The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
12 Mar 1943, Fri • Page 1 & 3
C.N. Southwood Found Dead
WELL-KNOWN MAN DIES OF SLASHED WRISTS, STABBING; VERDICT SUICIDE
An aura of mystery surrounds the death of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, hardware merchant, found at 9 :30 o'clock this morning on the Second street dump, though a coroner's jury returned a verdict of suicide.
The man with throat cut, both wrists slashed, and four small stab wounds above the heart was discovered by Henry Kidd, resident of that section who investigated the barking of his dog.
He was identified by Police Chief Tom Clark and Sheriff John McGinnis, who accompanied Clark at the latter's request since the dead man was found outside the city limits.
Mr. South wood's muddy hat, several papers, and his watch were found. He was lying on his back.
A trail of blood, said to show evidences of a struggle of some nature, extended over Second street on Duncan's Hill, and across the creek.
Hand and kneeprints were on the south bank of the creek leading to the fence next to which the man was found. The spot is about 50 yards west of a frame building, beyond the creek bank;.
A coroner's jury composed of John Nave, foreman, Denny Young, Charles Kidd, J. C. Blair, Oscar Graham, and W. M. Ware, found at the inquest that the man came to his death by his own hand. When questioned following the inquest, Sheriff McGinnis stated: "We feel confident that Mr. Southwood killed himself, but we shall continue to investigate the matter."
He said he planned to talk to Mrs. Southwood as soon as she recovered from the shock of the tragedy, to learn if Mr. Southwood had been despondent.
Friends advanced the theory that he was murdered. Coroner J. W. Edwards reported in a press interview that an icepick had been found near the scene. As far as could be learned no other weapon was located.
Attention was called to the fact that it would be difficult for a person to inflict the peculiar wounds as they were made. Papers found on the body included a penciled item referring to a substantial amount of cash placed in bank.
Mr. Southwood, a native of Monticello, Wayne County, came to Danville about forty years ago. An employee of the Chesnut-Salter-Best Company for about 18 years, he was later in business for himself approximately 23 years.
Survivors, in addition to the widow, include two children by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray H. Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. W. Steeley, Lexington. Other-children are Private June Southwood, 25, Camp Sibert, Alabama, who was scheduled to arrive here this afternoon; Lieutenant Howard Southwood, 22, stationed at Pendleton, Oregon; Dorothy, 20; Leonard, 18, and Gene, 16. The two youngest children are students at Danville high school.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed pending the arrival of Private South-wood.
*****
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
15 Mar 1943, Mon • Page 1
JUNE SOUTHWOOS BELIEVES FATHER WAS MURDERED
ASKS FOR EXTENSION OF ARMY LEAVE TO CONTINUE PROBE OF DEATH; VERDICT WAS SUICIDE
Private June South wood, son of the late C. N. South-wood, today requested that the Advocate-Messenger publicly announce that he and members of the family do not feel that Mr. Southwood committed suicide.
Sheriff John McGinnis made a statement to the contrary on Saturday.
The son states that he made an investigation with Sheriff McGinnis but was not satisfied that his father took his life.
The soldier, who is stationed at Camp Sibert, Alabama, leaves Wednesday to resume his duties unless his request for an extension of leave is honored, he said.
He has asked for more time from Army officials in order that a further investigation can be made.
Southwood is convinced that there was a definite motive for murder and that a theory of murder can be supported by the facts by the case, according to his statement today.
***********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 17, 1943 - Page 1
INCOME TAX WORRIES CAUSED SUICIDE, BELIEF
SHERIFF MCGINNIS INTERVIEWS WIDOW, RETRACES MOVEMENTS SOUTHWOOD PRIOR TO DEATH
Income tax worries and ill health were suggested as the possible reasons for the suicide of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, year old local hardware dealer, whose body was found on the Second Street dump about 9:30 o’clock Friday morning, Sheriff John McGinnis said Saturday after he had interviewed Mrs. Southwood the previous afternoon.
A check of Mr. Southwood’s movements revealed that he left home at 8 o’clock Thursday night starting over Second street north towards town, after telling his wife he wished to “check up on things down town,” presumably at his store.
Sheriff Mcginnis , after a study of the Second Street territory, near the dump where Mr. Southwood’s body was found, has established the following facts: The man stopped just before arriving at the intersection of Duncan Hill and Second Street, and cut himself, as was proved by a trickle of blood on the pavement.
Coming north on Second there was a pool of blood, and continuing along the highway toward the bridge two thin streams of blood about 3 feet apart, as though the man had walked along holding his bleeding wrists apart from his sides.
