BIRRAN, Harrison Albert d: 1906

BIRRAN

Posted By: Marilyn O'Connor (email)
Date: 3/11/2008 at 13:57:32

Death Of Harry Birran.

Harrison Albert Birran, son of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Birran was the victim of an accident last Thursday afternoon that resulted in his death on Saturday.

In company with Herbert Diertz, a younger boy, he was hunting rabbits in the woods southwest of town. The ferret had gone into a hole for a rabbit and Harry stuck his gun stock in a hole near by to stop it up. In pulling the gun out, it was accidently discharged and the full load of shot entered Harry's left leg just below the knee. The boy with him started for help but it was some time before anyone arrived.

In the meantime Harry crawled about a block up into an open field near the road, where Rans Baldwin found him. Harry was too heavy for him to carry, so he went to his house and got a cot and another man. They carried him to Mr. Baldwin's home. Dr. Barret was called and dressed the wound. The loss of blood had been so great that the boy was very weak and perhaps could not have stood it much longer if help had not arrived.

One bone below the knee was broken. At the time of the accident Mr. Birran was plastering a house over this side of Riceville. He was called by telephone and drove home that night.

Everything that skill and care could possibly do was done for the boy, but the great loss of blood and the exposure had weakened him too much to revive, and gain strength. Drs. Barrett and Owen removed the charge of shot and dressed the wound Saturday morning. Harry stood the ordeal bravely and without murmuring, but One greater than any on earth had called and the summons that sometime or other comes to all, was answered.

Harry was eighteen years old on the sixth of November, having been born on the day that Harrison was elected president. He was a strong, robust boy, just entering the young manhood, full of life, promise and hope. He was industrious and had saved a nice little bank account.

It seems inexpressibly sad that such an one should be taken and yet how uncertain is life and how little we know of the great plan of the One who giveth and who taketh away. The heart strings of father and mother, sister and brother are pulled as only those who have passed thru the same sorrow can realize or understand. The true sympathy of all goes out to them in this sad hour.

Funeral services were held at the home Monday afternoon, conducted by his pastor, Rev. Frank Shaffer of the Methodist church. The floral offerings were many and beautiful, those by his young friends, especially, testifying to the esteem in which he was held.

Osage News
Dec. 12, 1906