Submitted for the Union Parish Louisiana USGenWeb Archives by Debbie Richard, 6/2002
.................................................................................

************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm
************************************************



Farmerville Gazette
Wednesday, October 13, 1897

Joe Shaw Accidentally Shot

Rifle Ball Penetrates His Brain, Producing Instant Death

A terrible accident happened in ward eight of this parish last Saturday morning, 
resulting in the instant death of Mr. Joe Shaw.  On the ill-fated morning Mr. Shaw 
and Mr. James Ray were out turkey hunting.  About 8 o'clock the former left his 
companion, saying he was going home.  Mr. Ray continued the hunt.  While in an old 
field he gave a yelp and was answered by what he supposed to be a turkey.  Mr. Ray 
saw an object in the bushes whence the answer came, and presuming it was the coveted 
game, he fired at it.

As Mr. Ray approached he was shocked beyond expression to find that he had killed 
his friend, Mr. Shaw.  The rifle ball entered on right rear side of the head and 
lodged near the left eye, penetrating the brain and producing instant death.
The two men were strong friends and Mr. Ray is almost crazed over the unfortunate 
accident.  The deceased was a good man and upright citizen, and his sad death is 
greatly deplored.  He leaves a wife and six children to mourn his loss.

#   #   #