At the south end of the bridge, just before descending the bank toward the creek, the man apparently clung to a pole, which showed evidence that he was bleeding profusely.
He scrambled down the bank and entered the cold creek waters which he waded eastward for about 300 yards. Knee and handprints plainly visible indicated that he climbed the bank at- this point, circled the field and climbed a fence to the dump, where he apparently I fell upon his back.
Private June Southwood, 25, who arrived late Friday from Camp Sibert, Alabama, retraced his father's movements with Sheriff McGinnis, who reported the young man concluded his father had taken his life.
An investigation of the where abouts of Mr. Southwood's car and truck, disclosed that both vehicles were in a garage at his store.
A statement carried on Saturday Morning by state papers to the effect that his car was I found “within the vicinity of Danville” was misleading. Other facts included in the story were erroneous.
A native of Wayne county, Mr. Southwood is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Yeakey Southwood: two daughters by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. Wesley Steeley, Lexington; and June, Howard, Leonard, Dorothy, and Clara Jean, all residents of Danville, with the two oldest sons in service in Alabama and Oregon respectively; and three sisters, Mrs! Cicero Horton, and Miss Southwood, of Frisby, Kentucky, and Mrs. Johnson, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.
He was a Baptist.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock, on , Sunday afternoon at the Stith Funeral Home, with Dr. E. A. Petroff, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiateing.
Active casket-bearers will be Leslie Southwood, Louis Southwood, Weslry Steeley, Goocg Yeakey, William Yeakey, and Louis Yeakey.
Interment will be in Bellevue cemetery.
*******
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
17 Mar 1943, Wed • Page 1
MCGINNIS Offers $50 Reward In Southwood Death
To Be Paid For Arrest, Conviction Of Murderer, If Any
"In view of the existing difference of opinion as to the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood," Sheriff John McGinnis today offered a reward of fifty dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing Mr. Southwood.
The man's body was found last Friday morning at the edge of the city dump on Second street, with slashed wrists and throat, and stab wounds.
A coroner's jury reached the verdict that he came to his death by his own hand.
Private June Southwood, a son announced that he and his family did not feel that his father committed suicide. After an investigation with the sheriff the young man requested an extension of his leave from Camp Sibert, Alabama, to continue his investigation into the death of his father.
The notice follows:
"Notice of Reward
''In view of the existing difference of opinion as the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood, I am hereby offering a reward of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing said C.N. Southwood. '"J. C. McGinnis,
"Sheriff of Boyle County."
**********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
02 Apr 1943, Fri • Page 1
STATE OFFICER INVESTIGATES S0UTHW00D CASE
Says Death Resulted From Self-Inflicted Wounds --McGinnis
Lieut. Charles Wilson, state investigator and fingerprint expert, Frankfort, was in Danville yesterday investigating the C. N. Southwood case, it was learned ; today.
The officer made a complete investigation of the case and announced that he could find no clues pointing to murder, Sheriff John McGinnis stated.
After talking to persons interested in the case who felt that the Danville businessman had been murdered, the officer went over all the facts which were available and said it was his beliefthat the man had taken his life, the sheriff said.
Sheriff McGinnis and Deputy A. J. Coffey accompanied Lient. Wilson on his investigation.
The sheriff had previously offered a reward of $50.00 for information leading to the conviction of anyone of the murder of Mr. Southwood.
Sheriff McGinnis had expressed a belief from the first investigation that death resulted from self-inflected wounds.
*************
Charles R Southwood in the Kentucky, Death Records, 1852-1965
Name: Charles R Southwood
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 63
Birth Date: 11 Dec 1879
Birth Place: Wayne, Kentucky, USA
Death Date: 12 Mar 1943
Death Place: Boyle, Kentucky, USA
Father: John Southwood
Mother: Mollie Haynes
Spouse: Mary Yeakey Southwood
********************************
**NOTE ON BIRTH DATE***1900 United States Census shows he is 14 years old (would make him born in 1886)1910 United States Census shows he is 25 years old (would make him born in 1885)1920 United States Census shows he is 32 years old (would make him born in 1888)1930 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1890)1940 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1883)His death Certificate shows he was born in 1879.The articles show he is 59 years old at the time of death which would make him born in 1884.
He was born at some time between 1883 and 1890, I am leaving the memorial to match death certificate for the time being.
