AIDE TO AG HARRY DAUGHERTY DEAD BY SUICIDE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On May 30, 1923, Jess Smith*, personal aide to Harry Daugherty, committed suicide in the Attorney General's apartment at the Wardman Park Hotel** here in the Nation's Capital.
Mr. Smith, described by The Evening Star as "a member of the inner circle of Washington's official life," had been "brooding" over his physical condition which included diabetes and kidney problems.
A gunshot was heard at 6:40 a.m. and Mr. Smith, 51 years old, was found lying in the floor beside his bed with a 32 revolver in his right hand.
*Jess W. Smith (1871-1923) was born in Washington Court House, Ohio & became chief advisor to AG Harry M. Daugherty. Before going to Washington, JWS was a successful owner of a department store. He was a member of President Harding's 'Ohio Gang.'
**Wardman Park Hotel was built between 1917 & 1918 by Harry Wardman & designed by Frank Russell White. It was the largest hotel in Washington at the time with 8 stories & 1200 rooms.
SOURCE
"Jessie W. Smith Suicide In Apartment of Attorney General," The Evening Star, May 30, 1923, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
