Millard F. Smith (ca.1855-1879)

SMITH

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 3/6/2010 at 16:47:50

The Nevada Representative, Nevada, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, March 19, 1879.

SUICIDE

Millard F. Smith ends his life with Poison.

Millard F. Smith, aged 24 years, son of Levi Smith of Milford township, of this county, ended his life, yesterday morning, at the New York House of Ames, by poison, administered by his own hand.

Deceased taught school just east of Nevada, during the past winter, and while in town boarded at the Sherman House. He had finished his school only a short time since, had used his money in paying bills, and had no money left. Whether that alone was the cause of his self-destruction no one knows. He left the Sherman House about half past 9 Monday evening, saying he was going to the depot to check a trunk for a friend. Instead of returning he took the night express as far as Ames, and went to bed at the New York House about half past one at night. He paid his bill before retiring and requested not to be disturbed in the morning. About three o'clock the landlord was awakened by groans from his room, broke open the door, and found him lying on his right side, arms folded breathing hard and unconscious. He continued insensible, laboring hard for breath at intervals, until about 8 o'clock in the morning, when he expired.

The Coroner of the county, Dr. J. W. Boggess was immediately notified, who held an inquest yesterday with W. D. Lucas, C. G. McCarthy, and D. A. Biglow as jurors, who found that he came to his death from the effects of the tincture of opium administered by himself.

Rumor says that he was somewhat addicted to strong drink, that a certain young lady to whom he was strongly attached refused to receive his attentions unless he would reform, and that these facts together with his penniless condition, were the cause of his self-destruction. But the above are but rumors, how much truth they contain we cannot say.

Young Smith was quite well known in this county, and we believe regarded as an upright and honorable young man and respected by all who knew him.