Danville, Kentucky
12 Mar 1943, Fri • Page 1 & 3
C.N. Southwood Found Dead
WELL-KNOWN MAN DIES OF SLASHED WRISTS, STABBING; VERDICT SUICIDE
An aura of mystery surrounds the death of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, hardware merchant, found at 9 :30 o'clock this morning on the Second street dump, though a coroner's jury returned a verdict of suicide.
The man with throat cut, both wrists slashed, and four small stab wounds above the heart was discovered by Henry Kidd, resident of that section who investigated the barking of his dog.
He was identified by Police Chief Tom Clark and Sheriff John McGinnis, who accompanied Clark at the latter's request since the dead man was found outside the city limits.
Mr. South wood's muddy hat, several papers, and his watch were found. He was lying on his back.
A trail of blood, said to show evidences of a struggle of some nature, extended over Second street on Duncan's Hill, and across the creek.
Hand and kneeprints were on the south bank of the creek leading to the fence next to which the man was found. The spot is about 50 yards west of a frame building, beyond the creek bank;.
A coroner's jury composed of John Nave, foreman, Denny Young, Charles Kidd, J. C. Blair, Oscar Graham, and W. M. Ware, found at the inquest that the man came to his death by his own hand. When questioned following the inquest, Sheriff McGinnis stated: "We feel confident that Mr. Southwood killed himself, but we shall continue to investigate the matter."
He said he planned to talk to Mrs. Southwood as soon as she recovered from the shock of the tragedy, to learn if Mr. Southwood had been despondent.
Friends advanced the theory that he was murdered. Coroner J. W. Edwards reported in a press interview that an icepick had been found near the scene. As far as could be learned no other weapon was located.
Attention was called to the fact that it would be difficult for a person to inflict the peculiar wounds as they were made. Papers found on the body included a penciled item referring to a substantial amount of cash placed in bank.
Mr. Southwood, a native of Monticello, Wayne County, came to Danville about forty years ago. An employee of the Chesnut-Salter-Best Company for about 18 years, he was later in business for himself approximately 23 years.
Survivors, in addition to the widow, include two children by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray H. Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. W. Steeley, Lexington. Other-children are Private June Southwood, 25, Camp Sibert, Alabama, who was scheduled to arrive here this afternoon; Lieutenant Howard Southwood, 22, stationed at Pendleton, Oregon; Dorothy, 20; Leonard, 18, and Gene, 16. The two youngest children are students at Danville high school.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed pending the arrival of Private South-wood.
*****
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
15 Mar 1943, Mon • Page 1
JUNE SOUTHWOOS BELIEVES FATHER WAS MURDERED
ASKS FOR EXTENSION OF ARMY LEAVE TO CONTINUE PROBE OF DEATH; VERDICT WAS SUICIDE
Private June South wood, son of the late C. N. South-wood, today requested that the Advocate-Messenger publicly announce that he and members of the family do not feel that Mr. Southwood committed suicide.
Sheriff John McGinnis made a statement to the contrary on Saturday.
The son states that he made an investigation with Sheriff McGinnis but was not satisfied that his father took his life.
The soldier, who is stationed at Camp Sibert, Alabama, leaves Wednesday to resume his duties unless his request for an extension of leave is honored, he said.
He has asked for more time from Army officials in order that a further investigation can be made.
Southwood is convinced that there was a definite motive for murder and that a theory of murder can be supported by the facts by the case, according to his statement today.
***********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 17, 1943 - Page 1
INCOME TAX WORRIES CAUSED SUICIDE, BELIEF
SHERIFF MCGINNIS INTERVIEWS WIDOW, RETRACES MOVEMENTS SOUTHWOOD PRIOR TO DEATH
Income tax worries and ill health were suggested as the possible reasons for the suicide of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, year old local hardware dealer, whose body was found on the Second Street dump about 9:30 o’clock Friday morning, Sheriff John McGinnis said Saturday after he had interviewed Mrs. Southwood the previous afternoon.
A check of Mr. Southwood’s movements revealed that he left home at 8 o’clock Thursday night starting over Second street north towards town, after telling his wife he wished to “check up on things down town,” presumably at his store.
Sheriff Mcginnis , after a study of the Second Street territory, near the dump where Mr. Southwood’s body was found, has established the following facts: The man stopped just before arriving at the intersection of Duncan Hill and Second Street, and cut himself, as was proved by a trickle of blood on the pavement.
Coming north on Second there was a pool of blood, and continuing along the highway toward the bridge two thin streams of blood about 3 feet apart, as though the man had walked along holding his bleeding wrists apart from his sides.
