Orlea Johnson

JOHNSON

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/20/2008 at 14:23:43

Orlea Johnson
Bee Sting Fatal to Little Girl
Age 7, Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson
Lived Only an Hour

A bee sting proved fatal in one hour to Orlea, 7 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson, farmers, living two miles northwest of here.

The little girl was playing in the orchard when she was stung on the right temple.

First aid was given the child and the seriousness of her condition was not realized in time to summon medical aid. She expired about one hour after being stung, the suddenness of the girl’s death being a double shock to the parents.

A very sad accident occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson Monday afternoon, when their small daughter, Orlea, aged seven years. While playing in the yard with her little cousin, Mildred Hinz, she was stung by a honey bee and died from the sting in less than one hour.

The little girls were playing about the house and yard and little Orlea saw a bee coming toward her and struck at it to drive it away. The bee stung her on the left side of the head just a little above the left ear. Her screams brought her mother, who took her little girl in her arms to learn the cause. In a few moments she became unconscious. A doctor was called but he was out on a call, so they took an auto and started for town, and the little girl passed away in her mother’s arms before the arrived at the doctor’s office, but they did not realize it. She was taken to Dr. Emmert’s office, but he was out, so Dr. Baumeister was called, but death had laid claim to this precious bird.

A large stinger was removed from the child’s head by Mrs. Will Hinz, otherwise not a mark of any kind could be found. This tragic death was a severe shock to the parents and friends of the family. She was a bright, winsome little girl, loved by all who knew her for her sweet, loving ways. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends in their deep sorrow.

Like the dew of the mountains,
Like the foam on the river,
Like the bubble on the fountain
Thou art gone, and forever
Funeral services will be held at the Lutheran church Friday afternoon at 1 o’clock.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald