DeVere Henry Huntsinger 1912-1919

HUNTSINGER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/3/2010 at 10:21:31

A Sad Accident in Estherville Last Sunday
Little Son of Mr. and Mrs. James Huntsinger Fatally Injured
Run Over By Automobile
Jumped in Front of Passing Car – No Blame Attached to Lady Driver
The six-year-old- son of Mr. and Mrs. James Huntsinger, of this city, was fatally injured on last Sunday afternoon when he was struck by the John Burns automobile driven by Miss Pearl Reamer, of this city. The little fellow, according to eye witnesses of the accident, jumped off the car in which he was riding directly in front of the approaching car. All are agreed that the Burns car came along at a rate of not to exceed ten miles an hour when the accident happened and no one blames the driver in any sense of the word for the tragedy. Those who saw it say she used a rare presence of mind in handling the car, but it was an impossibility to avoid striking the little fellow.

He was rushed to the City Hospital as quickly as possible, and is making a brave fight for life but the medical men in attendance say that it is impossible for him to live. As we go to press he is reported as being in about the same condition. He was a bright little fellow, full of life and energy and a general favorite with all who knew him. The accident has cast a cloud of gloom over the whole city.

This is one of the accidents which cannot be blamed to the carelessness of anyone. The little fellow was not old enough to realize the danger of stepping from one car in which he was enjoying his ride. All that can be done is being done for the little one, but he is so generally broken and bruised that there is no hope that he can live, and it is a mystery how he has survived this long. His head is badly crushed in one place, both collar bones were broken and he is injured internally, his stomach being badly crushed. The grief stricken parents have the sympathy of the entire community. Mr. Huntsinger is employed as a barber at the Dayton barber shop in this city and is highly respected by all who know him. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, June 25, 1919)

Devere Huntsinger Dies Wednesday
Devere Huntsinger died late Wednesday from the injuries received when run over by the Burns car the Sunday previous.

Rev. Dungan writes feelingly of the funeral:
The funeral of Devere Henry Huntsinger, son of Mr. James Huntsinger, was held at the M.E. church Sunday at two o’clock. A large number of sympathetic friends and citizens were present. The services were appropriate and were calculated to assuage the grief of the parents. A mixed quartette furnished by the church furnished three very pretty and appropriate numbers and Mrs. Mylhum rendered splendid service at the organ. Rev. Dungan delivered the sermon and spoke very fitting words indeed. It was shown that the program of fate was final for our lives and that there is a destiny that shapes our ends, hew them as we will, and that it was God’s will, that this child had not lived in vain. It had taught its parents the great lessons of life and has gone to its great reward.

Following is the obituary:

Devere Henry Huntsinger was born in Watertown, South Dakota, July 14th, 1912, and departed this life on June 25th, 1919. Though his years were few in number on this earth, the memories of his life will live long in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a bright little fellow full of sunshine and cheer, and brightened the lives of many while he was permitted to live. It seems as though our Father, Who doeth all things well, just lent him to this earth for a few short years, to show us a glimpse of the paradise that awaits us in that better land. To give us something to look forward to when the grand reunion is held on that further shore.

He moved to Estherville with his parents in October, 1917, and had made his home here since that time. He was baptized in the Methodist Episcopal church in Watertown, South Dakota, on July 5th, 1915. He was a regular attendant at the Sunday School ever since he was old enough to attend and his bright and smiling face will be missed by his comrades and associates.

He leaves to mourn his loss his father and mother, and two brothers, Kenneth, aged eight, and Wayne, aged five. To those sorrowing, the sincere sympathy of all is extended in this hour of trial and affliction. One brother was awaiting him in the better land where sorrow is not known.

The sad circumstances surrounding the death of this little fellow will not soon be forgotten. They remind us that life is at the best uncertain. One moment we are strong and well in the midst of our daily work and play. The next moment the summons comes and we stand before our God to answer for our lives. With this little flower of paradise there can be no question of the future. We know that he is awaiting us in the future land of promise. May his life be an inspiration for all of us to so live that we will be ready for the summons which must sooner or later overtake us. He is called from us but he did not die in vain. The memories of his life will serve as a beacon to those who are left behind to strive with great effort to win the opportunity of once more meeting him, of hearing his happy voice, seeing his sunny smile, and clasping him in our arms once more. The kind Father gives and He takes as he sees fit. Although it is hard to understand that the ways of the Master are for the best some day when the great book of Life is opened we will know why the blossoms are cut down the same as the withered flowers. Until that time we must keep faith with the all-wise God and His wonderful works. Thought the heart is sore and bleeding, He can heal the wounds. And to the mercy and compassion of the most gracious Ruler we commit the sorrowing loved ones, that they may find comfort and solace in their hours of sorrow and grief. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, July 2, 1919)