OBIT: George Stanley SWINDELL, 1947, Garrett, Somerset County, PA File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library. Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/somerset/ ________________________________________________ GEORGE STANLEY SWINDELL An 8-year-old Garrett boy met death Saturday afternoon by accidental shooting near his home as he was hurrying home from an errand for his mother. The little boy, George Stanley Swindell, was on his way home from a neighbor's home when another neighbor, Edward Francis Firle, 19, was kneeling in the road getting ready to shoot a sparrow with a .22 calibre rifle, just as Firle was ready to fire, the youngster ran directly in the line of fire. The rifle was discharged accidentally, according to reports and the bullet entered the child's forearm, passed it into his chest cavity, striking the heart and killing him almost instantly. Promptly investigating the accident were District Attorney Thomas F. Lansberry, Dr. A. M. Uphouse, County Coroner, and Dr. C. T. Saylor, deputy coroner, who performed an autopsy, and members of the Pennsylvania State Police. The authorities listed the shooting as accidental, pending the coroner's inquest to be held Wednesday afternoon. Firle was taken to Somerset for questioning, but was later released on his own recognizance. The victim of the shooting was the son of Carl R. and Alice Mitchell Swindell. Besides his parents, he is survived by two brothers, William and Wayne, and his paternal grandmother, Mrs. Annie Nicklow Swindell of Garrett. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, at the home of the lad's uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. John Johanasen, Silver Valley Road. Rev. Gerald Polman, pastor of the Main Street Brethren Church, Meyersdale, officiated. Interment under the direction of H. R. Konhaus, was made in the Highland Cemetery. Meyersdale Republican, May 15, 1947