Bertie Dickerson Nearly Loses Life

DICKERSON, WOODS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 4/8/2015 at 12:55:26

The Grinnell (IA) Herald
July 8, 1881

--Bertie Dickerson, an eleven year old boy, came within an inch of losing his life Wednesday evening. It seems that he was in the fields southwest of town with Johnnie and Willie Woods, young sons of Dr. Woods, and they were amusing themselves with a shot gun. Willie had taken the gun, lifted both cocks and discharged a single barrel at a bird. Johnnie, not knowing that the other barrel was loaded and cocked, swung the gun over his shoulder and the three boys started for home, Bertie following behind Johnnie Woods. In some way the gun was discharged, and five shots entered Bertie's scalp. Four passed out, making unimportant flesh wounds. The fifth lodged, and the boy will probably carry it around with him. The doctors report that he is doing well, and will soon be out again.