Enterprise, Wallowa County, Oregon
Accident Is Fatal To Young Mother
Mrs. Iva McAnulty Killed by Leap of Horse from Snake River Corral
A singular mishap caused the death last Wednesday, April 17, of Mrs. Iva McAnulty, wife of Charles R. McAnulty and daughter of Joshua J. Weaver of Enterprise. McAnulty and his wife were at the old ranger station above Dodson on Snake River where the husband had engaged to do some plowing for Dodson. With his wife, McAnulty went out to catch and harness the horses for the day’s work. The animals were driven into the corral and the bars were set in place. Mrs. McAnulty stood outside by the bars while her husband entered to catch the horses. One of the animals, a spirited mare, raced around the corral and then made a leap for the bars. The mare did not clear the top bar, but struck it, knocking it off with terrific force.
One end of the bar hit Mrs. McAnulty on the head hurling her to the ground. Her husband jumped to her side and raised her, but the blow seemed to have broken a blood vessel for shortly blood began to flow copiously from her mouth, ears, and nose.
Mrs. McAnulty remained conscious for some time, but could not speak because her voice seemed to be choked with the discharging blood. Her husband worked desperately with her, but could accomplish nothing and she died at 4 o’clock in the afternoon.
A telegram was got to Enterprise as soon as the accident happened. Mrs. L. F. McAnulty and son George started an hour later for Snake River, 80 miles distant. Later the same day a second message was received saying the young woman was dead. L.F. McAnulty telephoned to Imnaha Bridge and got word there half an hour before his wife and son arrived and they turned back, reaching Enterprise Friday evening.
Charles McAnulty, after sending word of the fatal result of the accident, began preparations for bring the body back to Enterprise. Some of his neighbors thought the trip too long and difficult and tried to persuade him not to attempt it. But he insisted and came through Idaho by the way of Lewiston, Pendleton, and La Grande, making a railroad and wagon trip of 500 miles, while the direct distance between Enterprise and the Snake at this point probably is not 70 miles. He reached here Sunday afternoon and was met at the depot by many friends of both families who wished to show their share in the common sorrow. An inquest was held here Monday morning.
The funeral was held here in the Methodist church Monday afternoon and burial was in Alder Slope cemetery. Mrs. and Mrs. McAnulty were married a year and a half ago. A boy was born five months ago, who is now left motherless. The little fellow of course was brought back here by his father.
Enterprise Record Chieftain, Wallowa County, Oregon, Thursday April 25, 1912
Contributed By: Charlotte Carper