William T King |
| Posted 2015-02-28 by Pat R |
| Journal-Miner (Prescott AZ) Sunday, November 15, 1914, p 1 Deputy Recorder King Is Instantly Killed Accidentally Discharges Shotgun While Seated Beside His Wife and Daughter In Auto, on Hunting Trip One of the most appalling and heart-rending accidents which has ever occurred in this county, if not in Arizona, and one which shocked the people of this city perhaps as no other tragic happening has ever shocked it before, was that which occurred at the Larry Little ranch, ten miles in the country yesterday afternoon about four o'clock, when W. T. King, chief deputy county recorder under L. S. Colwell, met instant death from the accidental discharge of a hammerless shotgun in his own hands. And the feature of the accident which multiplies its horrors and fairly melts the hearts of those who contemplate it, is the fact that it occurred in the midst of a happy moment of life and while the unfortunate victim was seated beside his wife and daughter in an automobile after some hours on a hunting trip on one of the most beautiful days nature ever brought forth for the comfort and happiness of mankind. Mr. King, wife and daughter Mary aged 16, had accompanied Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Hazeltine and family on a hunting trip to the Larry Little ranch, ten miles in the country, the party leaving Prescott after noon yesterday in the Hazeltine car. They had killed nothing and were preparing to leave the ranch on the return trip home. As they commenced to seat themselves in the car Mr. Hazeltine suggested that they remove the load from the shotgun which Mr. King had carried with him. Mr. King said "no" I will carry the gun loaded--we may see a rabbit or quail on the road." He was seated on the left side of the rear seat of the car when he made the remark, his wife and daughter by his side. To make room for one of Mr. Hazeltine's boys he said, "I will set the gun over here," and lifted it up with his left hand, placing the butt somewhat abruptly down on the outside step of the car. The shock discharged the gun and the full charge of heavy bird shot struck him below the left ear, tearing the left side of his head practically from his body, laying bare the base of his brain. He died so instantly that he still sat in the seat by his wife, holding the gun in his hand, with a death grip until the members of the party released his cold and fast stiffening fingers from the barrel. It seemed momentarily impossible for those present to realize that such a horrible tragedy had happened, and when it was realized no human tongue can depict the consternation and horror which overwhelmed them. Mrs. King became so prostrated with grief that it was almost impossible for her to control herself and the daughter all but collapsed, while Mr. and Mrs. Hazeltine seemed converted into a veritable to trance of grief. Dr. Southworth and Dr. Yount were called and as soon as they arrived pronounced the unfortunate man dead. The body followed by the sad-hearted family and friends, was brought to Prescott and taken to the Ruffner undertaking establishment, Judge McLane, acting as coroner, being summoned to hold an inquest, which was done in the evening, the verdict being that deceased came to his death as the result of an accidental gunshot wound from a shotgun in his own hands. Mr. King came to Prescott some fifteen years ago from Merced, California. He came from California for his health and since living in the salubrious climate of Prescott had entirely regained it, being the picture of robust manhood for the past number of years. He went to California from Missouri, in which state he had spent most of his life being about forty-two years old. Mrs. King's home before becoming the wife of Mr. King was Vandalia, Missouri, where she was married to the one whose life was so suddenly ended yesterday. Two daughters, Mary and Wilhelmina, were born to the union, the former of whom was with her parents when the accident occurred, the latter being in the California University at Berkeley. When the family located here Mr. King became a mail carrier. Later he entered the employ of J. I. Gardner as chief clerk in the latter's general merchandise store. When L. S. Colwell was elected county recorder he chose Mr. King as his chief deputy, a position which he held at the time of death. He was a member in good standing of Aztlan Lodge No. 1, F. and A. M., and of the other two local lodges of Masons. In all his life, as known in Prescott, he was the soul of honor, being an active member of the Prescott Congregational church and a singer in the choir of this denomination. Only Friday previous to the day when he was so unexpectedly called into the great beyond, he attended a social meeting of the Christian Endeavor Society of his church, and during the entertainment given there sang two solos to the edification of his fellow church workers. Those who saw him on this occasion say that he was in a particularly joyful and happy mood and took part in all the services with a seemingly unusual vim and interest. He was one of the best known men in the county, becoming so in his capacity as deputy recorder. And there was no man about the Yavapai county court house more accommodating and congenial, maintaining an even temperament even under the greatest stress of business. The King's home was one of the most cozy and pleasant in Prescott, 126 North Pleasant street. Dr. Southworth who has lived across the street from the family ever since they have occupied the home, said, when talking about the tragedy last night, that no man in all his acquaintance was more worthy the name of a true man in every respect than W. T. King. "He was always interested in work which redounded to the benefit of his fellow man, and the uplift of the community," he said, adding: "He was a Chesterfield, when it came to manners and a Gladstone in home logic and practices. Even if he disliked you he would treat you politely and gentlemanly, always practicing, as nearly as possible with erring humanity, the principles of the golden rule in his everyday life." At a late hour last night no funeral arrangements had been made, and it is not known whether the remains will be interred in the Prescott cemetery or shipped to the old family home in Missouri. It is probable that the local Masonic lodge will officiate at the funeral. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Journal-Miner (Prescott AZ) Tuesday, November 17, 1914, p 1 King Funeral In Prescott Today Beautiful Church Services Will Precede Masonic Ceremony; Relatives Arrive It has been determined to bury the remains of W. T. King in the Prescott cemetery, funeral arrangements being completed yesterday. The funeral will be held at the Congregational church today at three o'clock, after which the Aztlan Masonic lodge will have charge, rendering its beautiful ceremony at the cemetery. Services at the church will consist of a short sermon by the pastor Rev S. H. Emerson, appropriate vocal music by the male quartette of the church and a solo by Mrs. William Bliesner, one of the selections so often sung by the deceased at that church. It was the first idea of Mrs. King to take the remains to Vandalia, Missouri, the old family home, for interment, but after communicating with the folks at home these plans were changed. John Wright and Jefferson Wright, a brother, and uncle, respectively, of Mrs. King, and Miss Wilhelmina King, daughter of the deceased who was attending the California University at Berkeley, arrived yesterday to attend the funeral, the two gentlemen named coming from the family home of Mr. and Mrs. King, at Vandalia, Missouri, where the news of the death caused no less a shock, according to their statements than it did in Prescott. There is general sorrow in Prescott because of the tragic death. When the details were made public in the Journal-Miner of Sunday morning, it seemed that the whole city was converted into profound grief. The pall bearers for the funeral were not selected in time to secure a list last night. See Also: Find A Grave |
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