Charles Pender 1872 - 1902

PENDER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/18/2001 at 19:04:30

Charles Pender was born, in Bonaparte, Io., March 3, 1872; died Nov. 21, 1902, aged 30 years, 8 months and 18 days.

The citizens of our city were in expressibly shocked last Friday afternoon, when the startling intelligence was passed from mouth to mouth that Charles Pender was dead. Deceased had, apparently been in the best of health when last seen by all, but the friends in whose company he had been and the sudden visitation with no warning whatever proved conclusively that in life we are in death. The facts which developed at the inquest held at Squire Hogan's office in the evening developed the following which we give in a narrative form, taking the substance from the testimony given.

Deceased in company with Dr. Percival met Charles McKinney and Gideon Bailey in front of Boyer & Perkins meat market on the morning of November 21 and the quartet entered the doctor's office, as Mr. Bailey had some dental work which required the doctor's attention. Deceased was carrying two small packages, one of which was sausage for his pet cat. While the boys were talking Chas. remarked that he would take the meat home and return as he wished to see them. The dental work completed, Bailey and McKinney repaired to the mill yard, procured their horse and drove down Front street in search of Chas. He was found and entering the buggy the boys drove onto the bridge, returning a moment later to town. The purpose for which the return was made accomplished, the boys started across the river again and it was then that Chas. announced his intention of, accompanying them home. Deceased was always a friendly sort of a fellow and his propisition [sic] was gladly met by his companions.

On arriving at Vernon the boys separated to reunite a half hour later. The boys, on the way up, had promised to return with Chas. to this city and sometime after dinner the journey home and subsequently to his death was begun. Chas. seemed to be in this usual genial mood and all went well until, in the hollow of this side of Hornbaker's place, Chas. attempted to descend from the buggy and in doing so he fell or partially fell. McKinney cried, " Pender is dead, " and Bailey hurried to the assistance of the stricken man. Help was summoned and one, Toot Cass, came to their aid. He seemed to revive in a short space of time and while peculiar blue tint was noticed in the ears and face no real apprehension was felt as he seemed to rally after vomiting freely. But after the fall a change came and in place of his free talk his voice became thick and his actions "groggy" It was deemed best to take him home and the start was made. When nearing the Saddler ice house just west of the bridge, [next line missing] or would camp right here. They then decided to leave him at the ice house and go for help as his condition seemed helpless.

At the east end of the ice house a blanket was spread and Chas. was laid thereon and his companions came on to town and ask Harry Ziegenfus to go. Harry was unable to do so, as he was busy at the hotel Landlord Sharp being ill and he told them to get Elery Steadman. Before finding the latter the boys stopped at the restaurant and ate a bowl of soup and sometime later found Elery and returned to the comrade.

As soon as they drew near enough the saw that he was in a very bad way, one remarking that he was dead, but Steadman said no, and examination showed a slight pulsation of the heart. Steadman unloosened the clothing of the sufferer and he and Bailey drove rapidly for physician and returned a few moments later with Dr. Cresap who after a brief examination pronounced him dead. This ends the testimony.

It was not until the return of the physician that the terrible news was flashed over town.

Squire Hogan immediately took charge of the body and deputized Jack Morris who immediately empaneled [sic] a jury and an examination of the conditions surrounding the case were briefly made, after which the remains were placed in charge of Brewster & Page, undertakers, and borne to the home.

On the arrival at the house, the jury went into session over the body and assisted by the Physicians an exhaustive examination was made which resulted in the findings of no marks whatsoever, that would indicate that the death had been of a violent nature. Adjournment was then taken until 7 p.m. when the formal inquest was begun. The examination of the witnesses lasted until after 12 and was resumed at 10 a.m. Saturday when additional testimony was heard.

The testimony of the doctors was, in effect, that deceased came to his death through appoplexy [sic], probably brought on by his effort in descending from the buggy and the subsequent exertion to save himself from the fall.

The verdict of the jury was substantially the same.

The jury was composed of the following persons: Justice Hogan, presiding; J. M. Sweeney, foreman; C. S. Percival and A. A. Smith; J. N. McDavitt, stenographer; Drs. Cresap and Young, assistants; Jack Morris, special officer. A witnesses were: Gideon Bailey, Elery Steadman, Chas. McKinney, Drs. Cresap and Young and Toot Cass.

Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, the last sad rights were consummated and a large number of friends congregated to play tribute and for the last time gaze upon the face of one who had ever been a friend.

The casket was resting in the northeast parlor and here the brief ceremony, but one full of hope for the future and consolation to the bereaved ones, was carried out, Rev. Ayrault officiating.

The casket was then carried from the home and, followed by the friends, was born to the cemetery and laid to rest in the family lot.

Mr. and Mrs. Pender wish to thank the people of Bonaparte for the sympathy and kindest extended during their recent bereavement.

Source: Entler Scrapbooks, vol. 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA