Bio: Wettsted, Jaohn - Killed by Whiskey  (Oct 1918)

Contact: Ann Stevens
Email: ann@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Wettsted

----Source: Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 10/17/1918

Whiskey Kills Clark County Boy (Oct 1918)

John Wettsted of this city was summoned to appear at Withee last week to give evidence in a case in which the authorities of Clark County are deeply interested and in which the death of a 16-year-old boy is concerned. Mr. Wettsted is a travelling salesman and makes his territory by automobile. Two weeks ago, while travelling in the vicinity of Withee, about seven o’clock in the evening, he came upon the prostrate form of a boy lying in the road. He was so intoxicated he could not talk. His clothing was wet and covered with mud, a pitiful sight. Mr. Wettsted picked him up and carried him to the side of the road and going to the nearest farm house, informed the owner of the place of his find. The man promised to look after the boy, but it seemed he did not, and let him remain on the roadway all night. The night was cold and drizzling rain was falling. The next morning about seven o’clock, the farmer went in search of the boy, but his errand of mercy was too late; he had passed away during the night. A quart bottle of whiskey from which about two-thirds was missing was evidence of the boy’s last fight. No doubt when the Clark County authorities get through with the case, some will wish they had been more careful to whom they sold liquor. The dead boy’s parents are farmers residing near Withee. – Marshfield Herald