Berchers, Son c1890 – 1898

BERCHERS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/10/2020 at 09:06:32

Source: Decorah Republican Aug. 18, 1898 P 4 C 3

Boy Shot by his Brother at Maynard.
Maynard, Aug. 12.—Facts have come to light regarding the recent tragedy at this place in which the 8-year-old son of John Berchers lost his life, which show that the fatal shot was not fired by a bicyclist as reported, but by the boy’s own brother. The story first sent out was that the wheelman was riding past the Berchers’ home, when the unfortunate boy made insulting remarks and that the stranger thereupon drew a revolver and shot the boy through the right breast, from the effects of which he died. It now appears that the father of the boys, when he reached home, was not exactly convinced by the story told, and questioned a younger brother of the boy who lost his life, so closely, that the boy became confused and told conflicting stories. The father then thought of his own revolver and sent the youngster for it. Then he found that it had been used and further questioning elicited the fact that one of them had shot the other. Fearful of the consequences he sought some excuse and just at the time the bicyclist happened to ride past. This suggested a means of escape to the lad and he then sought neighbors and told a story which might have resulted in the lynching of the wheelman had the farmers succeeded in catching him.