At the south end of the bridge, just before descending the bank toward the creek, the man apparently clung to a pole, which showed evidence that he was bleeding profusely.
He scrambled down the bank and entered the cold creek waters which he waded eastward for about 300 yards. Knee and handprints plainly visible indicated that he climbed the bank at- this point, circled the field and climbed a fence to the dump, where he apparently I fell upon his back.
Private June Southwood, 25, who arrived late Friday from Camp Sibert, Alabama, retraced his father's movements with Sheriff McGinnis, who reported the young man concluded his father had taken his life.
An investigation of the where abouts of Mr. Southwood's car and truck, disclosed that both vehicles were in a garage at his store.
A statement carried on Saturday Morning by state papers to the effect that his car was I found “within the vicinity of Danville” was misleading. Other facts included in the story were erroneous.
A native of Wayne county, Mr. Southwood is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Yeakey Southwood: two daughters by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. Wesley Steeley, Lexington; and June, Howard, Leonard, Dorothy, and Clara Jean, all residents of Danville, with the two oldest sons in service in Alabama and Oregon respectively; and three sisters, Mrs! Cicero Horton, and Miss Southwood, of Frisby, Kentucky, and Mrs. Johnson, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.
He was a Baptist.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock, on , Sunday afternoon at the Stith Funeral Home, with Dr. E. A. Petroff, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiateing.
Active casket-bearers will be Leslie Southwood, Louis Southwood, Weslry Steeley, Goocg Yeakey, William Yeakey, and Louis Yeakey.
Interment will be in Bellevue cemetery.
*******
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
17 Mar 1943, Wed • Page 1
MCGINNIS Offers $50 Reward In Southwood Death
To Be Paid For Arrest, Conviction Of Murderer, If Any
"In view of the existing difference of opinion as to the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood," Sheriff John McGinnis today offered a reward of fifty dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing Mr. Southwood.
The man's body was found last Friday morning at the edge of the city dump on Second street, with slashed wrists and throat, and stab wounds.
A coroner's jury reached the verdict that he came to his death by his own hand.
Private June Southwood, a son announced that he and his family did not feel that his father committed suicide. After an investigation with the sheriff the young man requested an extension of his leave from Camp Sibert, Alabama, to continue his investigation into the death of his father.
The notice follows:
"Notice of Reward
''In view of the existing difference of opinion as the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood, I am hereby offering a reward of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing said C.N. Southwood. '"J. C. McGinnis,
"Sheriff of Boyle County."
**********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
02 Apr 1943, Fri • Page 1
STATE OFFICER INVESTIGATES S0UTHW00D CASE
Says Death Resulted From Self-Inflicted Wounds --McGinnis
Lieut. Charles Wilson, state investigator and fingerprint expert, Frankfort, was in Danville yesterday investigating the C. N. Southwood case, it was learned ; today.
The officer made a complete investigation of the case and announced that he could find no clues pointing to murder, Sheriff John McGinnis stated.
After talking to persons interested in the case who felt that the Danville businessman had been murdered, the officer went over all the facts which were available and said it was his beliefthat the man had taken his life, the sheriff said.
Sheriff McGinnis and Deputy A. J. Coffey accompanied Lient. Wilson on his investigation.
The sheriff had previously offered a reward of $50.00 for information leading to the conviction of anyone of the murder of Mr. Southwood.
Sheriff McGinnis had expressed a belief from the first investigation that death resulted from self-inflected wounds.
*************
Charles R Southwood in the Kentucky, Death Records, 1852-1965
Name: Charles R Southwood
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 63
Birth Date: 11 Dec 1879
Birth Place: Wayne, Kentucky, USA
Death Date: 12 Mar 1943
Death Place: Boyle, Kentucky, USA
Father: John Southwood
Mother: Mollie Haynes
Spouse: Mary Yeakey Southwood
********************************
**NOTE ON BIRTH DATE***1900 United States Census shows he is 14 years old (would make him born in 1886)1910 United States Census shows he is 25 years old (would make him born in 1885)1920 United States Census shows he is 32 years old (would make him born in 1888)1930 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1890)1940 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1883)His death Certificate shows he was born in 1879.The articles show he is 59 years old at the time of death which would make him born in 1884.
He was born at some time between 1883 and 1890, I am leaving the memorial to match death certificate for the time being.
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
12 Mar 1943, Fri • Page 1 & 3
C.N. Southwood Found Dead
WELL-KNOWN MAN DIES OF SLASHED WRISTS, STABBING; VERDICT SUICIDE
An aura of mystery surrounds the death of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, hardware merchant, found at 9 :30 o'clock this morning on the Second street dump, though a coroner's jury returned a verdict of suicide.
