Obit: Peterson, Claude J. (1902 - 1939)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt
Email: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Rosenberg, Peterson, Ringrose, Prucia, Fahlgren

----Sources: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Wis.) Sat., 22 April 1939

Peterson, Claude J. (2 June 1902 - 18 April 1939)

Arson and Suicide

Excitement was at a high pitch in Garden Valley Tuesday forenoon when it was learned that the rural mail courier, Alvin Rosenberg, had been shot by Claude Peterson. Peterson met the carrier on the highway a few rods west of the Curtis cemetery and waved at him. The carrier retuned the salute but did not stop his car, when without warning Peterson discharged a 28 gauge shot gun he was carrying, into the windshield of the car. The carrier, who serves a route out of the Alma Center post office, was wounded in the shoulder, but drove to the Frank Ringrose farm and reported the shooting.

A short time later the barn on the Geo. Ringrose farm, opposite the cemetery, was discovered on fire. The farm is unoccupied at the present, but the barn contained a quantity of hay and other feed. The first ones at the fire found tracks from the scene of the shooting leading into the barn, but none lead out. The bard and contents were a complete loss. After the ashes cooled enough for an investigation, a small portion of a body, the metal parts of the gun, a watch and a knife, later identified as belonging to Peterson, were found. The body was nearly consumed.

No cause is known for the act, as there had been no difficulties between any of the parties. Peterson was twenty-seven years of age, and lived with his parents and a sister not far from the scene of Tuesday’s trouble.

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----Sources: Humbird Enterprise (Humbird, Wis.) Sat., 29 April 1939

Claude J. Peterson was born June 2, 1912, in the town of Cleveland, where he lived practically all his life, and was baptized in the Methodist faith by Rev. Prucia. He lived to be 26 years, 10 months and 15 days of age. He died Tuesday, April 18, 1939.

Death is hard master. He would take from us our loved ones, but he cannot bar memory.

Claude’s death comes as a dark shadow to friends and to his relatives who loved him so dearly.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Peterson, and one sister, Elsie.

Funeral services were held Friday at 2:00 p.m. from the Methodist church in Humbird, the Rev. Fahlgren officiating. The interment was made in the Curtis Cemetery.