BARKER, Charles H. (1868-1891)

BARKER

Posted By: Lois Shaul (email)
Date: 6/13/2020 at 21:33:32

Charles H. Barker
(January 18, 1868 - June 2, 1891)

Red Oak Express, June 5, 1891, Despondency and Suicide.
Early Tuesday morning a report spread rapidly that a man had committed suicide at the depot by shooting, Investigation developed the fact that at about 2 O'clock on the morning a young man who had been sitting in the gentlemen's waiting room for some time awaiting the westward bound train, had suddenly drawn a revolver and shot himself through the heart. Night watchmen Windle and Dad Locke and one or two others who were present at the time, were started by the report, and turning around they saw the man sitting on one of the benches, the revolver in one hand and the blue smoke rising from his breast. They rushed to him and laid him on the floor but death had been instantaneous. Coroner McFatrich was promptly notified and on his arrival the remains were conveyed to the baggage room. Later they were taken in charge by Undertaker Hersman and embalmed.
From letters found on the body it was learned that the mans name was Charles H. Barker. His parents live at Lacona and a brother and sister at Liberty Center, Warren county. They were notified by telegram, and late at night the father came after the remains of his son.
The true cause of the young mans rash act is attributed to despondency growing out of unrequited love. Last summer he worked for A.P. Wookey, near Hawthorne, and this spring has had charge of the farm work for Mrs. Alex Corbett. He is well spoken of by all who knew him. He had determined on taking his life, for on Saturday night at Hawthorne he took a dose of laudanum with suicidal intent. He was under the effects of the drug until Sunday night. Monday he came to Red Oak, bought a draft for $100 at the State Savings bank and a ticket for Cheyenne, Wyo. These with about $15 in money were found upon his person. His determination to shoot himself was evidently made while waiting for the train which was to take him west.