The man with throat cut, both wrists slashed, and four small stab wounds above the heart was discovered by Henry Kidd, resident of that section who investigated the barking of his dog.
He was identified by Police Chief Tom Clark and Sheriff John McGinnis, who accompanied Clark at the latter's request since the dead man was found outside the city limits.
Mr. South wood's muddy hat, several papers, and his watch were found. He was lying on his back.
A trail of blood, said to show evidences of a struggle of some nature, extended over Second street on Duncan's Hill, and across the creek.
Hand and kneeprints were on the south bank of the creek leading to the fence next to which the man was found. The spot is about 50 yards west of a frame building, beyond the creek bank;.
A coroner's jury composed of John Nave, foreman, Denny Young, Charles Kidd, J. C. Blair, Oscar Graham, and W. M. Ware, found at the inquest that the man came to his death by his own hand. When questioned following the inquest, Sheriff McGinnis stated: "We feel confident that Mr. Southwood killed himself, but we shall continue to investigate the matter."
He said he planned to talk to Mrs. Southwood as soon as she recovered from the shock of the tragedy, to learn if Mr. Southwood had been despondent.
Friends advanced the theory that he was murdered. Coroner J. W. Edwards reported in a press interview that an icepick had been found near the scene. As far as could be learned no other weapon was located.
Attention was called to the fact that it would be difficult for a person to inflict the peculiar wounds as they were made. Papers found on the body included a penciled item referring to a substantial amount of cash placed in bank.
Mr. Southwood, a native of Monticello, Wayne County, came to Danville about forty years ago. An employee of the Chesnut-Salter-Best Company for about 18 years, he was later in business for himself approximately 23 years.
Survivors, in addition to the widow, include two children by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray H. Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. W. Steeley, Lexington. Other-children are Private June Southwood, 25, Camp Sibert, Alabama, who was scheduled to arrive here this afternoon; Lieutenant Howard Southwood, 22, stationed at Pendleton, Oregon; Dorothy, 20; Leonard, 18, and Gene, 16. The two youngest children are students at Danville high school.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed pending the arrival of Private South-wood.
*****
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
15 Mar 1943, Mon • Page 1
JUNE SOUTHWOOS BELIEVES FATHER WAS MURDERED
ASKS FOR EXTENSION OF ARMY LEAVE TO CONTINUE PROBE OF DEATH; VERDICT WAS SUICIDE
Private June South wood, son of the late C. N. South-wood, today requested that the Advocate-Messenger publicly announce that he and members of the family do not feel that Mr. Southwood committed suicide.
Sheriff John McGinnis made a statement to the contrary on Saturday.
The son states that he made an investigation with Sheriff McGinnis but was not satisfied that his father took his life.
The soldier, who is stationed at Camp Sibert, Alabama, leaves Wednesday to resume his duties unless his request for an extension of leave is honored, he said.
He has asked for more time from Army officials in order that a further investigation can be made.
Southwood is convinced that there was a definite motive for murder and that a theory of murder can be supported by the facts by the case, according to his statement today.
***********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 17, 1943 - Page 1
INCOME TAX WORRIES CAUSED SUICIDE, BELIEF
SHERIFF MCGINNIS INTERVIEWS WIDOW, RETRACES MOVEMENTS SOUTHWOOD PRIOR TO DEATH
Income tax worries and ill health were suggested as the possible reasons for the suicide of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, year old local hardware dealer, whose body was found on the Second Street dump about 9:30 o’clock Friday morning, Sheriff John McGinnis said Saturday after he had interviewed Mrs. Southwood the previous afternoon.
A check of Mr. Southwood’s movements revealed that he left home at 8 o’clock Thursday night starting over Second street north towards town, after telling his wife he wished to “check up on things down town,” presumably at his store.
Sheriff Mcginnis , after a study of the Second Street territory, near the dump where Mr. Southwood’s body was found, has established the following facts: The man stopped just before arriving at the intersection of Duncan Hill and Second Street, and cut himself, as was proved by a trickle of blood on the pavement.
Coming north on Second there was a pool of blood, and continuing along the highway toward the bridge two thin streams of blood about 3 feet apart, as though the man had walked along holding his bleeding wrists apart from his sides.
At the south end of the bridge, just before descending the bank toward the creek, the man apparently clung to a pole, which showed evidence that he was bleeding profusely.
