Born
September 8, 1865
Middlesex, England

Died
January 8, 1883
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Parents
Adolph Manns
Elizabeth Scheling

Siblings
Elizabeth Manns
Josephine Manns
Catherine Manns
Bertha Manns
Amelia Manns
Rosa Mary Manns
One additional child, name unknown

Spouse
None

Children
None

Life Story

The only son of Adolph and Elizabeth Manns, Adolph was born in Middlesex, England on September 8, 1865. When Adolph was about four, the family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Utica, New York. Adolph had two older sisters, Elizabeth and Josephine (sister Catherine died young) and three younger sisters: Bertha, Amelia and Rose.

Adolph died January 4, 1883 at age 17 of an overdose of Laudanum. The doctor's note on his death certificate stated the cause was "suicide by Laudanum while temporarily insane." Laudanum was a commonly used pain reliever and cough suppressant in the late 19th to early 20th century that contained a mixture of alcohol and opium. It was an easily accessible and inexpensive "remedy" for pain from toothaches, menstrual cramps and childbirth. It was also used to treat problems with diarrhea, coughs and colds and was given to babies, children and adults. It was also very strong and highly addictive, resulting in both unintended overdoses as well as intentional suicides. It is not clear why the death was ruled a suicide unless Adolph had left a note or had suffered depression and had threatened suicide. Adolph was buried on January 8, 1993 at New Cathedral Cemetery outside of Philadelphia.

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None

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Updated 9/20/14