Jackson County IA Archives Obituaries.....Rich, Charles E. May 11, 1909
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Ken Wright kenneth565@aol.com October 27, 2009, 9:11 pm

Jackson Sentinel, May 13, 1909
Jackson Sentinel
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.


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