Charles S Howard
The Kentucky Post, Friday, January 10,
1908, page 5
Found Dead in Cabin of Launch
Charles S Howard, 66, who has been making his home in the launch "Rambler" moored at the foot of Columbia-st. Newport was found dead in his boat last night. The discovery was made by Patrolman Stapleton, after he had been notified by members of the Newport Boat Club that Howard had not been seen about his boat all day. Stapleton found the door of the little cabin so tightly locked and barred that he was compelled to take the door off its hinges.
The launch owner was found partly dressed lying on the floor, face downward in the middle of the boat, on which he made his home. Coroner Digby decided that death was due to apoplexy. The body was ordered to Betz's Morgue until relatives could be notified. Howard has a wife and son living in Pasadena, Cal. but has been separated from her for the past several years.
Coroner Digby found two cards which showed that he was a member in good standing in the K of P lodge in Pasadena and also a member of the Los Angeles (Cal.) G A R Post 55. Receipts were also found which showed he had six thousand shares of stock in the Armagosa Mining and Milling Co. in the West. There were other valuable papers and articles found in the boat.
About 25 years ago Howard lived at Ninth and Washington-av. Newport and was well-known. He later moved to California with his family and about a year ago returned to Newport with his launch and has since been living along the river. It is said that he has wealthy relatives in Cincinnati. Among some of the papers found in a suit case were documents which show that he was the owner of a large business block kin Pasadena, Cal. valued at $45,000 and other valuable property.
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Cincinnati Enquirer, Saturday, 11 January
1908, page 8
In the Campbell County Court yesterday Webster Helm was appointed administrator of the estate of Charles Howard, who was found dead Thursday night in his launch at the foot of Columbia street, Newport. Coroner Digby did not receive any answer yesterday to the telegram that he sent to Howard's sister in Philadelphia, notifying her of her brother's death. He also sent telegrams to the lodges at Pasadena Calif. to which Howard belonged, but no answers were secured from there either.
The appraisers appointed to estimate and inventory the estate found in Kentucky, the most valuable part of which is the elegant launch Rambler. His brother visited Newport yesterday and from his talk, it appears that they have a claim on the estate. Coroner Digby did not find any of the mining stock mentioned in Howard's letters among his effects.
The following clipping from a Los Angeles paper found on Howard's person throws considerable light on his domestic affairs:
"Charles S Howard, a middle-aged business man of this city, is suing for divorce from his wife, Eleanor B Howard, and insists upon living in Pasadena. He won't live there and she won't come here to live with him. He accordingly alleges desertion on her part and asks for a decree. She is contesting the matter in Judge Trask's Court. It is said the couple had trouble over the government of their son."
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Kentucky Post, Tuesday, 14 January 1908, page 5
The funeral of Charles S Howard, who was found dead last Thursday night on his launch, "The Rambler" at the foot of Columbia st. Newport took place today at 2 pm from Betz' undertaking establishment. A sister of the deceased, who arrived in Newport last night from Philadelphia was present. The services were in charge of Eureka Lodge K of P Newport and interment was in Evergreen Cemetery beside the grave of his mother.
Webster Helm who was named by County Judge Moore to administer the estate, opened Howard's safe deposit box at the Union Trust Building yesterday and found a copy of the order of the California courts granting Howard a divorce. Helm is now in communication with Howard's son. No trace of a will can be found and the courts will be called on to administer and settle up the estate which is valuable.