THE BAXLEY BANNER
Baxley, Georgia
August ??, 1918

M. M. Smith, Formerly of Baxley,
Meets a Tragic Death in Florida

Shot directly through the heart, M. M. Smith, employed as day watchman at the Commodore’s Point naval stores terminals, was instantly killed following an altercation at 7:20 this morning by Charlie Rodewolt, night watchman at the same place. The two men are said to have quarreled about opening the gates to the gates to the terminals.

A fight ensued and ended with the killing of Smith. Rodewolt was arrested by Police officer Smith. A number of workmen were entering the plant at the time and it is said only cool heads prevented Rodewolt from receiving rough treatment at their hands when he fired the shot that ended Smith’s life.

Witnesses to the tragedy say that when the fight started Smith threw away his pistol. The weapon was a 22-caliber rim-fire pistol of an obsolete character. Sever blows were passed when it is alleged Rodewolt drew his pistol and fired several shots at Smith. One of the bullets entering Smith’s body directly in the heart. Another made a flesh wound in the left wrist. There was also another wound on the right leg, but this is not believed to have been made by a bullet. Rodewolt used a Savage automatic pistol, and at least five shots were fired from it. Then disarmed the pistol contained three cartridges in the magazine and one unfired in the chamber.

Rodewolt when he arrived at police headquarters, had nothing to say regarding the shooting. He bore several bruises on his head and about his face. He gave his residence as 406 Parker street, and is said to have been a watchman at the plant where the trouble occurred for several years. Rodewolt is docketed as a native of Russia, and on this account witnesses to the tragedy among the workmen say he has not been popular with them. Smith was a man well liked by the workmen generally, and when killed he had amongst the person effects found upon him a liberty bond. He was a man of about fifty years of age.

The tragedy created a great deal of excitement among the employees of the plant. After the shooting Rodewolt was held in custody until the officer arrived.


Coroner’s Jury Held Rodewolt
On Charge of Murdering Smith

Eye-witnesses to the shooting and killing of M. M. Smith by Charles Rodewolt of Commodore’s Point terminal yards Saturday morning declared in testimony given before a coroner’s jury this morning that when Smith emptied the cartridges from his pistol and offered to surrender and submit to arrest that Rodewolt sprang back, and with the words, “Now I’ve got you, you American _______ ______,” shot him dead.

The inquest was held before Justice John W. DuBose. Dr. Louis Stinson, county physician was the first witness called. He told of making an autopsy, ant that death was due to internal hemorrhage due to a gunshot wound.

S. W. Register testified to being present when the difficulty between Rodewolt and Smith took place. He stated that he knew both men; that both were employed as watchmen at the terminal yards. Witness said that Rodewolt approached Smith and demanded that he shut one side of the gate at the entrance to the yards. This Smith refused to do telling Rodewolt that he was off duty, and to go on and attend to his own business. Witness said that Rodewolt said he would shut the gate himself. Then the two men grappled with each other, both drawing their pistols, Smith striking Rodewolt on the head with his weapon. The witness said that he heard Rodewolt tell Smith to hand over his gun and consider himself under arrest. Smith said alright but not until he emptied the shells. This Smith immediately did. At his juncture Rodewolt is said to have struck Smith with a blackjack. Smith started toward him whereupon Rodewolt fired and Smith fell mortally wounded. Witness said that Smith begged him not to let Rodewolt kill him. After the shooting, Rodewolt walked away.

W. H. Taylor, colored, stated he was present when Smith was shot. He corroborated the statement made by Mr. Register, but went more into details of the affair giving very damaging testimony against the accused. Taylor said that after Smith had agreed to quit fighting and gave up his gun, was when Rodewolt cursed him saying, “Now I’ve got you, you American _____ _____,” and after he had shot Smith he cursed him again and walked away.

The coroner’s jury held that Rodewolt was responsible for Smith’s death, and that he be held on a charge of murder for the grand jury. - - JACKSONVILLE METROPOLIS

Mr. Smith was a former resident of this county, the brother of Pat Smith, a substantial farmer. Mr. Smith left immediately after receiving the message announcing his brother’s death for Jacksonville and was present when the coroner held the inquest. The news of the untimely death of Mr. M. M Smith was received in Baxley and Appling county with genuine regret. Mr. Smith was well known and liked in this county.