|
a.
|
Note: Riverside Bee Newspaper September 27th 1887 Corona, California
Suicide of B.H. O'Dair
The details of B.H. O'Dair's death seem to be about as follows. He left home last week, riding to town on horseback where he left his horse, which was found and taken home by Mr. Shubert. He went from here to Riverside where he took a room at the Park House paying for it for the night and stating that he would probably remain several days. He seemed to be cheerful and chatted pleasantly with the landlady before going to his room. When the chambermaid tried the room door in the morning she found it locked and looking through the glass door opening on the veranda saw O'Dair lying on the floor in a pool of blood. She was greatly frightened and giving the alarm Mr. Richardson of the Glenwood was summoned and entered the room. The body lay on floor face upwards the hands crossed on the breast and a 44 caliber revolver clasped in the right hand with one chamber discharged. The bullet had entered the head near the right ear and lodge at the other side of the head. The body was taken to the undertakers's rooms where an inquest was held the verdict being that the deceased came to his death by his own hand. A two ounce vial of laudnum was found in his pocket and also a flask of whisky. Mrs. O'Dair is a daughter of Mr. Fernandez of Rinco, who took the body to Pomona for interment. She says that O'Dair drank heavily and she had threatened to get a divorce several times, but that peace was always patched up. O'Dair was a native of Maryland 48 years of age. His parents live in Texas and he had no relatives in the State. He was a good prospector and disposed of a mine a few years ago for $40,000, but lost most of it again in mining. He owned a large interest in a mine in the Death Valley country said to be a good mine but too far removed from railpads to make it profitable to work it. He was shrewd and generally well liked but unfortunately given to drink. He leaves a very good property.
Notes:
Parents were citizens of Pennsylvania on his 1880 Marriage License. 1880 Voters registration states he was from Pennsylvania. Obituary States his parents were in Texas and Orginally from Maryland. Have documents stating his name is Bart H. , Bart Henderson, Barton H. , Bartlette. I do believe he might have changed his name. The 1860 census from Maryland has a male child at his age by the name Julian.
Letter from Bancroft Libraries in California on S.C. O'Dair Dennison Texas states the following:
Dictation From Samuel Charles O'Dair: Denison, Texas July 20, 1887 taken by L.S. Branch Manager R.S. Hatch
Taken from S.C. O'dair
Mr. Odair was born at Hungtingdon Co. Pennsylvania Oct 28, 1841. Parents were old residents of the country. Father born and raised here and mother came when a young girl and remained until to as married. In 1844 his family removed to Cumberland Maryland remained here until came to Denison. Mr. Odair education was only a common school education. When 17 years old engaged in the milling business with R. Thompson, remaining with him (20) twenty years as forman and general manager of the mill. After coming to Denison finding a good business place located in three months time engaged in present business, business has increased greatly every year. Was married first 1872 again in 1882 to his present wife. Family of 3 children by first wife and 1 by present wife.
|
