R.P. Smith Murdered

SMITH, COMPTE, MCCOY, SHALER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 6/5/2010 at 17:20:18

The Brooklyn Chronicle (Brooklyn, Poweshiek Co. Iowa) Dec. 13, 1901

R.P. SMITH MURDERED

MARSHAL AT CHELSEA MEETS DEATH AT HAND OF DESPERADOES

A Faithful Officer Shot Down While in the Performance of Duty--Perpetrators Are Still at Large--The Last Sad Rites.

Rolland P. Smith, night Marshal at Chelsea, was shot down in cold blood last Friday morning while in the performance of his duties, by one of three bank robbers, who had planned to rob the State Bank. The particulars leading up to the murder, as we have been able to learn them are substantially as follows.

Those taking part in an entertainment to be given by local talent had met Thursday evening to practice, and at the conclusion of the rehearsal Bert Compte had escorted two young ladies to their homes and upon returning was seen by the robbers, who took him for the night watch. He was seized, a revolver placed at the back of his head, blindfolded, and ordered to march to the elevator, where he was bound and gagged and tied to a heavy piece of timber, with the admonition that if he attempted to give an alarm he would be instantly killed. The west-bound passenger train was due about this time and after a consultation two of the robbers started to the depot and one remained to guard Compte. The last words of the desperadoes were to the effect that if any one alighted from the train they were to be shot, as they "had business at the bank" and it must not be interfered with. Marshal Smith was at the train when it pulled in and Mitt McCoy alighted from it. The sight of the marshal undoubtedly changed the plans of the robbers as they supposed he was cared for, and he was allowed to walk to the end of his beat at the postoffice with Mr. McCoy, when he started upon his return to the depot. Suddenly a shot rang out upon the night air and then another. Night operator H.W. Shaler heard the reports and going out found Marshal Smith lying about three feet from the east end of the depot platform with a bullet hole in the side of his head. McCoy heard the shots and reached the platform a minute or two after he was discovered by the operator. An alarm was made at once and the town aroused. Mr. Smith was taken to his home, where he died at six o'clock. The foot prints in the snow would indicate that one of the robbers was walking at the side and one in the rear of the marshal when the fatal shot was fired. It is also evident that the murdered man attempted to defend himself when attcked as his revolver was found at his feet and one chamber was empty. The powder stains on his face showed that the shooting was done at close range. Mr. Smith had a reputation for courage and bravery and would have given the desperadoes a good fight could he have met them on equal grounds.

Immediately following the shooting the two robbers returned to the elevator and in response to a query from their companion as to whether they fixed him, replied: "yes, we fixed him plenty." They then ran west to the stock yards and secured a hand car from the Northwestern tool house and went to a point within one-fourth mile of Long Point where the car was ditched, and they struck out for Gladtone four miles north, where it supposed they boarded a Milwaukee freight train and escaped. Notwithstanding that a large posse was at once organized to capture the perpetrators of the foul deed, they have not as yet been apprehended. It is thought, however, that it is only a question of time until they will be caught, as they are well known in police circles, and are being tracked by the best detectives. Several suspects have been arrested but were later released. That they were a desperate gang there is no doubt and that the bank robbery had been planned, as overheard by young Compte, is evidenced by the fact that a number of tools was found near the elevator that had been taken from the railroad tool house with which to effect an entrance. The robbery was prevented but a bright young life was sacrificed.

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Rolland P. Smith was born n Iowa City, Iowa, Nov. 28, 1877, and at the time of his death was 24 years and 8 days of age. He was united in marriage with Miss Ada Doty at her home in Poweshiek county, Sept. 12, 1900, and by this union one son was born, William A., who with the grief stricken widow survives to mourn his untimely death. Deceased has been a resident of this vicinity since he was twelve years of age, and was known and respected by a large circle of friends for his honesty, integrity and manly qualities. He was straightforward in all business dealings and a young man upon whom one could depend in any emergency. He was conscious a portion of the time after the fatal injury was received, but could give no particulars of the cruel crime, and during the last hours his mind dwelt upon his wife and baby, the loved ones he was going to leave. He had resided in this immediate vicinity until he went to Chelsea about two years ago and opened up a blacksmith shop which he conducted successfully. He sold his business a short time ago and had been engaged as night watchman about a month when he met his death. A good citizen has departed from us; a loving and devoted husband and father has been called to the great beyond, and leaves besides the stricken relatives a host of friends to mourn his death.

Brief funeral services were held at the M.E. church in Chelsea Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, after which the remains were brought to Brooklyn under Masonic escort, he being an honored member of Zenith Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Chelsea, Iowa. The last sad rites were held at Grace M.E. church in this city Sabbath afternoon at two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Dr. Busby. Following the discourse the remains were taken in charge by the brethren of Corinthian Lodge No. 174, A.F. & A.M., by request, and their beautiful ritualistic service was held at the church, after which all that was mortal of Rolland P. Smith was conveyed to the I.O.O.F. cemetery, and after the concluding service by the Masonic brethren the remains were tenderly consigned to their last resting place in the presence of a large concourse of sorrowing friends.

Among those from a distance in attendance at the services, besides the funeral party from Chelsea were: Ira Flathers and daughter, Carrie, and Guno Clem, of Marshalltown; Mrs. Ebersole, of Toledo; Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Smith and Carrie Smith, of Tama; Messrs, and Mesdames W.C. Jenkins, Jas. Skeels, R.F. Watson, G.W. Case, and S.D. Dunlap of Grinnell; Mr. and Mrs. John Slaymaker, Charles Hawkins and Mr. and Mrs. Alva Slaymaker of Ladora.

To the bereaved wife and sorrowing friends is tendered the earnest sympaty of the entire community in their great sorrow.