Tragic Hunting Accident on Lopez Island

It is not often that we are called upon to record such an event as that which occurred here last Tuesday, June 12th. Mr. Charles Mathews, a newcomer to this island, in company with a young friend, went out to make certain necessary improvements upon a piece of land previous to entering the same, and which he had selected for the future home for himself and family. While they were walking along they met a neighbor, Mr. Martin Phillips. Mr. Mathews, who carried a double-barreled shotgun, heavily loaded with buckshot, stepped upon a log, letting his gun down with the intention of placing the stock upon the log, but the gun slipped through both hands, and the butt striking the log with sufficient force to discharge the gun, the contents of both barrels entering the lower part of his body, and ranging upward, killed him instantly. Mr. Mathews was a native of Michigan, aged about 37 years. He leaves a young wife and two small children to mourn his untimely death. He lately came to this Territory with his family and a friend, Mr. Marion Anderson, from Worth county, Missouri. He was a quiet, peaceful young man of moral character, and readily gained the good will and friendship of all he came in contact with. The accident having been witnessed by Mr. Phillips and young Anderson, and there being no qualified officer here to hold an inquest, and also owing to the very warm weather, starting mortification, that formality was dispensed with. Today, June 14th, the mortal remains of Charles Mathews were interred in the Lopez Island Cemetery. Quite a large number of settlers turned out to pay their tribute to the dead. The funeral service was read, and several appropriate pieces were sung at the grave.