Do you believe someone can die of a broken heart?  Evidently those in the town of Russellville felt that was the case when Charles Swanson’s wife died in October of 1905 and he followed her to the grave six weeks later.  The couple was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky.

The Kentucky Advocate, Danville, Boyle County, Kentucky

Wednesday, October 11, 1905

A telegram was received last evening by Mr. W. B. Thomas announcing the death of his sister, Mrs. C. W. Swanson, which occurred at her late home in Russellville, yesterday afternoon.  Mr. Thomas left today to attend the funeral, which will be held tomorrow.  Mrs. Swanson will be remembered as Miss Eliza Thomas and was formerly a resident of Danville.  Besides a husband she is survived by three daughters and one son.  Burial will be at Russellville.

Eliza Thomas, wife of C. W. Swanson, November 14, 1849 – October 10, 1905.  Maple Grove Cemetery, Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky.

The Messenger Inquirer, Owensboro, Daviess County, Kentucky

Thursday, November 30, 1905

He Died of a Broken Heart

Russellville, Ky., Nov. 30. – Mr. C. W. Swanson, of this place, died yesterday about 12 o’clock.  It is said he died of a broken heart.  Not a few weeks ago his wife was taken sick and died after a few days’ illness and he has never seemed to be the same man since that time.  He was about sixty years of age and a consistent member of the Baptist church here, of which he was a deacon.

Charles W. Swanson, September 17, 1837 – November 28, 1905.