The Deadly Cost of a 'Sporting' Joke in Sullivan County

On Sunday, a shocking affair, resulting from the careless use of firearms, occurred near Fremont, Sullivan county. A party of young people were on their way home from church and stopped at the house of Mr. Henry Pelton. A young man of the party, named Milton Crandell, took up an old shot-gun that stood in the corner of a room and, in sport, pointed it toward Clarissa Crandell, his sister, and another young lady. They commenced running, and ran away. The young man followed them, enjoying their fright. Coming up with his sister, he snapped the gun, when to the horror of all present it was discharged, no one dreaming that it was loaded. The contents of the barrel took effect in the neck of the young lady, below the ear, passing through the nape of the neck and the lower portion of the brain. She fell to the floor and died without a groan. She was but seventeen years of age, and a highly intelligent and promising girl. Young Crandell was almost crazed with grief, and he had to be secured to prevent doing himself bodily injury. An inquest was held on the body of the unfortunate young lady, and a verdict of 'gross carelessness on the part of Milton Crandell' was rendered. The sad occurrence has cast a deep gloom over the community, where the parents are known and respected.