Last Monday afternoon little five year old Carl Betschart, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Betschart, former residents of Protection, but now living on the Box ranch on the river south of town was killed by his older brother, Robert, while they, with another brother, were playing at the barn at the Betschart farm residence.

At the time the accident occurred Mr. Betschart was away from home, helping a neighbor thresh, and the mother was in Protection doing some shopping. Mr. Betschart's mother was at the place, and was in the house while the boys were playing about the place as usual. While playing about the barn they managed to find their father's rifle which he had hidden in order to prevent such an accident befalling his boys.

The boys hunted around and found a cartridge and loaded the gun and in their play the gun was discharged and the bullet struck little Carl in the top of the head. He died from the bullet wound half an hour later, before either of his parents could reach home. Mr. Betschart was the first to arrive home and while on his way to Protection to arrange for the funeral and burial, met Mrs. Betschart, who did not know of the tragedy which had befallen them until she met her husband.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon in the Christian church in Protection the service being conducted by N. S. Franklin, the family's pastor.

Carl was born in Pratt county on November 26, 1913, and would have been five years old this next November. He is survived by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and numerous other relatives.

The tragedy is one of the saddest happenings which occurred in this vicinity for some time, and the bereaved and unhappy family have the sincerest sympathy of the people of the entire community.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!

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