Fern Smith Died 1930

SMITH

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/22/2016 at 20:04:30

Onawa Sentinel
16 January 1930

HIGH SCHOOL GIRL ENDS OWN LIFE

The body of Miss Fern Smith 19 year’s old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. B. O. Smith, residing on a farm four miles south of Moorhead was found in the barn with a discharged shotgun beside it. Dr. C. A. Johnson, of Moorhead pronounced the girl’s death an act of self destruction Death was instantaneous Dr. Johnson, said. The girl, a senior in the Moorhead high school arose about 5 o'clock Tuesday morning, her younger sister, with whom she sleeps said, when Fern did not return, the younger sister aroused her father, who investigated. The father found the body.

County Coroner Allison, Rodney, said he would not investigate the case pending report of Dr. Johnson. The gun used was a 20-guage shotgun owned by the father. The wound was through the heart. No motive for the girls act was given. Funeral services are being held today