Ferguson, Oscar

FERGUSON, RAWLES, FRYE, GINDER, SNOW, PURCELL, BELLWOOD, BECKALL

Posted By: Lois Shaul (email)
Date: 12/2/2018 at 13:56:24

Malvern Leader
Page 5
July 26, 1888

THE SAD DEATH OF OSCAR FERGUSON

One of those strikingly sad accidents which occasionally befalls a community occurred near this place on last Thursday afternoon in the accidental shooting of Oscar Ferguson, the oldest son of L.S. Ferguson, which resulted in his death in a half hour afterwards.It seems from what we can learn of the details of the tragic affair, that Oscar and his two mates procured a shot-gun and two revolvers and started up the railroad, after being supplied with ammunition. They tarried at one place and spent some time shooting at a mark with one of the revolvers. After tiring of this sport they concluded to take a swim in the creek nearby. While standing on the bank stripping they espied a snake in the water and each boy took a shot at it. Not being satisfied with the results of the shooting, Oscar took from his pants pocket, that were laying on the ground, a revolver of larger caliber, which he had borrowed at the pump-house. It seems that in this revolver (a Smith and Wesson) it was difficult to make the cartridge fit perfectly and it always took some arranging to make the cartridge fire. His two mates at this time had their backs turned to him and were in the water. It is supposed that at the first attempt the weapon snapped, and as he was arranging the cartridge it was discharged, penetrating the brain and causing death in a short time. For a few moments after the shot his mates suspected nothing but one inquired "if he has killed the snake." On going up to him, he asked for help. Thereupon one boy hurried to town, and soon many friends were there and did all they could, but it availed naught. The Coroner's inquest resulted in a decision of "accidental shooting."
Oscar was 14 years of age the Monday previous to his sad death. He was a bright boy, all the time giving promise of the future realization of his parents fondest hopes. He was especially apt in music, as was evidenced by his standing in the band.He was an ardent devotee of music , and the members of the band sadly deplore his death. He was a constant attendant of the Sabbath-school and Young People's prayer meeting. He attached himself to the M.E. Church last winter. Altogether, he was a boy whom the community can ill afford to lose, yet an All-Wise Providence decrees differently. Our hearts are heavy and a pall of sadness envelopes us. Oh blessed consolation. "Though God moves in a mysterious way, behind a frowning Providence he hides a smiling face."
The funeral took place at 10 o'clock on Saturday in the church. Rev. Mr. Rawles of Emerson preaching the sermon. The address was a plain, practical and comforting talk.
The remains were followed to the cemetery by a large concourse of relatives and friends.
The sadness of both the old and young of our town and vicinity gives evidence of the sympathy of all with the parents in their hour of bereavement.
The relatives from abroad who were at the funeral were Mrs. E.J. Frye and Sidney Snow, of Fullerton, Neb., brother and sister of Mrs. Ferguson; C.E. Ferguson and wife of Tecumseh, Neb.; Hugh Ferguson and wife, of Macedonia; Mrs. James Ginder, of South Auburn, Neb.; J.W. Snow and wife, of Carson; Wm. Ferguson, of Omaha.

Resolutions unanimously passed by Hastings Lodge No. 397, I.O.O.F. at their last, regular meeting:
Whereas; By the dispensation of Divine Providence Brother J.S. Ferguson has been suddenly bereft of his beloved son Oscar; therefore be it.
Resolved: That this Lodge deeply sympathizes with Brother and Sister Ferguson in this their sad affliction, realized that in this sad accident not only has the family of Brother Ferguson lost a beloved member, but society has lost a bright and promising young member.

Resolved: That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Lodge, and also a copy be sent to the Emerson Chronicle and the Malvern papers for publication.

Samuel Purcell

H.H. Bellwood

W.A. Beckell

Committee.

Card of thanks___ We desire to extend our heartfelt thanks to many kind friends and neighbors, who so cordially aided us in that time of our greatest bereavement, caused by the death of our son, Oscar.
Mr. and Mrs. L.S. Ferguson