Mrs. Fred White (died 1918)

WHITE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/15/2009 at 10:58:08

Jackson Sentinel
July 9, 1918

Terrible Tragedy Occurs at Sabula on Evening of 4th

One of the most deplorable tragedies in Jackson county’s history, occurred shortly before eight o’clock last Thursday evening when Mrs. Fred White was instantly killed by the accidental discharge of an automatic shotgun in the hands of her husband.

Mr. and Mrs. White accompanied by their daughter Doris left their house shortly before eight o’clock the evening of the Fourth, intending to go to the garden near the home to pick some peas. On account of it being Independence Day they decided to take along the gun and fire a few salutes. The trio started down a lane toward the garden, Mrs. White walking a few steps ahead of her husband. The latter supposed that the gun was unloaded, carrying the shells intended for firing the salutes in his pocket. Just how the gun was discharged Mr. White could not exactly explain, but presumes that the button on the gun was accidentally pressed against his arm or body and the discharge followed. The charge struck Mrs. White on the left side of the back portion of her head, tearing that part of her head away, death resulting instantly. The father and daughter were almost frantic with grief and it was some time before either was sufficiently composed to related the details of the awful tragedy.

Coroner Lowder was notified and by phone deputized a Sabula physician to act in that capacity, but no inquest was deemed necessary as the occurrence was purely accidental. Mr. White and family are among the most respected families of Sabula, and the entire community mourns the loss of a noble woman and extends heartfelt sympathy to the husband and daughter, who are heartbroken over the terrible affair. The funeral was held Monday.