JENKINS, Calvin 1850 - 1910

JENKINS, SCHMIDT

Posted By: Janet Brooks Koozer (email)
Date: 11/7/2011 at 08:09:43

Monona, Iowa, June 16, 1910

Commits Suicide

Calvin Jenkins, aged about 60 years, residing on the farm 5 miles north of Monona, in Allamakee Co., and about 40 rods east of the Entwisle farm, was found lying on the floor of his cabin home dead, by John A. Barnes at 7 o'clock Sunday evening. Neighbors were immediatedly notified, and justice of the peace Frank A. Lenth, of Monona, was called, reaching the Jenkins place about midnight. Justice Lenth immediatedly empanneled a jury, consisting of David Hall, George Ferguson and Hamp Deemer, and an investigation proceeded with. The body lay upon the floor, near the door, so close that it was found necessary to push the body along on the floor to gain entrance. A horrible sight was presented the jurymen. A double barrel shot gun was used, one barrel being discharged; to the trigger was tied a string, on the other end of which was a brick attached, so that when he dropped the brick the gun was discharged. the discharge entered above the ear tearing scalp clean off around the head above the eyes, his brains scattered about the room with clots of blood here and there, presenting every evidence of a suicide, leaving no doubt in the minds of the jury but that Jenkins delibertedly planned and executed his own end. Evidently the deed was committed about 6 o'clock Sunday evening.

Mr. Barnes had left Jenkins in the morning and so far as he could see Jenkins was in his usual good state of mind, quite cheerful and contented; returning in the evening he was not only surprised but alarmed over the discovery he
made on trying to enter the little home. Quickly he called the neighbors and friends.

An examination of the loaded barrel of the shot gun found there were seven buckshot in the remaining charge. $12.34 was found in cash on the body, but nothing that indicated a cause for the suicide. The jury empaneled returned a verdict of suicide no apparent cause existing.

Mr. Jenkins has long resided in this vicinity and is well known and was highly repected. He was unmarried living alone on the fsarm in a 10 by 12 one story house, apparently contented with his lot. His manner of taking off was not only a surprise to those who knew him, but creates a sadness among numerous friends, relatives and the community at large. He was well thought of and was respected for his many noble qualities of heart and mind.

Mrs. Frank Smith of this city is a sister, and another sister resides at Rossville, besides nephews residing north of here, who mourn his untimely taking off.

Mr. Jenkins was fairly well to do. He lived on an 80 acre farm which had been his home for several years. He was never married, and for years has lived alone in his little cabin home.

Various causes are assigned for the rash act, but no one is able to solve the mystery, other than to lay it to a sudden derangement of mind.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning from the home of Jacob Entwisle.

The Monona Ledger
June 16, 1910

Calendine/Calvin/Cal
was the son of Wilson & Rachael (Brooks)Jenkins
His sister's name was Schmidt not Smith.

___________________________

Added by Joy Moore 5/6/2023:

Source: Decorah Republican June 23, 1910, P4 C3

Suicide.
Calvin Jenkins, aged about 60 years, residing on the farm five miles north of Monona, in Allamakee county and about 40 rods east of the Entwisle farm, was found lying on the floor of his cabin home dead by John A. Barnes. A double barrel shot gun was used, one barrel being discharged. To the trigger was tied a string, on the other end of which a brick was attached, so that when he dropped the brick the gun was discharged. The discharge entered above the ear tearing the scalp clean off the head above the eyes, his brains scattered about the room, with clots of blood here and there, presenting every evidence of suicide.

Transcriber’s Note: He is buried in the Maple Hill Cemetery.