from The Republican (Danville, Indiana)--issue of Thursday, March 20, 1902—page 1, column 6:
HORACE S. SMOCK
Died From A Self-Inflicted Wound at East St. Louis
Danville was shocked Saturday to learn of the death of Horace S. Smock at East St. Louis and more pained to learn that death was suicidal. Dr. C.A. White and C.F. McClelland went to St. Louis on the noon train Sunday and in company with Cyrus Smock returned with the body Monday. The funeral was Tuesday afternoon from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.R. Smock. The services were impressive. There was a song by the choir, Scripture lesson by Rev. Sherrill, prayer by Rev. Yokely, Scripture lesson by Rev. Martin, solo by Mr. Spencer, talk by Rev. Hovis and a concluding hymn by the choir. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. Interment was in the south cemetery.
Horace Smock was well known to this city and was very popular. He graduated from the High School with great credit to himself in 1894. For some time he was employed in Indianapolis and only a few days ago went to East. St. Louis, there on Monday he was to accept a position as traveling salesman for Swift & Co. He was a member of the Christian church of this city. His family have the sincere sympathy of a wide circle of friends in this their sad trial.
Concerning the affair the East St. Louis Journal says:
“Saturday morning about seven o'clock Horace Smock committed suicide by shooting himself in the right temple at the Berry house, death resulting almost instantly. The coroner's verdict was that death resulted from injuries inflicted by himself with suicidal intent. Mr. Fleishman, night clerk at the hotel, heard a shot up stairs and upon investigation found Smock lying on the bed with a smoking revolver in his hand. The only cause for the rash was despondency over sickness as he had been suffering from Bright's disease for a year.”