Albert G. Bixby 1872-1894

BIXBY, SILVERNAIL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/27/2011 at 22:19:47

Fatal Accident
Albert Bixby was one of four young men who together were hunting in Emmet township last Sunday [September 16, 1894]. While Mr. Bixby with gun in hand was getting into the wagon, both hammers of the gun struck the step on the side of the wagon box. This discharged both barrels at once and they took effect in the young man’s chest entering the right lung. He died instantly and the lifeless body was picked up by his companions and carried to the home of his father-in-law Wm. Silvernail.

The funeral took place Monday at the M.E. church in Estherville. Deceased was twenty-three years old and was a son of Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Bixby of Estherville. He left a young wife to mourn his untimely death. (Northern Vindicator, Estherville, IA, September 20, 1894)

Shocking Accident
While out chicken shooting near the Silvernail farm in Emmet township, on Sunday last, Bert Bixby, son of L. L. Bixby of this place, was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of a shot-gun in his own hands. There were five in the party and they had stopped at a patch of peas alongside the road, and were picking and eating them. One of the boys remarked that it was about time to go home, and they started for the wagon, all carrying their guns, Bert Bixby coming last. In some way Bert slipped, his gun falling so that the hammers struck on the wagon step discharging one barrel into Bert’s body , striking him in the lower right side and ranging upward through the heart. The other boys were startled at the report of the gun and horrified upon looking around and seeing the result. They picked the poor boy up but he was already dead. They body was taken home at once and prepared for burial, the funeral being conducted from the Estherville M.E. church, by Rev. Cochran. The deceased was about 23 years of age and was married only about two or three months ago. He was a young man of many good qualities and his tragic death at such an early age is shocking and lamentable. (Emmet County Republican, Estherville, IA, September 20, 1894)

Note: the gravestone incorrectly reads 1872-1892