A young woman’s death in 1936 was called ‘mysterious.’ Here is what happened to Merlin Abbott

BURLEY — A 20-year-old woman’s death was under investigation in 1936 after she fell sick and died less than 24 hours later.

The story on Merlin Abbott was featured in our weekly Looking Back column, which looks back on what life was like during different periods in east Idaho history.

Merlin Abbott becomes sick, dies suddenly

The Twin Falls Daily News reported that Merlin Abbott, wife of George Abbott, suddenly became sick on Aug. 9, 1936, around 11 p.m. The Burley Herald initially reported she became ill on Aug. 8. However, according to other reports, that appears not to be the case.

She fell ill at home and was moved to her sister’s house the following day. After “writhing in agony for 19 hours,” Abbott died on Aug. 10, 1936, at 6 p.m. Her sudden death was being called “mysterious.”