(Mitchell Index Newspaper Front Page, Vol. 24 No, 35 Thursday, Dec 17, 1925)

Mitchell, Scottsbuff Co., NE

"Boy Accidentally Shot"

Joe Richter aged about 14 years, son of Mrs. E. J. Bettendorf, received a charge of shot in his head yesterday afternoon from the effects of which recovery is hardly expected. There are half a dozen shot in the brain which could not be removed. A protion of the skull was raised and the brain was found to be much lacerated.

The accident happened at the old Orley Lewis place northwest of Mitchell where the Richter boys had tended beets the past season. Joe and an older brother Fred, were handling a shotgun and as Fred was passing it to Joe it was discharged, the shot striking him in the right side of his head.

The crew of the switch train on the spur which passes by the place took the wounded boy on board and brought him to the depot,, where a doctor was called. He was then taken on the noon passenger train to Scottsbluff for the surgical operation at the hospital.

It was reported this morning that considering the nature of the injury the patient was doing as well as could be expected.

Charles Joseph Richter, son of George and Emma Richter, was born August 1, 1909 at Stippsville, Cherokee Co., KS. Died Dec 18, 1925 at the age of 16 years, 4 months 17 days.

The deceased is survived by his mother Mrs. Emma Bettendorf, stepfather E. J. Bettendorf, four brothers and five sisters as follow: J. V. Richter, F. E. Richter, F. H. Richter, L. Richter, Mrs. Estella Trino, Mrs. Ruth Hutchinson, Hattie Richter, Mrs. Flora Gorman, Mrs. Marie Simmons. All are residents of Mitchell and vicinity except Mrs. Trino and Mrs. Simmons who live in Denver, CO.

Funeral services were held Monday in the home of the boy's mother in Mitchell. Rev. A. J. May preached the sermon and Rev. May, Mr. Brown, Mrs. Milligan and Mrs. Stetson sang. Interment was made in the Mitchell Cemetery.

Mention was made last week in these columns of the accidental injury to Joe by being shot in the head. It was stated that a gun was being handed to him. This was not exactly how it happened. Two othere men were exchaging guns that one might use the smaller gun to shoot a rabbit. Without apparent cause, the large gun was discharged, the shot taking effect in the side of Joe's head, he being standing a few feet from the others. This accident happeded Wednesday forenoon. The young man was taken to the hospital in Scotts Bluff and an operation performed for the removal of such shot as could be removed. He died about 3:00 O'clock Friday morning.

(Mithell Index newspaper Vol. 25, No. 35 Thursday, Dec 24, 1925)

Kenneth Richter 19 Sep 1979

Kenneth Lee "Mike" Richter, 65, of Mitchell passed away in the Scottsbluff Hospital Wednesday, Sep 19, 1979.

He was born 4 Aug 1914 in Columbus, KS, the son of George and Emma Jane Burke Richter, and as an infant moved with his parents to Scotts Bluff County, NE where he has since resided. He attended school in Mitchell and later worked as a construction worker for several years. He was employed by Harpstreith Bean Co. for nearly a decade before retiring Mar 31, 1970.

Surviving are wife Rosella (Kelly); sons Robert L. of Cheyenne, Joseph L., Veron G, and Gerald L. all of Scootsbluff, Herbert L. and Ronard D. both of Mitchell; daughters; Mary Rider of Terrytown, Doris Evans & Betty Parker both of Mitchell, Flora Wiley of Caldwell, ID., 19 grandchildren & 4 GG children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 5 sisters & 6 brothers. Services were held Monday afternoon in Jones Morturary Chapel in Mitchell with Rev. Thomas Perkins officiating. Burial was in Mitchell Cemetery.

(Mitchell Index Newspaper, 27 Sep 1979)

 

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