DUCKWORTH, Dr. D. A.

DUCKWORTH, DUFFIELD, WORDEN

Posted By: juanita (email)
Date: 6/2/2003 at 10:18:12

THE BLOOMFIELD MEMORIAL - Thursday, Nov 26, 1891:

"He Met Instant Death". Thursday afternoon - this community was terrified by the report that Dr. D. A. Duckworth of Keosauqua had been instantly killed as the result of a dreadful accident that had occurred at the home of Mr. Henry Duffield, living about a mile and a half northwest of Pittsburg.

About 1 o'clock Thursday afternoon, Mr. Duffield came to Keosauqua and called upon Dr. Duckworth to go out to his home on professional business. Mr. Duffield then started back home and Dr. Duckworth went to the livery stable to get his team and followed on after. When near home, Mr. Duffield saw a wolf cross the road ahead of him and disappear into the timber. On reaching home he immediately got his shotgun and went in search of the wolf. When he returned home from the wolf hunt, Dr. Duckworth was there. Mr. Duffield passed into the living room where Dr. Duckworth was sitting, taking his gun with him. He sat down just to one side of the kitchen door, six to eight feet in front of Dr. Duckworth and perhaps 3 feet to his right, with the gun on his lap, with the muzzle pointing to the right. While Mr. Duffield and Dr. Duckworth were engaged in a conversation, one of the children fell and hurt itself in the kitchen. Mrs. Duffield sprang to her feet and ran to the assistance of the child. As she passed through the kitchen door, a flounce on her dress caught on the hammer of the gun, swung the muzzle around and before Mr. Duffield could grasp hold of it, it was discharged. The contents of the gun struck Dr. Duckworth in the left nostril and ranged up into the brain. Death was instantaneous. He dropped from his chair, but so far he could be observed, never breathed or moved a muscle. Mrs. Duffield swooned away and Mr. Duffield ran out and called Mr. H. L. Worden, the nearest neighbor. Mr. Worden came to Keosauqua as quickly as possible and the family and friends were informed of the dreadful affair.

Cap't. Duckworth, brother of the deceased, Sheriff Elrick, Justice Starr and many others repaired to the scene of the accident. They arrived there between 4 and 5 o'clock PM. Mr. and Mrs. Duffield and family had gone to Mr. Wordan's where they spent the night. Mr. James Duffield, brother of Henry was present and explained how the accident occurred. His remains were found stretched at full length on the floor in a great pool of blood, the feet crossed and the arms lying at right angles with the body. It was so evident from every circumstance it happened just as it was represented it had and was accidental, that no coroner's inquest was held. The undertaker was sent for and the body was brought to the late home of the deceased at their place. The hearse arrived here at 1:30 yesteday morning.

Dr. D. A. Duckworth was born in Putnam Co. IN 14 June 1841 and came with his parents to Davis Co. IA in the Fall of 1854. In Aug 1862, he enlisted in the 2nd IA Inf., and served to the close of the war. He was in the campaign around Corinth, the Atlanta Campaign, the march to the sea, the march thru Carolinas and participated in the grand review at Washington.

Dr. Duckworth was married January 24, 1867 to Miss Watson and she dying shortly afterwards, he was married to Miss Fry. He was married again to Miss Susan Hunter who was the mother of his 4 oldest children and again to Miss Mary Hartson of Keosauqua, who survives him.

The Dr. was engaged in farming until 1871 when he moved to Floris, Davis Co. IA and engaged in the mill business. In 1874, he traded his mill property for land in Kansas near Wamego and moved on it. In 1876 he attended a term of medical lectures at Rush Medical College, Chicago, and practiced medicine at Louisville, Kansas until 1886 when he removed to southern Florida for his wife's health. His wife died there in 1886 when he moved to Keosauqua. where he has since resided. Since his residence here, the Dr. had been engaged in the practice of medicine and the drug business, except about 6 months when he attended medical lectures at Des Moines. He enjoyed a large practice which seemed to be constantly increasing. He was honorable in his dealings, was of a genial disposition and a kind and affectionate husband and father. He was a member of Masonic, Odd Fellows and GAR orders. The burial will be from his residence at 1:30 today, by E. Chapman Commander, Knights Templar, assisted by the IOOF and GAR."