I am truly amazed by what I find in the probates as I am digitizing them. Now often I digitize rather like a robot, not looking at what I am doing. But occasionally something catches my eye. This is one of those.
Third line: "Ernest Gottschall on or about the 9th day of September 1935 from wounds inflicted upon him by one Ivan J. Kinsman." What??!! This probate practically gives a cause of death. So is this murder, accidental, or self-defense?? There is more to this story. So we should check the newspapers and/or the court records.
From the Polk County Democrat, 19 September 1935
E. E. Gottschall passed away Monday morning en route to a Columbus hospital. His death was a result of complications from an injury 2 weeks ago.
From the Polk County Democrat, 10 October 1935
"Widow files suit for $10,000"
As a sequel to death of E. E. Gottschall, whose death on September 9 followed injuries allegedly sustained in an altercation with Ivan J. Kinsman, his landlord, on August 24 in Columbus. Mrs. Gottschall filed a civil suit in district court against Mr. Kinsman for $10,235 ($10,000 for the death of her husband and $235 for doctor bills and funeral expenses). In today's money that would be over $187,000!
Can't really find much more on this case at this time. Perhaps when I digitize the court records more information will be found.
Stay tuned for Part 2!
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