Charles Carlson abt 1840 - August 13, 1898

 In researching through the Michigan Death Records, I sometimes stumble upon a person with a similar name and an intruiging story. Carl and Charles Carlson is one such happenstance.

 Charles Carlson was not a patient at the Asylum...he may have been at one point. He might have benefitted from a stay. He committed suicide by drowning. Charles was born in Norway and was a fish peddler. He was single and 58 years old. Buried Traverse City, Michigan.

 I find it interesting to note that the certificate reads "suicide" as someone must have known he had been thinking about it, maybe he left a note, or maybe he died in front of others. It didn't say "accidental" or just plain "drowning." A fish peddler from Norway...you'd think he knew how to swim.

 Is this a life story about mental illness, depression, the struggles of immigrants? I don't know, but I thought it was interesting to note.