An Expressman Shot by a Revolver -John Flynn-1869

FLYNN, SCHMIDT, SMITH, ORTSCHIEDT, STAPLE

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 4/21/2016 at 22:25:23

Dubuque Daily Herald – July 13, 1869 Page 4
FEARFUL CASUALITY
~
An Expressman Shot by a Revolver
Done up in a Express Package
~
A distressing accident occurred at the depot of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad yesterday afternoon. On the arrival of the western train, as the express matter was being transferred from the express car to the wagon that was to convey it to the express office, the last package in the car was a very small one, and was tossed aboard the express wagon in the usual way, by expressman John Flynn, when an explosion was heard. Some of the bystanders thought it was a torpedo or a firecracker, and cracked a joke on the lateness of the Fourth of July pyrotechnics; but Flynn exclaimed, “Boys, I’m shot!” Still, for a few moments they thought he was joking until they saw him grow pale, when they ran and seized him the bullet taking effect in his left abdomen, about half way between the groin and the navel. He was immediately taken to Dr. Staple’s office, and after an examination of the wound, from there home. The wound is in a very dangerous region, and the result exceedingly doubtful.

On tearing open the package from which the deadly missile issued, it was found to be a small six-barrel revolver, loaded in every barrel but the one just discharged and done up in ordinary brown paper wrapping, with nothing to indicate the dangerous character of the contents. The parcel was from Belle Plaine, Iowa, and was directed to Conrad Schmidt, Dubuque.

It appears that a couple of week since, Mr. Wm. Smith of Cassville, Wis., went to Belle Plaine, to visit Mr. Andrew J. Ortschiedt, also formerly of Cassville. His revolver being something of an imcumbrance, he laid it up in a safe place in Mr. O’s house, till he should come home. On starting for home he forgot his revolver, and did not think of it until on board the train to Cedar Rapids. At Farley he wrote and sent back a note, directing Mr. O to forward the revolver by express to a residence in Dubuque, Mr. Conrad Schmidt-machinist on White Street, between 9th and 10th. The revolver was done up in a package, loaded as it was, and forwarded-the result as narrated.

Mr. Flynn is known to everyone in Dubuque; and has been in the employ of the express company for seven years, and is universally esteemed as a faithful, accommodating and every way an excellent man and citizen. He has a father, mother and wife who have the sympathies of the entire community in there and is affliction.
~
Dubuque Daily Herald – July 13, 1869 Page 4

JOHN FLYNN-a wound like that received by John Flynn is, on general principals to be taken for granted as fatal, though the human system is an affair concerning which no sure predictions can be made. In the army a wound in the abdomen was accounted the most dangerous of any. In the case of Mr. Flynn every symptom is as favorable as could be expected under the circumstances; but it is not safe to hope for anything, and the most that can be said is that there is a faint possibility that he may recover.

It is on occasions like this that human nature presents redeeming and admirable phases. John Flynn id one of the working class- the hard working class; but were he a millionaire he could not receive a heartier sympathy, and more than likely the good wishes that express for him would not be half so sincere as now. But his industry, integrity, quiet and unassuming ways, and faithful patience performance of the duties of his humble but responsible position, have won for him a universal esteem perhaps would never have been found expression in language had some not some uncommon occasion like this called it out. If the good wishes of an entire community who can appreciate and admire humble and unpretentious merit could avail, john’s recovery would be sure and rapid.
~
Dubuque Daily Herald – July 16, 1869 Page 8

HASH-John Flynn remains in the same condition, awaiting some turn in the case, one way or another-which it seems must occur before long.