Chester Ohmart Butler County Kansas Genealogy Trails

Infection, Following Accident 2 Months Ago, Results Fatally for Augustan

Infection in the left leg resulting from a bullet wound accidentally self inflicted on June 2 proved fatal early last night for Chester Ohmart, 17-year-old Augusta youth.

The infection set in shortly after the accident and five operations were performed in a desperate effort to save his life. The final operation was performed yesterday but the Augusta boy failed to rally and death came at 7:30 at the Allen Memorial Hospital where he had been confined since June 10.

Young Ohmart had been in serious condition for several weeks and was at the point of death early this month when the fourth operation was performed. He rallied temporarily however, but the dreaded infection again set in and his weakened system was unable to withstand the shock of the necessary fifth operation.

The Augusta boy accidentally shot himself through the index finger of the left hand and the calf of the left leg on June 2 when a faulty cartridge which he was trying to extract from a .27 caliber pistol exploded.

On Hunting Trip

Young Ohmart was hunting up on the bank of the Walnut River, southeast of Augusta, when the accident occurred. He attempted to shoot an old bullet from the pistol and when it would not fire he tried to extract it.

In the meantime, the ancient cartridge was smoldering in the chamber and as the youth tried extract it the explosion occurred. The bullet went through the index finger, ranged downward, and went entirely through the calf of the left leg. No bones were struck.

The wound was not thought to be unduly serious at first and it was not until June 10 that Chester was brought to the hospital here.

The Augusta boy was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Ohmart. He was born at Augusta and had lived there all of his life. In addition to his parents, he is survived by one brother, Leslie, at home.

Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock tomorrow afternoon at the Augusta Christian Church with Rev. Dan Smith officiating. Interment will be made in Elmwood Cemetery near Augusta. The Dunsford Funeral Home is in charge. (El Dorado Times, January 30, 1936 ~ Transcribed by Peggy Luce)