BECKMAN, infant daughter

BECKMAN, SHERMAN, PELTON, SIMMONS, BAUMGARDNER, JONES

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 7/9/2006 at 15:06:12

August 25, 1892 Cherokean Democrat

A HORRIBLE AFFAIR.

Carelessness with a Shotgun Causes the Death of a Little Child-A Distracted Mother.

One of the saddest events it has been our lot to chronicle occurred at the home of J.H. Beckman, at the C. & D. Junction last Friday, resulting in the instant death of his daughter, aged about sixteen months. Mr. Beckman is section boss and lives at the junction. He was out working on the track and Mrs. Beckman was carrying water for the men. Their three children were left in the house. There was also left in the room where the children were playing a loaded shotgun, which the children evidently used as a plaything. In some way the gun was discharged, the full contents entering the little girl’s breast just at the top of the breast bone. Her death must have been instantaneous, as a horrible wound was made, the charge passing clear through and spattering blood and pieces of the lungs on the wall beyond. Dr. Sherman, who was called, says it was the saddest sight he has seen for many a day.

Coroner Pelton held an inquest over the remains f the child. H.H. Simmons, M. Baumgardner and W.F. Jones were summoned as jurors, and a verdict was returned in accordance with the facts stated above. Frank Beckman, one of the little boys, testified that he little girl took the gun from the corner and was dragging it over the carpet when it went off. Mr. Beckman testified that he heard the shot and ran to the house, finding his child dead.

The remains were interred in Oak Hill Saturday. Mrs. Beckman is completely broken down with grief.