Charles C. Smeltzer (ca. 1837-1878)

SMELTZER

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/29/2012 at 22:32:51

From Nevada Representative July 24, 1878

One of the saddest deaths that has come to our knowledge during our newspaper career, is that of C. C. Smeltzer of Ft. Dodge. He died on Sunday morning, the 14th instant, between four and six o'clock, at his residence of delirium tremens. Ten or twelve years ago, he was considered the richest man in Webster county. About four or five years ago he gave himself up exclusively to drinking. Says the Ft. Dodge Gazzette in speaking of his death:

"Should you ever be tempted to lift to your lips the intoxicating draught, stop and reflect, and look back seven years to the stately mansion on the hill, and beyond a family consisting of a kind and affectionate husband and father, an amiable and loving wife and mother, and a bright handsome innocent babe all surrounded by every luxury and comfort that money could procure, and as happy as it was possible for a family to be. Look along down and see that father going home night after night reeling drunk. Go again to the mansion, and behold clad in the robe of death, this broken hearted and crushed loving wife and mother; follow along down and this babe grown to be spritely, bright intelligent little boy, and see him night after night sitting on the door steps until long after midnight, waiting for his father to return from his carousals. Then remember the sad end of the chief performer, occurred on last Sunday, and ask yourselves if you shall swallow the poison or fling it to the ground.

Mr. Smeltzer will be remembered by our readers as the Democratic candidate for Congress a few years ago and also as member of the Legislature in an early day.