John Shea 1856-1879

SHEA, NOLAN

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 9/12/2010 at 14:30:46

Palo Alto Reporter
Emmetsburg, Iowa
13 Sep 1879
Page 4

Shocking Accident. -- We are called upon to chronicle one of the most shocking accidents that has ever happened in this county. On Thursday of this week, John Shea, living with Pat Nolan, was shot and instantly killed by Michael Nolan, son of Pat's. As we have heard the particulars, the two boys were having some good natured conversation over a pistol which both supposed was not loaded, when Nolan pointed the pistol at Shea, the latter telling him to shoot, it wasn't loaded. The pistol was fired, the ball entering his head, killing him almost instantly. A Coroner's jury was impaneled before Justice Moncrief, consisting of Daniel Coonan, D. F. Nichols, and Martin Coonan, and a verdict was returned in accordance with the above facts. It is a most sad affair. John Shea is said to have been a very fine young man, and was generally liked by those acquainted with him. It was an accident, but it is another warning to be careful in handling fire arms.

Palo Alto Reporter
Emmetsburg, Iowa
20 Sep 1879
Page 4

The funeral of John Shea, whose sad death we mentioned last week, was held at the Catholic church on Saturday. About one hundred teams followed the remains to their last resting place -- an indication of the regard for the deceased by those with whom he was acquainted.