Arthur W Parkhurst
Submitted by Herman R "Buck" Seibert Jr. April 8, 2012
Cincinnati Enquirer, September 24, 1906, page 10
TICKETS GIVEN BY PAWNBROKERS
MAY IDENTIFY MYSTERIOUS MAN WHOSE DEAD BODY WAS FOUND BACK OF NEWPORT
A couple of pawnbrokers tickets may disclose the identity of the man whose badly decomposed remains were found in a thicket at the site of what is known as the Twelve Mile Pike, in Campbell County Ky. at a point between the home of Nick Chalk and the Catholic Church on the farm of Henry Chalk, yesterday afternoon by a son of the latter.
The body was that of a man apparently 5 feet 10 inches in height, who would weigh about 175 pounds. Death had ensued at least two weeks ago, for the flesh was dropping from the bones. A fine Smith & Wesson thirty-two caliber revolver lay at his side and one chamber, empty, would indicate that the stranger had committed suicide. He wore a dark suit of clothes of fine texture, a gray traveling cap and a fancy vest. His hosiery and shoes were of the best, indicating that the deceased had been rather fastidious in regard to matters of dress.
After Chalk was notified of the find made by his son he notified Coroner Digby, who took charge of the corpse. It was in such a state that he at once ordered it interred where it was found as it was impossible to move it. He then took charge of the effects. The only thing that may lead to the identification of the dead man and the clearing up of the mystery surrounding his death are the pawn tickets. One is on the shop of Harry Goldblatt and calls for $2 on a set ring. This ticket is badly blurred by moisture. The other ticket is on the store of Sam Phillips and calls for $2.80. The articles specified are an oval face filled watch, plain, Parkhurst and a silver matchbox. The number of this ticket 7140 and the date is August 31, 1906.
Several persons residing in the vicinity of the
Chalk farm think they saw the stranger about two weeks ago and the Chalks say
that he stopped there on hot day and asked for and was given a drink of water.
He seemed morose and sullen and did not even return thanks for the drink.
No more attention was paid to him. The spot were the body was found is an
unfrequented one and had it not been for the awful stench, it is not likely that
it would have been discovered. The odor became so overpowering when the
wind was blowing in certain directions that members of the Chalk family
yesterday instituted a search, with the result as above stated.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cincinnati Enquirer, September 25, 1906, page 7
LOVING LETTER FROM DAUGHTER
DID NOT DETER PARKHURST FROM COMMITTING SUICIDE-IDENTIFICATION IS MADE COMPLETE
The mystery as to the identity of the suicide, whose horribly decomposed remains were found in a thicket at the side of the road on Twelve Mile pike, near Gubser Mill in Campbell County was cleared up late last night. Coroner Digby at midnight sent word to the relatives of the dead man, who proved to be Arthur W Parkhurst, a mechanical engineer, who from from letters found among his effects, was able to command a salary of $2000 per annum. His specialty was evidently automobile work although he had been in the employ of the Westinghouse and other large manufacturing concerns in different parts of the United States.
His mother resides at Amherst N H and he had a daughter, Wynona, at Milford N H. Among his effects is a suitcase filled with correspondence, both from his relatives and of a business nature. Among the latter are many faltering offers of good positions. One letter written by his daughter Wynona on May 16 last, indicates that Parkhurst had threatened to commit suicide and had even written to his daughter in that strain. In his daughter's letter, she says:
"Dear Papa; I was very much hurt by your letter. When you write in that strain it makes me feel dreadfully. It seems as though I had trouble enough without having your suicide to shame and sadden me all my life. I don't feel as though any one would garnishee your wages and I would not leave just for fear of that, or until I got something else. Please try to be more cheerful, for I feel sure it will all come out right in the end. Yours will lots of love, Wynona"
There is another letter from Parkhurst's mother written in the same strain. Coroner Digby learned that Parkhurst had been stopping at the Washburn Hotel in Cumminsville. He went there last night and secured Parkhurst's effects, which were contained in a large trunk and a suitcase. The trunk was filled with fine clothing. Coroner Digby learned that Parkhurst went to work for the Lodge & Shipley Company August 2 (??) and that he left there September 1 after collected $30 pay. He was seen drinking downtown September 2 and was also seen in California Ky. He was lately in the employ of the Locomobile Company at Bridgeport, Conn.
Coroner Digby redeemed his watch and seal ring that he pawned in Cincinnati. He also collected $8 wages due him from the Lodge & Shipley Company. Receipts for premiums paid indicate that his wife is entitled to a policy for $1000 in the National Life Insurance Company of Montpelier and which is at present in the custody of that company. Parkhurst having made a loan on it.