The Columbus Journal

FATAL ACCIDENT.—On Monday evening we learned the following facts relative to a very sad accident, which resulted in the death of Mr. Charles Ham, of Rising City. It appears that Mr. Ham was returning from Columbus on Sunday last, in company with a man named Williams. As they were driving along the road a dog ran out from a farm house and frightened their horses, so that they became unmanageable and ran away, throwing the parties from the wagon. Mr. Ham was thrown with great violence, and fell in such a manner as to dislocate his neck, causing instant death. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his death. May He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, be their comfort and shield in this their hour of great trouble.—Osceola Record, Aug. 25.

Another account in the David City Republican says that one of the fore wheels went down into a rut throwing Mr. Ham out and killing him. A lady who met the men a few moments before the accident said that the deceased was apparently reeling under the influence of intoxicants, and as there was a jug of liquor on the wagon, her view of the matter appeared plausible.

Mr. Ham is spoken of as having been a kind and affectionate husband and father and a good citizen, but had acquired the habit of using strong drink, which was at last the probable cause of his untimely death. He owned a small farm a few miles west of Rising City, had bought lumber and was preparing to build a house for his family.