January 6, 1910, Thursday, Cassville Republican, Barry Co., MO

James Ray Accidentally Shot: James Ray, the 15 year old son of Mrs. Addie Bostick was accidentally shot and almost instantly killed, late Thursday afternoon Dec 30, 1909, near the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Bostick southwest of Cassville 3 1/2 miles, by his little cousin, Oren Brattin, the fourteen year old son of Rev. and Mrs. J. T. Brattin of this city. 

Rev. Brattin and Oren drove to Rev. Brattin's farm, 1 1/2 miles southwest of town, Thursday afternoon. Oren went from there to the Bostick home, commonly known as the old J. C. Sills farm, to spend the night with his cousin, James Ray. The two boys took James' target gun and went to bait rabbit traps. In entering a certain field they had to climb a fence, James was over first and in front of Oren who was carrying the gun. James had as he thought explained to Oren how to handle the gun and at the time it was on safety notch. However in climbing he fence Oren in some way touched the trigger, the gun was discharged the ball taking effect near the center of James' chest and he was mortally wounded, living only a very short time. Oren cried for help and the family succeeded in getting him only a short distance toward the house before he died. The boys were only about a quarter of a mile away from the house when the accident occurred.

Funeral ceremonies were held Friday afternoon at Corinth Church and the remains laid to rest in Oak Hill Cemetery at Cassville.

James Ray was a son of the late Joseph Ray and leaves a mother, one brother and a half sister, Mrs. Will Munday, to mourn his untimely death.

The accident was a very sad one indeed, for both families, and they have the deepest sympathy of the whole community in their bereavement.