Charles F. Wood (1903)

WOOD

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 8/15/2007 at 18:02:33

The Winterset Madisonian-Winterset, Iowa
January 7, 1904

The Madisonian of last week contained an accurate account of the tragic death of C. F. Wood. His funeral occurred on Sunday afternoon.
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The Madison County Reporter
Thursday, December 31, 1903
Page 3

C. F. Wood Suicides

The town of St. Charles was startled last night by the report that C. F. Wood, one of her most prominent citizens had shot himself about 6 o’clock, from which he died about four hours later. The tragedy occurred in the bank of which he was cashier and at the time he was alone in the building. The lady clerk had just left but was attracted by the report of the pistol and returned when she discovered what had happened and gave the alarm. The ball entered his head just back of the right ear and was necessarily fatal. He was take to his home and expired there about ten o’clock, not regaining consciousness.

Mr. Wood was one of the leading business men of St. Charles. He was cashier of the St. Charles bank, proprietor of a large general store and a heavy dealer in real estate. The cause of his rash act is generally attributed to financial trouble. He leaves an estimable wife and interesting family to mourn him. The community generously extend, its sympathy to the bereaved family.
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Winterset Madisonian – December 31, 1903
Pg 1

C. F. WOOD SUICIDES

The St. Charles Banker is Dead by His Own Hand.

The Deed was Committed in the Bank, Wednesday Evening, December 30—So Far the Motive is Unknown.

Word came to Winterset by telephone yesterday evening that C. F. Wood, of St. Charles, the well known banker and merchant had committed suicide by shooting. Inquiry this morning from those in position to know all that could be known, brings the information that the deed was done about 6 o’clock in the evening. Nothing unusual had been noticed in his conduct or in the affairs of the bank. Miss Cora Irwin, who was employed in the bank, a few minutes before 6 o’clock went to the post office next door, to look for the mail. Returning, just as she got near the bank, she heard a revolver shot. Wood was not at his desk, but she saw a smoke in the back room. She went to the store in which Wood was a partner and notified the people that something was wrong. Two men went and found him sitting in a chair. A revolver had been placed to his head near the right ear, and fired, the ball coming out at the other side. He was already unconscious, though still alive. He lived about four hours, never regaining consciousness, death occurring about 10 o’clock.

It is claimed that up to this morning no motive can be learned. It was easily surmised that speculation with bank funds had brought disaster. The president of the bank, Mr. R. D. Minard, said this morning that there was no indication of any such situation, and every thing appeared to be all right.

Mr. J. A. Guiher, of Winterset, Mr. Wood’s attorney, was on the scene early this morning, and is investigating affairs.

The deceased was a prosperous business man, something like forty years of age, and had an excellent family.