BRONSON, Frank Harrison 1889-1904

BRONSON, SPAFFORD

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 11/7/2014 at 22:35:34

#1:

[Waterloo Daily Reporter, Monday, February 22, 1904, Waterloo, Iowa]

ACCIDENTLY KILLED

Hunting Accident Causes Death of Fran Bronson

Without a moment's warning or even a thought of danger a shotgun in the hands of Lawrence Smith, aged fourteen years, exploded Saturday afternoon shortly before 4 o'clock killing Franklin Bronson, a lad the same age, instantly.

The two boys at the time the terrible accident occurred were walking several blocks in the rear of the Litchfield Manufacturing Co.'s plant, and were bound homeward. Smith, who is a son of the late E. B. Smith of this city, hurriedly inspected the wounds of his companion and then started for aid. No one was in sight and it was necessary for him to run to the Litchfield plant where he secured help, as it was impossible for him to carry the Bronson lad. When the party returned the Bronson boy was found cold in death and the remains were removed to an undertaker's at once, the family in the meantime being notified of the accident. They are prostrated with grief over the affair.

To a reporter Sunday afternoon Lawrence Smith, who is a manly fellow for his age, told the story of the affair. He stated that in company with young Bronson he left for Litchfield addition about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. They had spent some time in hunting game and were returning home. "We were walking along talking about various things," said the lad, "when I thought to have some fun with Frankie. I picked up a straw and was tickling him in the back of the neck, when he said, 'I bet I can raise my gun before you can.' I was carrying my gun over my shoulder at the time, the stock, I think, resting by my side.

Instead of attempting to beat him in getting up my gun I stepped sideways hurriedly, and in a second one of the barrels had exploded. "The muzzle must have been within five or six inches of his face at the time and the shot tore a big hole in his mouth and chin." He then continued to describe his efforts to carry the boy and finally to secure aid. The shotgun he was carrying was hammerless, and it is supposed the "safety" caught in some portion of his clothes allowing it to explode.

Mrs. Smith explained that her son had previously been allowed to go hunting and was acquainted with the use of firearms. The Smith family feel much grieved over the affair. The shooting was purely accidental. The sympathy of the entire community is freely expressed for both families.

Franklin Harrison Bronson, aged 14 years, was born in Poyner Township, April 20, 1889. He was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bronson, and his was the first death to invade the family circle. Six brothers and a sister also survive.

The lad was very bright, having completed the grammar grades last June and entered the east side high school last September. He learned rapidly, received excellent marks in his studies, and won the confidence of his teachers and schoolmates. At home he was a dutiful son and a loving brother. He was personally attractive and won the admiration and friendship of all with whom he came in contact.

The last seen of the boy alive was at the dinner table Saturday. He left early in the afternoon, and the next report the family had of him was that he had been killed. The remains were taken to the Hanlon Undertaking Parlors where they were prepared for burial. They were sent to the family home, 913 Franklin Street, yesterday forenoon, where they were viewed by many of his friends. The members of the household are nearly all prostrated with grief. The blow was so sudden that the mother is almost ill, and it is feared her health may be affected. The family moved to this city four years ago, and have since made their home at 913 Franklin Street.

Those who survive are the father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Bronson and one sister and six brothers. They are Mrs. Cora Spafford of 1115 Mulberry Street, this city; Clarence W., of Sergius, N. D., Dr. I. C. of Nora Springs; Dr. A. F. of Nora Springs; A. E., of Chicago; J. L., of Chicago and Clayton of this city. A. E. and J. L. Bronson are pursuing a dental course at the Northwestern University of Chicago and arrived in this city Sunday morning. All of the family are expected to be present at the funeral, which will be held Tuesday morning at Grace Church at 10;00 o'clock. Dr. Bissell will officiate. Interment will be made at Fairview Cemetery.

Owing to the funeral of the late Frank Bronson, who was a member of the East Side High School, the students attending that institution will be given a half holiday tomorrow forenoon. His seat in the high school auditorium was suitably draped today in honor of his memory. It is probably that the entire school will attend the services which will be held at Grace Church at 10 o'clock

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#2:

[Waterloo Semi Weekly Courier, Friday, February 26, 1904, Waterloo, Iowa]

The funeral services over the remains of Frank H. Bronson were held from the Grace M. E. church at eleven o'clock this morning, preceded by a short prayer service at the home. The services were conducted by Dr. Bissell, assisted by Revs. Beaman and Skinner.

The pall bearers, eight in number were selected from among the young man's school mates, as- follows: Worcester Brown. Stephen Brown, Arthur Fowler, Sumner Chase, James Boone, Chester Jenness, Herbert Campbell.

The services were attended by a large number of friends of the dead boy. The East Side Schools were- dismissed in order that his school mates night be afforded an opportunity to pay a last tribute to one they loved so well.

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#3:
Source: Decorah Republican Feb. 25, 1904 Page 6

Another Shot Gun Fatality

Frank Bronson, a Waterloo lad of 15 years, last Saturday was out hunting with a companion named Frank Smith. Coming home the boys fell to playing, during which Smith’s gun was discharged, striking Bronson in the mouth with a full charge of shot, and causing instant death.

Credit: Joy Moore, June 2019; moorejoy1@aol.com
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#4:

Gravestone at Fairview inscribed Frank H. Bronson April 20, 1889 - Feb 20, 1904