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Note: The Idaho Daily Statesman
Boise, Idaho
March 15, 1907
OLD SOLDIER DIES IN CITY JAIL
Josiah Randall Found Lifeless In His Cell Yesterday Afternoon.
In a dark, dingy cell in the city jail the end of life for Josiah Randall, who was an inmate of the soldiers' home, came yesterday afternoon. His body was found at 5 o'clock by Officer Abrams, who had been sent by the chief of police to learn if the old soldier wanted any supper. The body was half erect against the wall of the cell and the head was slightly turned to one side. The lower part of the body was covered with bed clothing which it was shown had been carefully wrapped around the lower limbs when the old man laid down on the mattress on the floor. His death had evidently been quiet and peaceful. It was probably caused by dropsy, the result of excessive drink.
In the absence of Coroner Sherrier from the city Justice Savidge was called and ordered the body sent to the undertaking parlors of N. C. Hiatt & Co., where it now lies awaiting orders for disposition from a brother of deceased at Falk's store.
A son of deceased, Andy Randall, a plasterer, lives in this city adn Samuel Parrott is a nephew. A son, Dick, and widow are now visiting in the cast.
Deceased was arrested Tuesday morning for drunkenness and Wednesday was released upon his promise to return to the soldiers' home and stop drinking. He did not return and Wednesday was again picked up in a drunken stupor on the street and locked up. At Thursday's session of police court he was sentenced to serve two days in jail.
About 11 o'clock yesterday forenoon he was talking with Pound Master Robinson at the door of the cell and was heard later talking in a loud voice to himself.
Randall came to the soldiers' home last summer from Caldwell. He was a well known character in that city, having lived at Caldwell and thereabouts for a number of years. He was a member of company A, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and was a native of Illinois. He was a hard drinker and since he had been at the home his son Andy had a nunber of times paid his fine to keep him out of jail. He was asked to do so when his father was arrested Wednesday, but said he had paid so much money for that purpose he did not feel able to pay any more.
No inquest was held last night and it is probable none will be held.
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