Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1859-08-25
Death OF James O'Esrian Esq.

On Sabbath morning last we could hardly real
ize it fact when we heard Of the death of JAMES
O'BRTAN, Esq, at Knox, ON Saturday previous,
notwithstanding we had heard of the accident
which had befallen him on the Thursday before.
Mr. Beatty, himself and others were out about one
mile from Knox, shooting prairie chickens,
when some of the shot from the gun of Mr.. Batcy
were accidently lodged in the back part of his
headjus behind his right ear. He barely looked
toward Mr.. Batey, smiled gently, and then fell up
on his back. He never spoke word after he was
shot.
He was buried on Sabbath evening with Ma
sonic konors, of which institution he was an accep-
table member Several of the fraternity from
this place were in attendance.
We have long and intimately known Mr.. O'Br-
an, and Only knew him as generous and devoted
companion and friend.
He completed his law studies in Charlottesville,
in this State, and moved Lafayette in le48 where
he commenced the Practice of his profession
with unusually fattering prospects. About the
year 1853 he was elected Mayor Of that city, and
we believe it was during his official term that he
married hisnow bereft and disconsolate widow
then Julia M. Grover daughter of Jeremiah Gro
yer, who then lived at Logansport. Mr.. G. be-
came engaged and interested in land trading to
considerable extent in Starkc county, and partly
to assist him, as well as to continue the practice OF
his profession, Mr.. O'Brian moved to Knox, the
county seat of Starke county, where he purchased
him comfortable little home, and was to the day
OF his death apparently in the full enjoyment of all
the essential comforts of life.
We truly sympathize with his widow and hel
friends in this their irrcpairabe loss.
Since the above was in type, we have re-
ceived from our kind friend, DR.. CALKrNs
the following, giving the particulars of this
sad occurrence:
KNOX, Ind, August 22, 1859.
FRIEND BURNS Il improve the present
moment to inform you of a sad and mourn
full accident, that occurred in our place las
week. Our beloved friend and fellow
townsman, James O'Brian, is no more =
The particulars of his death are as follows
CLEAN them from an eye witness that was
on the ground when the sad and fatal oc
currence happened. James O Brian, Sam
ue Beatty, Alfred Humphreys and DR.
J. G. Jones started in company last Thurs
day, to shoot prairie chickens, and wher
about one mile south of this town about Il
o'clock, NJ. they were standing all near to
gether. Mr.. Beatty's gun was accidental,
discharged, when O'Brian fell. Mr.. Beat.
ty IAN Immediately to DR.. Jones and ex
claimed, have shot the Judge. They
all went up to him Immediately, and to al
appearance he lay lfeless upon the ground
when they found him they ascertained tina
the shot had taken effect in his head Jus
back of his right ear. In few moment
however, he showed signs of life, and sool
commenced breathing, when he was car
ried to tree near by and a. messenge
sent for assistance, which soon arrived. H
was then placed upon bed that was on
spring wagon and conveyed to his resi-
dence. Mr.. Beatty was standing about II
or 1 5 feet from Judge O'Brian when hi
gun was discharged. The gun was
Double barrel Shot gun we'll charged Will
shot. 1t made a frightful wound in hi:
! 1cau- he Suoi "OHs iueO ILc ill1lcT OOn'
of the ear, some of them came out at hi
mouth, and portion Of his brain kept con
stantly oozing out of the wound until h,
died. He lived about forty eight hours
when he expired. He did not speak
word. or open his eyes from the time h,
was shot until he died, which was l.
O'Clock noon last Saturday. He was bur
ried yesterday in the afternoon. in Mason
ic order. His funeral was attended by
large concourse of people from all parts o
the countryside largest that ever congre
gated for any purpose before in this coun
ty. He was esteemed by all, friend t,
all, and they all felt their loss.
1 never shall forget the heartrendin.
scene that was presented when he wa
brought to his home-the cries of his com
panion and sister was enough to bring tear
in the eyes of all present, and all simpa
thized freely, and mingled the tear of heart
felt sorrow and sympathy with them
Our whole Town is shrouded in mourn
ing.
Thus has passed Ole of the strongest in
tellects and brightest geniuses in our coun
ty. His age was thirty years ant
four months lacking one day.
Indian Trouble i'm Kansas
ST.. LOUIS, Aug. Is.