Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Richard Brown, a well-known local resident, fell victim to a tragic accident while bird hunting with friends on a Sunday afternoon in December of 1901. He had spent the morning hunting with Plumley and Charlie Dickinson. The boys had completed their hunt and were returning home, with Dickinson walking in front of Brown, with his shotgun resting on his shoulder. Dickinson suddenly stumbled, causing his gun to accidentally discharge the entire load of number 4 shot into the upper thigh of Brown.
The close proximity of the blast resulted in a ghastly wound for the young man, and runners were sent immediately to bring physicians to his aid. Doctors did all that they could but to no avail. After several hours of anguishing in pain, Brown was relieved of his sufferings through death.
Mrs. Carrie Connell, Brown's mother, took comfort from some of her son's final words. “I'm alright,” said Brown. “I am trusting in the Lord.” Brown's parents hoped that the incident would inspire many other young people to give their hearts to Jesus.
The information for this article was taken from Elizabeth Evans Kilbourne's book, “Madison County, Florida Newspaper Clippings,” Volume 1:1901-1903.