Neuenschwander, Arthur F. 1914-1927

NEUENSCHWANDER

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 4/3/2012 at 20:59:43

TRAGIC ACCIDENT AT REMSEN. Thirteen Year Old Boy Killed by Discharge of Gun.
Remsen Bell-Enterprise: Tragedy which cost the life of thirteen year old Arthur Neuenschwander, prominent Meadow township people, shocked this community shortly before noon last Sunday, when the young lad was instantly killed through the accidental discharge of a shotgun.
Arthur, in company with his older brother, Irvin, 16 years old, had driven to the melon patch on the Neuenschwander farm during the forenoon. The boys accomplished their mission at about 11 o’clock, and were about to start for the farm home, which was only a distance of less than 100 rods.
The boys were driving their father’s Ford truck. Arthur was seated to the wheel, while Irvin cranked the engine. In the meantime the door on the right side of the truck cab was left open, and the shotgun stood to the right of the driver. When the engine started, Arthur is said to have “raced” the engine, which caused the gun to slide from its leaning position against the seat, and fall out the door, stock first. The jar from the stock of the gun striking the running board caused the gun to discharge.
The charge struck Arthur at the right side of his mouth and went upward. A few of the pellets emerged near his left ear, and otherwise the injuries centered inside his head. The inside of his mouth was badly lacerated. Examination showed that a number of he shot penetrated the brain. According to Irvin, the unfortunate lad was dead when he reached his side. Irvin quickly sensed the result of the unfortunate accident, but bore up bravely under the horrible facts and after carefully moving the body to the other side of the seat, took the wheel and hurriedly drove to the house.
Arthur Neuenschwander was born in Meadow township, on March 15, 1914, and always made his home with his parents. He was a dutiful son and a loving brother, and his untimely death was a terrible shock to the stricken family and their many friends. Until last summer Arthur attended the rural schools and proved to be a scholar of exceptional talents and diligence. He was graduated recently from the rural eighth grade, and last month, with the opening of the fall term, entered the Remsen high school as a freshman. He was popular among his fellow students, and was well liked by the instructors. The Neuenschwander family have the sincerest sympathy of their friends in this vicinity over their heartrending misfortune.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon with services conducted by the Rev. Henry Reifschneider, pastor of St. Paul’s Evangelical church. Services were conducted at the home at 1 o’clock, and at the church at two o’clock. The services were largely attended as a fitting mark of esteem to the unfortunate boy and the family, and the students of the Remsen high school attended in a body.
The deceased boy is survived by his parents and the following sisters and brothers: Irvin, Dorothy, Elmer, Marie and Robert. – Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Oct. 11, 1927, page 3.