Enterprise, Oregon
Child of D. W. Weaver
The 12 year-old son of D. W. Weaver of Enterprise, was instantly killed Monday about 11 o’clock by the accidental discharge of a shot gun. From the best information obtainable, it seems he borrowed the gun for hunting purposes and being told that it contained an old load, took it home and attempted to discharge the load by filling the tube with powder and setting a match to it. As the powder did not ignite at once, he attempted to blow down the barrel to see if he could not force an air passage through the tube, doubting the fact that the gun was loaded. It was thus while he had the barrel in his mouth that the fire reached the charge and without a moments warning was discharged. The heavy load of shot shattered the lad’s head fearfully, tearing a portion of the mouth, entirely away. No one saw the horrible accident as the boy’s folks were all away except a sister who was in the house sewing.
Hearing the shot she rushed out to find her brother lying dead. The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon. – Lostine Leader
Cove Ledger Thursday September 7, 1899