Claus Gehlsen 1855 - 1879

GEHLSEN

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/3/2011 at 18:25:22

The following is an excerpt from "The Daily Herald" printed Monday Evening, August 18, 1879.

The main news in an article called "The City" was the accounts of three serious accidents, resulting in personal injuries, one fatal, and all from the careless use of firearms. Quoted: "It would seem that the repeated warnings given by the press against the careless use of guns and pistols does not prevent the frequent occurrence of direful accidents resulting therefrom." The following are notes from this article as the accidental fatal shooting of Claus Gehlsen Jr. on Sunday, August 17 was one of the accidents described.

Claus died in a tragic gun accident on the farm where his family lived, the farm owned by George Allen and located west of Almont. Claus had gone hunting and had come home from a hunt and sat down for a few moments. His brother, Hans took down another gun and had it across his knee, examining it. He asked his brother if the gun was loaded and was told it was not loaded. Hans began wiping down the gun, when suddenly the hammer fell, the cap exploded, and the charge of shot passed into the brain and heart of Claus Gehlsen, standing a few paces away, instantly killing him.
The whole family was overwhelmed with grief, especially young Hans. It was only several hours later the family realized they must call the authorities.

The Coroner was sent to the farm arriving at midnight and a jury was impaneled to investigate the circumstances. The verdict arrived at based on the facts was that Hans was not guilty of any felonious intent. The funeral was held on Monday - Aug 18, and was largely attended.

End of quotes from article.
This article was discovered by Dick Gehlsen while going through films of old newspapers in Clinton Iowa.

Note:
(Claus Gehlsen Jr. was born 14 Jan 1855 in Obsterrade3, Dithmarschen Holstein and died 17 Aug 1879, Clinton County, Iowa)