Re: Ethel Bodkin Niles approx 1885-1965? Kan
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In reply to:
Ethel Bodkin Niles approx 1885-1965? Kan
10/13/00
This is an extreme long shot, but I'm also looking for information on an Ethel Bodkin, really just to help solve a family mystery.My grandmother's brother, Walter Raysor, b. 1881 in Barnwell County, South Carolina, married an Ethel Bodkin (I've also seen it spelled Boykin, but the article about his death lists Bodkin).I don't know where this Ethel was born, but at the time of his death in 1924, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Bodkin, lived in Sanderson, Terrell County, Texas.I have a lovely portrait of Ethel as a young woman.
Family rumor is that Walter Raysor was on his way to California and was carrying what was at that time a considerable amount of cash.He was found dead in his hotel room in Cedar Key, Florida, with a gunshot wound to the temple.The money was not recovered.The family always believed that he was robbed and murdered, but the newspaper account that my cousin has indicates that the authorities believed it was a suicide.
As far as I know, this couple did not have children.I have not figured out how he came to be in Cedar Key, Florida if he was on his way to California....nor do I know where Ethel was at the time of his death.Unfortunately, of course, anyone who would have a clue is dead.
If you think there is any chance we're looking for the same Ethel, please let me know.As I said, this is a long shot...
Pat Sabin