Joseph Garcia
Celestina J.
Garcia
Born
in Switzerland
Died
Feb. 25, 1877
Aged 55 years
Joseph
Garcia
Born
in Silo, Spain
Jan. 18, 1831
Died in
Corpus Christi,
August 12, 1875
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
1. Obituary
WEARY OF LIFE
At about 8 o’clock last Thursday morning, our City was thrown into a state of great excitement by the report that Joe Garcia had shot himself through the head and was dead. Repairing to the spot we found that the report was too true. It seems that just previous to being called to breakfast he had gone into the little room in the rear of the bar, and taking a seat upon the floor in one corner, had deliberately fired a pistol ball into his head. Justice Hastings assembled jury and held an inquest on the body of the deceased. Two Witnesses were called who testified substantially as stated above, when the jury rendered the following verdict.
The State of Texas, county of Nueces, Inquest on the body of Joe Garcia, Corpus Christi, August 12th, 1875. We the Jury called by the Coroner to investigate the time, place, manner and cause of the death of Joe Garcia, having heard the evidence of the case, are decided that deceased came to his death this morning about eight o’clock in the small room behind his bar room, by shooting himself with a revolver, the ball entering his right ear and coming out at the top of his head. N. Gussett, Foremen, (illegible—appears to be R. J. Downy), James Cody, E. Morris, H. Morris, H. W. Berry. Sworn to and subscribed before me and in view of the deceased body of Joe Garcia, this 12th day of August, A. D. 1875. D. M. Hastings.
Mr. Garcia was a native of Catalonia, Spain, and was about forty-five years old. He came to the United States about thirty years ago, and settled in New Orleans. Subsequently, he removed to the Rio Grande and thence to Corpus Christi some four years ago. During his residence here he has been engaged in lucrative business, and by his uniform kindness and honest dealing has made a host of friends, who were shocked and grieved at the terrible manner of his death.
His character was that of an upright man, and the rash act by which his family are deprived of their natural protector and he of a life useful to himself and his friends, is deplored by the entire community. Peace be to his troubled soul, and may he find in that house to which he has gone the rest of which he deemed himself denied on this earth.
Source: Corpus Christi Weekly Gazette, August 14, 1875, p. 3, col. 2
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
2. News Item, 1872
Joe Garcia keeps on hand a full stock of fine groceries, with fresh arrivals constantly. His Ale
and Porter excels in quality. So his customers say.
Source: Nueces Valley, July 6, 1872, p. 3 ,col 1
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
Source: Corpus Christi Weekly Gazette, March 8, 1873, p. 3, col. 2 & 3
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell