The Providence News

AUTOPSY
HAS
BEEN
ORDERED

Mrs. Swick Dies Very Soon After Becoming Reconciled to Her Husband.

Paterson, Dec. 17.--Mrs. Etta Swick, wife of Joseph Swick, at one time wealthy piano manufacturer, died suddenly and mysteriously yesterday morning at her home in Park avenue.

Crazed with grief, the husband threatened the county physician, Dr. McBride, when he appeared at the home to make an investigation. The doctor was compelled to call on the police for protection.

Less than three years ago Mrs. Swick was a prisoner in the county court, charged with embezzling $5 from her mother-in-law. She was arrested in New York and taken to Paterson for trial.

The husband stood by his wife, and when she was convicted he threatened to end his life in the court room if she were sent to jail.

The court suspended sentence.

When Mrs. Swick was released she returned to New York, but on Thursday last she came back to Paterson, and for the first time in a year made her home with her husband and became reconciled with her mother-in-law, who lived in the same house.

In the evening she became suddenly ill. She complained of pains in the abdomen. Drs. MacIntosh and Pike were called and administered morphine. Her condition continued more serious, and she died in great agony.

The physicians were at a loss to understand the cause of the trouble and refused to grant a death certificate. Then it was that the county physician was called.

He has directed that an autopsy be held.

Mrs. Swick was married fifteen years ago. At that time Swick was worth $200,000. He has lost it all. The mother-in-law attributed all his misfortunes to Mrs. Swick's mode of living and her fondness for show. The husband resented any attempt to usurp what he considered the privileges of his wife. A short time ago the mother-in-law gave Mrs. Swick a check for $10 to redeem diamonds that Mrs. Swick has pawned in New York.

Mrs. Swick never returned, and her sensational arrest in New York and the dramatic trial followed.