Iowa Old Press

Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, Jackson County, Iowa
May 13, 1909

Commits Suicide - Chas. E. Rich Visits Maquoketa After Many Years and Shoots Himself Over Grave of Parents.
A Premeditated Act.

A sensation was occasioned in this city Tuesday morning when J. E. Pangborn, the sexton of Mt. Hope cemetery, reported that he had found the body of a well-dressed man lying dead upon the graves of the Chas. Rich family. It attracted many to the cemetery and the man was quickly identified as Chas. E. Rich, Jr., who was born and reared in Maquoketa but left here about 25 or more years ago. His head was pierced with a bullet from a 38 caliber revolver which entered the forehead above the right eye and came out of the back of the skull. It must have caused instant death. His Derby hat laid beside him and he still held the revolver-grasped in his right hand tucked under his overcoat and over his breast. The body was after a few hours removed by order of the Coroner. Dr. J. O . Ristine, to R. F. Hayes undertaking parlors where an inquest was held Tuesday evening before a coroner’s jury.

Herbert Pangborn, sexton of Mt. Hope cemetery, testified that when he went to work at 8 a.m. he found the body lying across the head of Chas. Rich’s grave and partly on Thos. Wright’s lot. Saw one hand was black with powder and hole in forehead and later observed revolver in his hand under overcoat. G. J. Nairn went to the cemetery on request of sexton and testified he saw deceased lying on grave with revolver grasped in hand, hold in head and hand burned. J. A. Wherry testified that deceased came to Decker House at 6 p.m. Monday and registered as Chas. E. Rich, Grand Forks, N. D., paid $2.00 for day’s board, and had no baggage. He remained at hotel over night and had no breakfast Earl Palmer, clerk at Decker House, testified that deceased stayed all night at hotel. Had him ring Foster to his room where latter remained about half hour. Rich left hotel 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, and had no breakfast. Bottle found in room.

Thos J. Hays, station agent, testified that deceased is Chas. E. Rich. saw him last (Monday) evening about 7:45, came into office and asked if I knew who he was. Did not at first know him but in talking with him he made himself known as Chas. E. Rich. Had no baggage, seemed happy and glad to be in old town again. Walked up town with him and spent an hour or so visiting with him.

Jas. W. Buchanan, who resided to the old Rich homestead on the bill, testified that he saw deceased Tuesday morning about 7 o’clock a.m. in front of his house; was viewing the place. Had come from the south, crossed the street and sat down. As Mr. Buchanan started for Goodenow’s to get milk, man walked southward toward cemetery and entered it; shortly afterward heard a shot. West to cemetery and saw same man lying dead upon grave of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rich and was lying on his left side blood running out from above right eye, hand was powder burned. I own what is known as the Chas. Rich house.

On the person of deceased was found three letters addressed to Chas. E. Rich, Grand Forks, N. D., a purse containing $3.92. In change $10 in currency, three handkerchiefs, bunch of keys, two combs, memoranda book, two checks for $25.00 each, signed Geo. F. Rich; receipt for lodge dues for $5.00, key to combination lock, card Y. M. C. A., knife, pair gloves, three lead pencils, gold watch and chain, revolver and 13 cartridges, tobacco and cigars, ring on finger.

The Verdict.
State of Iowa, Jackson county, ss:
At an inquisition held at Maquoketa in said county on the 11th day of May, 1909, before Jas. O. Ristine, coroner of said Jackson county, Iowa, upon the body of Chas. E. Rich, there lying dead, by the jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed the said jurors upon their oath do say: We do find that said deceased came to his death by a shot from a pistol fired by his own hands.
In testimony whereof, the said jurors have hereunto set their hands this 11th day of may. 1909.
W. C. GREGORY,
GEO. L. MITCHELL,
JAS. W. ELLIS,
Jurors,

A Letter to Sexton.
After the above action had been taken Tuesday evening’s mall brought to the sexton of Mt. Hope cemetery, the following letter;
Briggs House, Chicago.
May 10, 1909.
Mr. Pangborn: You will find my body on the lot of Chas. Rich in Mt. Hope cemetery. Upon finding please notify Geo. F. Rich, Grand Forks, N. D., and dig grave on our lot. Order coffin and put body in, awaiting further instructions from him. He will pay what burial expenses are incurred. The case is one of suicide and no one is responsible for it but myself. CHAS. E. RICH.

The above letter shows that the death of Chas. Rich was a premeditated, self-planned suicide. He told T. J. Hayes that he had been to Chicago on a business trip and concluded that on his way back to Grand Forks he would stop here for a couple days’ visit and to see the old home. He further made Mr. Hayes promise he would go out driving with him Tuesday morning and see the city. While Mr. Hayes was waiting he heard of the suicide. Mr. Rich had grown quiet stout, was a good talker, and had the air of a thrifty business man.

He was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Rich and was born in Maquoketa in 1861. Educated in the schools of Maquoketa he learned telegraphy in young manhood and became one of the most proficient of operators, and was placed in charge of important offices at an early age. He left Maquoketa in the eighties and was for a long time in the Western Union offices at the board of trade in Chicago. He was twice married, death separating him from his wives. Two accomplished daughters survive him, one of whom is the star in a successful dramatic company. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Hattie Harrington, and brother George of Grand Forks, and a brother Burt in Chicago. Mrs. B. A. Spencer and E. D. Rich of Maquoketa are cousins.

The near relatives were apprised of the death by wire and arrived here last evening. The funeral will take place at 10:30 a.m. this Thursday, May 13th.

[transcribed by K.W., May 2009]

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