The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-12-05
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
An indianapolis Gentleman Fatally
Shoots a Companion While Hunting.
The Appalling Misfortune that Befell Shoot
ing Party in Illinois-D. C. Bergund-
thai Seriously Shot in the Face.

The facts concerning most deplorable acct
dent, by which well known Indianapolis gen.
tleman shot and killed a companion, while duck
hunting on the Illinois river, have just become
public although it occurred two weeks ago. A
party of gentlemen, sportsmen from this
ssary, went to Spring Lake. just below Pekin,
Ill, on the Illinois river, for a few days
duck-shooting, among the number being r. P
Daggett the architect. On Saturday, two weeks
ago to-day, the party were out on the water in
their boats, and, according to the custom in
duck-shooting, each man was accompanied by a
boatman, or "punter," whose duty it is to propel
the boat, pick up dead birds, and perform such
other duties as may te assigned him. Mr.. Dag
getts boatman was young man, about twenty
years old, but with experience in the
marshes. Contrary to all the rules
observed in marsh shooting, the boatman took
his position in the middle instead of in the stern
of the boat. where he properly belonged, and
was, unfortunately, careless in not looking out
for his safety. Mr.. Oaggett was intently watch
ing the rapid approach OF a pair of ducks, and.
waiting his most favorable opportunity, fired at
the one in the lead which he knocked down
discharged the second barrel at the other bird,
not noticing that his companion had changed his
position somewhat and was directly in front of
the muzzle of the piece In fact. he noticed
nothing until he turned to speak to the boatman,
when he saw him lying at the bottom of the
little craft with the upper part of his face and
head blown off. The man did not utter a
sound, but was, of course, instantly
killed. Mr.. Daggett was completely
Frustrated by the discovery and the appalling
nature Of the accident has since weighed upon
him most heavily. A coroner's jury was impan-
eled, and the investigation of the circumstances
completely exonerated him from all blame. He
paid the expenses incident to the dead mans
burial, and did everything possible to be done
under the trying circumstances.
Since the return of the party to the city
every effort has been made to keep the matter
profoundly secret, but rumors reaching the ears
of Journal reporter, inquiries mere made,
which confirmed the truth of the story. It is
but just to add that no blame can possibly be
attached to Mr.. Daggett, and that the unfortunate
young man was alone 70 blame for the shocking
affair." The effect Of the accident has been most
trying to Mr. Daggett's nerves. and he has not
yet been able to recover from the shock.
Another accident Of similar character, and
scarcely less serious in its result, befel another
Indianapolitan on Friday. The host of friends
of Mr. David c. Bengundthal, the well-known
sportsman, will learn with great regret that he
met with a mishap on Thursday, which may
result in the loss Of both his eyes. In company
with his friend DR.. Larrimore, Mr.. Bergundthal
was quail hunting near Freeport The two be-
came separated while hunting in the
brush and neither was aware Of the
close proximity Of the other. DR.. Larrimore
flushed covey of quails, and ignorant Of the
fact that his comrade was directly in range of
his gun, shot at one Of the birds. Six shot
struck Mr.. B. in the face, one entering each eye
He was brought to his home in this city, No. 4S3
North Illinois street, and is doing as we'll as
could be expected. The doctors say his eyesight
may be saved, but he is extremely liable to be-
come totally blind as the result of the mishap
Mr.. Bergundthal is one Of the most popular
sportsmen in the country, and is widely known
to lovers of the sport in all parts of the United
States.