Deputy Sheriff Charles E. Smith
1843 - 1891

47 years old
Tour of Duty: 6 Years
Died on May 23, 1891

Cause of Death: Gunfire

Date of Incident: Wednesday, May 1, 1891

Weapon Used : Hand-Gun

Suspect Info: Mr. MacArthur

Deputy Sheriff Smith died as a result of a gunshot wound trying to apprehend a horse thief.

The circumstances surrounding his death are as follows.

In late April, 1891, a salesman arrived at Calefs (a boarding house) in a very attractive wagon drawn by a pair of beautiful black horses. The salesman engaged board for himself at Calefs and requested stabling for his horses. Also staying at Calefs was a young man named Mr. McArthur. A few days later, after everyone had retired, Mr. McArthur stole the horses and wagon. Shortly thereafter, a posse of approximately 100 men, led by Deputy Smith, encountered Mr. McArthur. A struggle ensued and Deputy Smith was shot in the pelvic region, and on May 23, 1891 the deputy died as a result of the wound.
A more detailed account of the incident can be found in the book A History of  Barrington, written by Morton H. Wiggin. This book can be found at Calefs Country Store, located in Barrington, NH.