Joseph Wolford

WOLFORD, ROBERTS

Posted By: Marlene Skalberg (email)
Date: 8/24/2015 at 23:50:15

Joseph Wolford Fatally Injured
Gun Shot Wound in Lower Stomach
Joseph Wolford, 77, resident of Prescott, was found dead in a work shop at his home about 3:30 o’clock, Saturday afternoon, death being caused from a gun shot wound through the lower intestine. First reports of the accident indicated that the fatal wound was self-inflicted, but later investigation led Coroner
Boyd N. Roland to pronounce the fatal shot accidental. Walford was found by his wife, who had gone uptown on an errand, but was away from the home only a short time.
Mr. Wolford had been in ill health for some time and several months ago was given treatment at the state hospital at Clarinda. Saturday his condition was apparently about the same as it had been for some time. He was dressed and about the house as usual, although, resting in bed part of the time. When found, he was fully clothed for being outdoors, including his coat and overshoes.
Mr Wolford had always enjoyed the sport of shooting pigeons and it was his custom, when in normal health to take his shot gun in the work shop and shoot pigeons on the barn through the work shop window. That fact and further fact that the fatal wound was in the lower part of the body led Corner Roland to believe that Mr. Wolford probably stumbled over some wood in the work shop and that the gun was accidentally discharged.
The findings of accidental death further substantiated by the deputy that a person intending self destruction would have probably pointed the gun at some other point in the body before pulling the trigger.
Funeral services were held for Mr. Wolford from the Christian Church, Rev. W. H. Gude in charge of services. Burial was made in the Evergreen Cemetery in Prescott.
Adams County Free Press, December 16, 1937, page 1