He scrambled down the bank and entered the cold creek waters which he waded eastward for about 300 yards. Knee and handprints plainly visible indicated that he climbed the bank at- this point, circled the field and climbed a fence to the dump, where he apparently I fell upon his back.
Private June Southwood, 25, who arrived late Friday from Camp Sibert, Alabama, retraced his father's movements with Sheriff McGinnis, who reported the young man concluded his father had taken his life.
An investigation of the where abouts of Mr. Southwood's car and truck, disclosed that both vehicles were in a garage at his store.
A statement carried on Saturday Morning by state papers to the effect that his car was I found “within the vicinity of Danville” was misleading. Other facts included in the story were erroneous.
A native of Wayne county, Mr. Southwood is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Yeakey Southwood: two daughters by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. Wesley Steeley, Lexington; and June, Howard, Leonard, Dorothy, and Clara Jean, all residents of Danville, with the two oldest sons in service in Alabama and Oregon respectively; and three sisters, Mrs! Cicero Horton, and Miss Southwood, of Frisby, Kentucky, and Mrs. Johnson, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.
He was a Baptist.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock, on , Sunday afternoon at the Stith Funeral Home, with Dr. E. A. Petroff, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiateing.
Active casket-bearers will be Leslie Southwood, Louis Southwood, Weslry Steeley, Goocg Yeakey, William Yeakey, and Louis Yeakey.
Interment will be in Bellevue cemetery.
*******
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
17 Mar 1943, Wed • Page 1
MCGINNIS Offers $50 Reward In Southwood Death
To Be Paid For Arrest, Conviction Of Murderer, If Any
"In view of the existing difference of opinion as to the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood," Sheriff John McGinnis today offered a reward of fifty dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing Mr. Southwood.
The man's body was found last Friday morning at the edge of the city dump on Second street, with slashed wrists and throat, and stab wounds.
A coroner's jury reached the verdict that he came to his death by his own hand.
Private June Southwood, a son announced that he and his family did not feel that his father committed suicide. After an investigation with the sheriff the young man requested an extension of his leave from Camp Sibert, Alabama, to continue his investigation into the death of his father.
The notice follows:
"Notice of Reward
''In view of the existing difference of opinion as the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood, I am hereby offering a reward of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing said C.N. Southwood. '"J. C. McGinnis,
"Sheriff of Boyle County."
**********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
02 Apr 1943, Fri • Page 1
STATE OFFICER INVESTIGATES S0UTHW00D CASE
Says Death Resulted From Self-Inflicted Wounds --McGinnis
Lieut. Charles Wilson, state investigator and fingerprint expert, Frankfort, was in Danville yesterday investigating the C. N. Southwood case, it was learned ; today.
The officer made a complete investigation of the case and announced that he could find no clues pointing to murder, Sheriff John McGinnis stated.
After talking to persons interested in the case who felt that the Danville businessman had been murdered, the officer went over all the facts which were available and said it was his beliefthat the man had taken his life, the sheriff said.
Sheriff McGinnis and Deputy A. J. Coffey accompanied Lient. Wilson on his investigation.
The sheriff had previously offered a reward of $50.00 for information leading to the conviction of anyone of the murder of Mr. Southwood.
Sheriff McGinnis had expressed a belief from the first investigation that death resulted from self-inflected wounds.
*************
Charles R Southwood in the Kentucky, Death Records, 1852-1965
Name: Charles R Southwood
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 63
Birth Date: 11 Dec 1879
Birth Place: Wayne, Kentucky, USA
Death Date: 12 Mar 1943
Death Place: Boyle, Kentucky, USA
Father: John Southwood
Mother: Mollie Haynes
Spouse: Mary Yeakey Southwood
********************************
**NOTE ON BIRTH DATE***1900 United States Census shows he is 14 years old (would make him born in 1886)1910 United States Census shows he is 25 years old (would make him born in 1885)1920 United States Census shows he is 32 years old (would make him born in 1888)1930 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1890)1940 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1883)His death Certificate shows he was born in 1879.The articles show he is 59 years old at the time of death which would make him born in 1884.
He was born at some time between 1883 and 1890, I am leaving the memorial to match death certificate for the time being.
Danville, Kentucky
12 Mar 1943, Fri • Page 1 & 3
C.N. Southwood Found Dead
WELL-KNOWN MAN DIES OF SLASHED WRISTS, STABBING; VERDICT SUICIDE
An aura of mystery surrounds the death of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, hardware merchant, found at 9 :30 o'clock this morning on the Second street dump, though a coroner's jury returned a verdict of suicide.
