader 22 March 1928: 8)"

Death record on www.Worldvitalrecords.com - Missouri death index - COD = senility; syphillis - informant was his brother Horace Straw

  Medical Notes:

Secondary to syphilis
Death record on file under My Pictures