Andrew Mattson
Drowned in Grande Ronde River
Andrew Mattson, who came to this city last Thursday from Portland to work on the new railroad, was drowned in Grande Ronde river about 13 miles below this city Wednesday afternoon. When Mattson reached the railroad camps, after leaving Elgin, he was crazed from the effects of liquor. He did not recover as expected he would, from that condition and became totally insane. Two messengers came to town about noon Wednesday and reported the matter to the authorities, who dispatched a special officer to bring the unfortunate man to town. At 5:30 p.m. of the same day another messenger reported that a man had drowned in the river. He was not acquainted with the circumstances and all he knew was that the body had been recovered. Coroner J.C. Henry was notified and E.B. Morelock, justice of the peace, was appointed to hold an inquest. According to instructions Morelock sent a conveyance after the dead man and subpoenied a number of witnesses. The conveyance returned to Elgin last night with the remains and the driver reported that the drowned man was the one who had been insane. Mattson started to follow the messengers to town and on his way deliberately walked into the river.
An inquest is being held this morning.
The dead man has a sister in Butte, Mon., and a brother in Clealum, Wash. The latter has been notified and instructions will be awaited as to the disposal of the remains. Mattson has an acquantance here who has known him for several years and says that his parents, who reside in Norway, are well-to-do people.
Elgin Recorder Friday March 23, 1906
