Obit: Fritz, Johnnie (1895 –1908)

Contact: Stan

Surnames: FRITZ HAUSE

----Sources: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Clark County, Wis.) 01/09/1908

Fritz, Son of Peter (26 Jul 1895 - 3 Jan 1908)

(Marshfield Times)

A most deplorable shooting accident happened at Unity last Friday costing the life of a bright little boy of twelve years. Two lads, one a son of Peter Fritz, owner of the local sawmill and the other a son of Sam Hause, were playing about, each armed with a 22-caliber rifle. Through some accident the weapon held by the Hause boy was discharged and the ball passed through the slight body of the Fritz boy from side to side, inflicting a very bad wound.

The injured youngster was brought to St. Joseph’s hospital and an operation was performed which left the wound in the best possible condition, but the vital parts were penetrated by the bullet in such a manner that there was little hope of recovery. The boy died Saturday morning and the remains were removed to Unity for interment.

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Obit: Fritz, Johnnie #2 (1897 - 1908)

Contact:  Lani Bartelt

Surnames: Fritz, Hause

----Sources: Marathon County Register Newspaper (Unity, Wis.) Jan 10,1908

Fritz, Johnnie (26 Jul 1895 - 4 Jan 1908)

ACCIDENTAL SHOOTING

Johnnie Fritz Fatally Shot By a Young Companion

What is perhaps the saddest tragedy ever enacted in this village, occurred last Friday morning when Johnnie, the 11 year old son of Peter Fritz, a prominent lumberman and mill owner of this place was fatally shot by the accidental discharge of a 22 calibre (caliber) rifle, in the hands of ayoung companion.

According to the story of his companions, which is in accord with the statement of Johnnie made shortly after the accident, he and his youngest brother, Leo and, Vern Hause, a son of Sam Hause, had been shooting at a mark in the barn and after having , as they supposed shot off all the cartridges, began scuffling. Johnnie picked up one of the guns and playfully pointing it at Vern exclaimed "I’ll shoot you,". Vern picked up the other gun and in the same spirit pointing it at Johnnie said, "What would I be doing?" his finger came in contact with the trigger and to the horror of the boys the gun was discharged, the bullet entering Johnnie’s left side just below the ribs and passed through the stomach. He went with the other boys to the house and informed Mr. Fritz’s housekeeper that had been shot. Dr. Clark was hastily summoned and after an examination decided the only hope was in an operation, he was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital in Marshfield, where the best of medical skill was employed to save his life, but to no avail.

To the writer it is a most painful duty to pen these few words that chronicle the untimely taking away of this bright young life. Not only in his home but upon the streets and especially among his little playmates was his happy and gentle disposition manifest, he was naturally active, bright and witty and a boy to whom ones heart could not help but warm.

One of the most pathetic scenes which the writer has been obliged (the rest is cut off)

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Additional Note:

Johnnie Fritz is buried at Unity Cemetery,Marathon County,WI.