The man with throat cut, both wrists slashed, and four small stab wounds above the heart was discovered by Henry Kidd, resident of that section who investigated the barking of his dog.
He was identified by Police Chief Tom Clark and Sheriff John McGinnis, who accompanied Clark at the latter's request since the dead man was found outside the city limits.
Mr. South wood's muddy hat, several papers, and his watch were found. He was lying on his back.
A trail of blood, said to show evidences of a struggle of some nature, extended over Second street on Duncan's Hill, and across the creek.
Hand and kneeprints were on the south bank of the creek leading to the fence next to which the man was found. The spot is about 50 yards west of a frame building, beyond the creek bank;.
A coroner's jury composed of John Nave, foreman, Denny Young, Charles Kidd, J. C. Blair, Oscar Graham, and W. M. Ware, found at the inquest that the man came to his death by his own hand. When questioned following the inquest, Sheriff McGinnis stated: "We feel confident that Mr. Southwood killed himself, but we shall continue to investigate the matter."
He said he planned to talk to Mrs. Southwood as soon as she recovered from the shock of the tragedy, to learn if Mr. Southwood had been despondent.
Friends advanced the theory that he was murdered. Coroner J. W. Edwards reported in a press interview that an icepick had been found near the scene. As far as could be learned no other weapon was located.
Attention was called to the fact that it would be difficult for a person to inflict the peculiar wounds as they were made. Papers found on the body included a penciled item referring to a substantial amount of cash placed in bank.
Mr. Southwood, a native of Monticello, Wayne County, came to Danville about forty years ago. An employee of the Chesnut-Salter-Best Company for about 18 years, he was later in business for himself approximately 23 years.
Survivors, in addition to the widow, include two children by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray H. Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. W. Steeley, Lexington. Other-children are Private June Southwood, 25, Camp Sibert, Alabama, who was scheduled to arrive here this afternoon; Lieutenant Howard Southwood, 22, stationed at Pendleton, Oregon; Dorothy, 20; Leonard, 18, and Gene, 16. The two youngest children are students at Danville high school.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed pending the arrival of Private South-wood.
*****
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
15 Mar 1943, Mon • Page 1
JUNE SOUTHWOOS BELIEVES FATHER WAS MURDERED
ASKS FOR EXTENSION OF ARMY LEAVE TO CONTINUE PROBE OF DEATH; VERDICT WAS SUICIDE
Private June South wood, son of the late C. N. South-wood, today requested that the Advocate-Messenger publicly announce that he and members of the family do not feel that Mr. Southwood committed suicide.
Sheriff John McGinnis made a statement to the contrary on Saturday.
The son states that he made an investigation with Sheriff McGinnis but was not satisfied that his father took his life.
The soldier, who is stationed at Camp Sibert, Alabama, leaves Wednesday to resume his duties unless his request for an extension of leave is honored, he said.
He has asked for more time from Army officials in order that a further investigation can be made.
Southwood is convinced that there was a definite motive for murder and that a theory of murder can be supported by the facts by the case, according to his statement today.
***********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
Wednesday, March 17, 1943 - Page 1
INCOME TAX WORRIES CAUSED SUICIDE, BELIEF
SHERIFF MCGINNIS INTERVIEWS WIDOW, RETRACES MOVEMENTS SOUTHWOOD PRIOR TO DEATH
Income tax worries and ill health were suggested as the possible reasons for the suicide of Charlie N. Southwood, 59, year old local hardware dealer, whose body was found on the Second Street dump about 9:30 o’clock Friday morning, Sheriff John McGinnis said Saturday after he had interviewed Mrs. Southwood the previous afternoon.
A check of Mr. Southwood’s movements revealed that he left home at 8 o’clock Thursday night starting over Second street north towards town, after telling his wife he wished to “check up on things down town,” presumably at his store.
Sheriff Mcginnis , after a study of the Second Street territory, near the dump where Mr. Southwood’s body was found, has established the following facts: The man stopped just before arriving at the intersection of Duncan Hill and Second Street, and cut himself, as was proved by a trickle of blood on the pavement.
Coming north on Second there was a pool of blood, and continuing along the highway toward the bridge two thin streams of blood about 3 feet apart, as though the man had walked along holding his bleeding wrists apart from his sides.
At the south end of the bridge, just before descending the bank toward the creek, the man apparently clung to a pole, which showed evidence that he was bleeding profusely.
