Died when a birddog knocked a gun off the porch.

"A Fatal Accident. - James F. Rippetoe Shot and Instantly Killed"

The community was shocked late Sunday afternoon by the news that J. F. Rippetoe, who had only the day before removed to the Kiefer ranch on Sac river, had been accidentally shot and instantly killed.

It appears that one of the hired men and a son of Mr. Kiefer had been out rowing and had taken their guns.  When they returned young Kiefer stood his gun up against the house and in some way it was knocked down or fell over just after Mr. Rippetoe had passed with a arm full of wood, the jar causing one barrel to go off, the contents striking Mr. Rippetoe in the back just under the shoulder and coming out in front.  The gun was of the hammerless variety and was warranted to be safe from such accidents, but when the coroner's jury dropped it on ground the same barrel clicked.  The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts.

James F. Rippetoe was born near Iconium February 6, 1846, and resided on the old home place until about 15 years ago when he removed to Lowry City, residing there, at Monegaw and later on to Osceola until last Saturday, when he and his companion for 46 years, went to the Kiefer ranch to act in the capacity of care takers for the coming season.  While about the duties of the evening the accidental discharge of a gun caused his instantaneous death, which occurred about 5 o'clock last Sunday afternoon, making him just 25 days over 69 years of age.

On the 26th of March, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda C. Johnson.  To this union eight children were born - five girls and three boys - all of whom (except one daughter) with their mother and a large number of relatives and friends are left to mourn his untimely end, which came as a most decided shock to everyone.

When he was about 18 years of age, during a revival meeting held near the old home place, he was converted, giving his heart and life to the service of the Master and uniting with the Cumberland Presbyterian church.  Some years afterward he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and was among its most devoted, faithful members, always at the service when he could be and always quietly worshipful, his everyday life proving his unfaltering trust in God and loyalty to his church and his friends and loved ones.

The obsequies were conducted by his pastor, the Rev. D.T. Simmons, from Grace M.E. Church Tuesday, March 3, the interment being in God's Acre cemetery.