WRIGHT, Henry Clay (1845-1897)

WRIGHT

Posted By: Kathy Weaver (email)
Date: 11/8/2018 at 15:03:46

Malvern Leader
Malvern, Mills County, Iowa
Thursday, Mar. 4, 1897

INSTANTANEOUS DEATH

Accidental Discharge of a Gun Ends the Life of Henry Clay White

The sharp report of a gun at about 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, quickly followed by the rumor that Mr. Clay White had shot himself soon drew to his late residence, near the Coats & Wilkinson elevator, a large crowd of anxious inquirers, where a distressing spectacle presented itself. The position of the dead man’s body and all the surroundings made it apparent that death had resulted from an accident. Coroner Whitehall was at once summoned from Hastings and later in the day an inquest was held with Messrs Wyant, Potte and DuShane as jurors, at which the facts elicited resulted in a verdict of death by accident. As Mr. White was alone at the time of the accident the verdict was based upon circumstances and surroundings in which he was found. It appears that just that afternoon, Mr. White had taken his double-barreled shotgun and gone to the outskirts of town for a little target practice. Returning in a couple of hours, he passed through a gate at the back end of his lot with a view to entering his carpenter shop to put away his gun. As he passed through the gate, the ground being sloping, he appears to have slipped and in so doing struck the hammer of one barrel of his gun upon a car link attached to the gate chain. In the struggle of falling the muzzle of the gun appears to have been in line with his left eye at the moment of discharge as that organ, and indeed almost the entire left side of his head, was blown off. The speedy arrival of friends and their kindly tendered services were of avail only in preparing the remains for interment.

The deceased was about fifty years of age and was unmarried. He had lived in Malvern for near 25 years, was a carpenter by trade, and an honorable and upright citizen, having the respect and friendship of all who knew him. He was a soldier of the late war and we believe was receiving a small pension. He was the main support of an aged and widowed mother, who is almost heart-broken by his sudden death. He also leaves one brother, Mr. Marion White, who keenly feels his loss.

The funeral took place from the home yesterday afternoon, Rev. D.C. Morris conducting the services, and a large number being present to pay their last respects to their friend.

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Corporal Co B 5th Iowa Cavalry