Charles J. Smith (1864-1896)

SMITH, TAYLOR

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/9/2009 at 20:09:02

Maquoketa Excelsior, Maquoketa, Iowa, October 27, 1896

DEATH OF CHARLES J. SMITH

The Plankinton, Dakota, Herald, gives the following particulars concerning the death of Charles J. Smith, formerly of this city, which we mentioned Friday:
The most shocking affair in the history of Plankinton occurred last Thursday afternoon. At about four o’clock that afternoon the report of a gun was heard by all who happened to be in the vicinity of C. J. Smith’s barber shop and all hastened to investigate. When the front door was opened a terrible sight met the gaze of the crowd; there at the rear end of the room lay the body of Mr. Smith covered with his own blood and by his side lay a double-barreled shot gun. Upon investigation it was found that the greater part of his face and the top of his head had been blown away by a charge from the gun. Willing hands assisted in removing the corpse to the undertaking rooms of Mr. Groves where later in the day it was prepared for burial.

Whether an accident or a case of suicide will never be known as no one was present to witness the terrible death. One thing, however, is certain, if it was a case of suicide it was done without a moment’s reflection as nothing is left to show, or nothing in his actions heretofore goes to show that any such rash act was ever for a moment even considered. Those who knew him best can not and do not believe that he took his own life.

Charles J. Smith was born in Miles, Iowa, in November, 1864, where he spent his early childhood and later moved to Delmar, and again to Maquoketa, where he received an education and grew to manhood. In the fall of 1883 he came to Plankinton and engaged as salesman with the Fullerton Lumber Company, having previously had considerable experience in that line while assisting his father. He proved to be a hard worker and never lacked foe employment during these many years he has resided among us. In September 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Rerra Taylor, who has borne her share of the joys and sorrows and during their wedded life of nine years has been an exceptionally good helpmate. On the first day of January 1891, Charley was offered and accepted a position as manager of the City Drug Store, which he conducted very successfully for two years, when with W.E.Guilford as a partner he entered into business in that line for himself, but owing to the limited capital of his partner and the decreasing demand for drugs they were finally compelled to go out of business. His enterprising spirit never forsook him and after a time he again engaged in a former employment, that of barbering in which he was engaged at the time of his death.

Deceased was possessed of all the good traits that go to make up a true man and in an hour of trouble never wanted for true friends to assist him. His untimely taking away has cast a gloom over the entire community, who lend a willing hand and an aching heart to the comforts of the loving wife and aged mother. A widow, father, mother, two brothers and a sister remain to mourn the loss of one near and dear to them. Funeral services were conducted from the Congregational Church Sunday afternoon by Rev. W. S. Shepherd