The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1864-12-30
Sad Affair at Column bus.
COLUMBUS, Anoka Co., MINI. !
..e.ssv4, Decemher, %, 1854. {

-. ie.e. sg4, December %, 1854.
To tie Ea;soa 81 the P;ossr: M, tf.s q
A sad affair occurred to-day in this town, re-
sulting in the death Of q fine young man who
was in my employment, named John Loveless.
The manner of his death may be best under
stood by the recital of his companion, William
Strong, lbs follows: Yesterday, the oath, I
killed two deer, and left them in the woods.
Fearing the wolves might get at them started
off this morning to bring them in. Loveless
volunteered to 60 with me. was on horse
back and carried my rife; he was on foot and
carried double-b srrelled shot gun. We tray
elled together some distance and separated
each to look out for deer as we went along.
Shortly after we met again and conversed as
to seeing number of deer. We started on
without any understanding as to any particu-
lar route. l had some very thick brush to get
through, and believed him to be near me in the
rear. I carried my rifle cocked-it was cross.
wise on the horse in front of me, the muEzle to
the left. A branch or piece of tree struck
the rifle was carrying near the muzzle and
swung it round, and it went off instantly. For
the moment hardly knew whether it was his
gun or mine that went off. turned to ask
him, when to my horror he uttered piercing
cry Of "Oh, and fell. I dismounted and ran
to help him. He breathed two or three times
and all was over. remained q short time
with him to see If there was any signs of life.
There was none. I then started for Columbus,
procured some help and we brought his re-
mains in" ~.,....
Such is another sad instance of the uncer-
tainty of human life, and the great danger of
carrying loaded fire arms, particularly at full
cock-it is reprehensible practice and the
seal Of condemnation should be put upon it
his companion Strong were on the best of
terms; the latter is indeed grief stricken at the
untimely end of poor LOvelese, or John as he
was more familiarity known-and no words of
mine can depict bis sorrow, grieving over the
loss of his friend and companion.
In order that the sad intelligence may reach
his friends Gas he was stranger to us all until
the deceased young man was abont twenty
years of age, i've feet eleven and q half inches
high, stout build, light hair and eyes and fair
complexion. His friends or relatives live about
eighty miles from Milwaukee, but in what di-
rection we do not know. Before his death he
informed my son and also Mr.. Strong that he
left his home very suddenly in consequence Of
of young lady to whom he had been paying
his addresses. We have taken all possible care
of his remains and shall not inter them until
obliged: in the meantime we hope with the aid
of the press his bereaved relatives may be ap-
prised Of his decease, and their wishes known
IS to the disposition of the body.
Respectfully yours,
JAMES STARKEY.
Since writing the above am informed that
the proprietor of the Minnesota House, on
Wabashaw street, st. Panl, may know some
thing of the deceased and friends; if so, we
hope be will communicate with them. Us.