GUNNER’S SUDDEN DEATH
Phaon Heinbach, while out gunning for game on Thursday, last (the opening of the rabbit season) in Batdorf’s Swamp, a half mile north of Pine Grove, in company with his four brothers and father, his gun accidentally went off and the charged entered his chin and lodged in the base of his brain, killing him instantly. He was standing on a stump and in setting the butt of the gun on the stump in front of him the charge exploded with the above result. Several of his brothers were eye-witnesses to the accident. The sad ending of the life of this young son, so suddenly, spread rapidly, and cast a gloom over this entire community.
Phaon Heinbach was the next youngest son of seven sons of William Heinbach and Mary [Huber] Heinbach, residing in Paradise, Pine Grove Township, and was aged 20 years, 4 months and 18 days. Besides the aprents, the following six brothers and one sister survives: Andrew Heinbach; Elmer Heinbach; Wilson Heinbach; Isaac Heinbach; Lincoln Heinbach; Charles Heinbach; and William Heinbach; and Mrs. Charles Koble.
The funeral took place on Sunday morning. After short services at the home, the cortege proceeded to the United Brethren Church on Pottsville Street, where Rev. L. R. Kramer, preached a consoling sermon to the bereaved stricken family and relatives. The funeral was the larges held inn this community for many years.
It is estimated that nearly one thousand persons attended, and 67 conveyances were in the procession. Interment was made in the Lutheran Cemetery. The members of the United Mine Workers and the Red Men attended, the latter lodge performing the burial services at the open grave.
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From the Pine Grove Press Herald, October 23, 1908, via Newspapers.com.
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