Adams County Wisconsin Genealogy

Source: From the Mauston Star [Mauston, Juneau Co. WI], Wednesday April 20, 1859

The Body of Miss Dutcher Found

Our readers will recollect the circumstances of Miss Amelia Dutcher, of New Lisbon, coming here from Quincy, the last of October, stopping at the Tanner House, leaving the house one evening, after which nothing more was heard of her. The general supposition at the time was that she had thrown herself into the river and was drowned.

Last Friday a boy was passing over the high hill, known by the name of "Elephant's Back," about three miles north of this place, when he found, on top of the hill, a bosom pin and collar, which he carried home. This led to an immediate search, which resulted in finding the body of a woman, on the north slope of the hill. A shawl and skirt were wrapped about her feet and body, as if to protect her from the cold. The body was in a sufficient state of preservation to enable her friend to recognize her features.

On Saturday a post mortem axamination was held at Plainville. The body was identified as that of Miss Dutcher, by the features, and several articles of clothing, breast pin, etc. We learn from Dr. Braman of this place, who made the examination, that no evidence of poison were found in the stomach; but as a critical examination of the brain, and other parts was not made, it could not be positively determined that no poisonous drugs had been taken. The verdict of the jury was, that she came to her death by exposure and exhaustion. Of course everyone will be left to imagine the cause for such exposure and exhaustion.

It will be recollected that Miss Dutcher was a sister of the wife of J. Bright, Esq., of New Lisbon, and that his name was somewhat connected in reports concerning matters previous to her disappearance; also that there was a rumor that Miss D. was enceinte.

As we stated this rumor at the time (though we stated, in substance, that we knew of no evidence of the truth of the rumor,) we now feel it a duty -- and not only a duty, but a pleasure -- to state that, by request, an examination was made, which proved she was not and never had been enceinte. We are glad this fact is known, as it relives her character and that of Mr. Bright from any suspicion as far as that rumor is concerned. --Kilborn Mirror