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]