The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1886-08-25
DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS LOADED.
Norman Rickard Shot and Instantly Killed
by Willie Co1Iyef.

Friday afternoon about three O'Clock
one Of the most distressing accidents which
ever occurred in this vicinity took place
at the ranch Of NJ. S. Rickard about three
miles from this city whereby Norman
Rickard, the tWelve-year-old son of M.
S. Rickard, was instantly killed.
From parties who went out the same
evening we learn the following particulars
Of the affair: It seems that young Rick
ard had been out chicken shooting and on
returning to the house laid his guL CON
tanning an unexploded cartridge on the
bed, and was playing with his mother
who had the boy on her lap. Cullyer
came i'm and remarked S'Weil, guess I'll
settle this" took up the gun and holding
the nluzzle within two feet Of the boys
head pulled the trigger, nearly the entire
charge from the gun entering young Rick
ards right eye. Several shots scattered
and penetrated other portions of his head.
1t was learned that the boys had been in
the habit Of swapping the gun at each
other when it was not loaded, and Collyer
had no idea. SO he says, that the gun was
loaded when he pulled the trigger. The
dead boy was the eldest child and the pet
and pride Of his parents. Those who wit
messed the grief of the mother say it was
heartrending. Judge Powers, acting cor
oner, went out this morning to view the
remains and take testimony, if possible to
ascertain whether the shooting was ace-
dental or not. Mrs. Richard says it was
an accident, and that was the verdict of
the coroner's jury.
The funeral took place Saturday after
noon and the remains were deposited in
Riverside cemetry.
Interesting Letter From an Old Resident OF
."Ma Fort Benton.
The following letter we are kindly per
mitted to publish. The writer is a brother
Of the late Governor B. Gratz Brown, OF
Missouri. He was here in 1861 with the
American Fur company, and had at one
time charge OF post on the Marlas liver
where he remained two years, never DUR
ing the whole time seeing the face OF
white man. Mr.. John Power, who me
him in Kentucky, says he is now one o
the most prominent citizens Of Louisville
being head Of the law firm Of Brown
Humphrey 6 Davie. Mr.. Power says Mr.
Brown speaks the Blackfoot language
fuently. He greatly enjoyed visit from
Mr.. P, and :; revival of the memories 0
his early life in Montana:
LOUISVILLE, KY, August 6, 1886.
j. ". Power, Fort Benton, Moniana;
DEAR SIR:-I am greatly obliged bJ
your kindness in procuring for me ane
sending the photographs Of old Fort Ben
ton, as we'll as those of scenes in the nev
city of Fort Benton.
The view Of the old fort recalls man.
recollections of years past. [ perceiv
from note in one corner Of the pictur
that It was taken in 1869; but at tha tim
evidently no great decay had taken place
[ can still locate the uses and occupanc.
Of every part of the old structure.
Of course, when [ was familiar With th
spot, there was no building whatever ex
cept old Fort Benton, and Fort La Barg
above. A few Indians used to camp be
tween the two forts, but otherwise the en-
tire plain was unoccupied.
The next time you come to Kentucky
+ shall insist upon seeing more o. you tha
J L had the pleasure of at your last visit.
; feel that I am entitled to be called a Mon
tana man, inasmuch as / lived in the coun
try before there was any Montana. and
have warm feeling towards the territor
and its good people.
Accept my thanks again for your kin
: recollection and believe me,
Very truly, yours,
. JOHN MASON BROWN.
-@s +4-sG>s zaaz------------
: The Boston Wool Market.