E.B. HOSTETLER

HOSTETLER, CALKINS

Posted By: Taylor (email)
Date: 3/25/2004 at 17:08:29

E.B. HOSTETLER ACCIDENTALLY SHOT

Pioneer Piano-Tuner Badly Injured in Montana Mountains near Stevensville

All but bleeds to death and his condition is still serious

"E.B. HOSTETLER, a pioneer piano-tuner, is lying seriously hurt at Stevensville, Mont.
He was accidentally shot, New Year's day, and because of the character of the wound, and his advanced years, (he is between 55 and 60) his condition is deemed exceedingly serious.
His daughter's letter, received this morning by Mrs. Will A. HOSTETLER, his daughter-in-law, was read during the absence from home of Will HOSTETLER. It ran as follows:

He and Earl (a young kinsman) went out hunting early this morning and at noon, as papa and Earl went down a steep, high hill, papa took hold of a bush and a large branch broke. He slid about 6 rods before he could stop.

He had a loaded double barrel shot gun in his hand, and both barrels went off, the contents passing through his foot just below the ankle.

Earl quickly took a buckskin strap and tied papa's leg above the point where it was shot, so he would not bleed to death.

Then he ran to the nearest neighbor for help to take him home.

This took about an hour, for they were about 3-1/2 miles from home when he was shot.

The wound is a horrible one, and the doctor removed bits of broken bone, cloth and leather. We had good medical care however, and he is getting along as well as could be expected. Still, we feel very much worried about him for fear of plood poisoning or lockjaw.

Mr. and Mrs. HOSTETLER and their daughter Maude, were at Sevenville with the intention of spending the winter, at the home of Mrs. C.B. CALKINS, another daughter, who will be recalled as Miss Myrtle HOSTETLER. What their plans for the remainder of the winter will be, now that this sad accident has befallen the father, they are not able to state at present.
Will HOSTETLER, who was greatly shocked upon receipt of this letter, was not certain just what he would do. He hopes to hear better news from Montana, but will probably not go west, pending the receipt of more definite news later."

--Iowa State Press, January 7, 1903