He scrambled down the bank and entered the cold creek waters which he waded eastward for about 300 yards. Knee and handprints plainly visible indicated that he climbed the bank at- this point, circled the field and climbed a fence to the dump, where he apparently I fell upon his back.
Private June Southwood, 25, who arrived late Friday from Camp Sibert, Alabama, retraced his father's movements with Sheriff McGinnis, who reported the young man concluded his father had taken his life.
An investigation of the where abouts of Mr. Southwood's car and truck, disclosed that both vehicles were in a garage at his store.
A statement carried on Saturday Morning by state papers to the effect that his car was I found “within the vicinity of Danville” was misleading. Other facts included in the story were erroneous.
A native of Wayne county, Mr. Southwood is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary Yeakey Southwood: two daughters by a previous marriage, Mrs. Ray Wright, Hampton, Virginia, and Mrs. J. Wesley Steeley, Lexington; and June, Howard, Leonard, Dorothy, and Clara Jean, all residents of Danville, with the two oldest sons in service in Alabama and Oregon respectively; and three sisters, Mrs! Cicero Horton, and Miss Southwood, of Frisby, Kentucky, and Mrs. Johnson, of Rocky Ford, Colorado.
He was a Baptist.
Funeral services will be held at 3:30 o'clock, on , Sunday afternoon at the Stith Funeral Home, with Dr. E. A. Petroff, pastor of the First Baptist Church officiateing.
Active casket-bearers will be Leslie Southwood, Louis Southwood, Weslry Steeley, Goocg Yeakey, William Yeakey, and Louis Yeakey.
Interment will be in Bellevue cemetery.
*******
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
17 Mar 1943, Wed • Page 1
MCGINNIS Offers $50 Reward In Southwood Death
To Be Paid For Arrest, Conviction Of Murderer, If Any
"In view of the existing difference of opinion as to the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood," Sheriff John McGinnis today offered a reward of fifty dollars for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing Mr. Southwood.
The man's body was found last Friday morning at the edge of the city dump on Second street, with slashed wrists and throat, and stab wounds.
A coroner's jury reached the verdict that he came to his death by his own hand.
Private June Southwood, a son announced that he and his family did not feel that his father committed suicide. After an investigation with the sheriff the young man requested an extension of his leave from Camp Sibert, Alabama, to continue his investigation into the death of his father.
The notice follows:
"Notice of Reward
''In view of the existing difference of opinion as the cause of the death of C. N. Southwood, I am hereby offering a reward of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of anyone on the charge of killing said C.N. Southwood. '"J. C. McGinnis,
"Sheriff of Boyle County."
**********
The Advocate-Messenger
Danville, Kentucky
02 Apr 1943, Fri • Page 1
STATE OFFICER INVESTIGATES S0UTHW00D CASE
Says Death Resulted From Self-Inflicted Wounds --McGinnis
Lieut. Charles Wilson, state investigator and fingerprint expert, Frankfort, was in Danville yesterday investigating the C. N. Southwood case, it was learned ; today.
The officer made a complete investigation of the case and announced that he could find no clues pointing to murder, Sheriff John McGinnis stated.
After talking to persons interested in the case who felt that the Danville businessman had been murdered, the officer went over all the facts which were available and said it was his beliefthat the man had taken his life, the sheriff said.
Sheriff McGinnis and Deputy A. J. Coffey accompanied Lient. Wilson on his investigation.
The sheriff had previously offered a reward of $50.00 for information leading to the conviction of anyone of the murder of Mr. Southwood.
Sheriff McGinnis had expressed a belief from the first investigation that death resulted from self-inflected wounds.
*************
Charles R Southwood in the Kentucky, Death Records, 1852-1965
Name: Charles R Southwood
Gender: Male
Race: White
Death Age: 63
Birth Date: 11 Dec 1879
Birth Place: Wayne, Kentucky, USA
Death Date: 12 Mar 1943
Death Place: Boyle, Kentucky, USA
Father: John Southwood
Mother: Mollie Haynes
Spouse: Mary Yeakey Southwood
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**NOTE ON BIRTH DATE***1900 United States Census shows he is 14 years old (would make him born in 1886)1910 United States Census shows he is 25 years old (would make him born in 1885)1920 United States Census shows he is 32 years old (would make him born in 1888)1930 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1890)1940 United States Census shows he is 57years old (would make him born in 1883)His death Certificate shows he was born in 1879.The articles show he is 59 years old at the time of death which would make him born in 1884.
He was born at some time between 1883 and 1890, I am leaving the memorial to match death certificate for the time being.
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