John E. Dagnell
JOHN E. DAGNELL, son of CORA MAY BYERS and ROBERT R. DAGNELL, was born October 5, 1896 in York County, Pennsylvania,3985 and died May 1, 1916 in Monroe Township, Cumberland, Pennsylvania.5787, 3985 He is buried in Dillsburg Cemetery, York County, Pennsylvania.3985
Obituaries
Evening Herald, May 2, 19165787
Game Ends in Tragedy When Boy Shoots Self and Employer
HIRED LAD TRIES TO KILL FARMER FOLLOWING DISPUTE
John Dagnell, Aged 17, Blows Out Own Brains After Murder Attempt
VICTIM IS IN CRITICAL CONDITION AT HIS HOME
Bullet Fired Point Blank Embedded in Skull of Frank Sponsler—Jury Renders Verdict
Incensed, it is believed, because of an argument which followed a game of "molasses smearing," John Dagnell, 17 years old, formerly of Dillsburg, last night shot and seriously wounded his employer, Frank Sponsler at the latter's home on the John Shelley farm near Trindle Spring and committed suicide by blowing out his brains with the same revolver.
The bullet, fired point blank from a distance of scarcely 20 inched was imbedded in Sponsler's skull and was removed. There is a possibility of his recover should infection not set in. Lester Dagnell, aged 15, a brother of the dead boy is in a serious condition from shock.
Following a view and inquest, a coroner's jury rendered a decision that the lad "died from a gunshot wound inflicted by himself" and did not ascribe any motive.
According to the story told officers who were on the scene immediately after the occurrence the case of an old game carried too far ended in the tragedy that snuffed out one life and may result in a dual total.
District Attorney Lloyd, Coroner J. H. Deardorff, and John D. Faller, Esq., were summoned to the farm which is about three miles from Mechanicsburg and there heard the story of the occurrence.
According to the information given at the supper which occurred about 6:30 o'clock, Mr. and Mrs. Sponsler, Dagnell, his brother, Lester, and Gertrude Zinn, aged about 15, employed to assist Mrs. Sponsler had indulged in a game of "molasses smearing," daubing each other with the sticky fluid while seated at the table and finally in their interest chasing one another about the house. Mr. Sponsler followed his wife, it was stated, and then John took a hand stating that he was going to "help muzzy." He engaged in a tussel with his employer and finally the latter stopped the play.
Argument Follows Play
John then accused him of being angry at a "little fun" and an argument ensued in the course of which the boy stated that Sponsler could "get another man." He went to the barn which he shared with his brother and said that he was going to town, Mechanicsburg, "sell his horse if he only got $40 for him and get drunk." He came down stairs without changing his clothes, however. It is thought that he then secured the revolver with which he later ended his life. Mrs. Sponsler asked him why he didn't change clothes but it is said that he did not reply. He then said he was "going to give muzzy goodbye," an unusual occurrence it is said.
His brother started with him on his trip to town but advised him not to go and the two turned back, the younger lad entering the house and the other going first to the barn and later seating himself on the pump bed outside the kitchen window where the remainder of the family with the exception of the Sponsler children who were in bed were seated.
He sat there smoking, according to the accoutns, talking through the window to the others who were engaged in propounding conundrums.
Shot Answers Conundrum
"Tell me something that begins with 'M', John," Lester shouted. His answer was a shot and Sponsler sank back groaning with a gapping wound in his head from which the blood spurted. The face of the boy appeared at the window looking in. "I shall never forget how he looked as long as I live," the brother told officers.
In the room when the shooting occurred were Mr. Sponsler who was reclining on a couch just inside the window, Lester Dagnell, and Gertrude Zinn, Mrs. Sponsler having gone to an outkitchen for kindling to prepare for lighting a fire this morning.
While they ran to raise the injured man they heard another shot. An investigation showed the boy lying on the approach to the barn with the revolver beside him. The girl ran to the farm of Mervin Kutz nearby and from there, a telephone message was sent to Mechanicsburg to which the county officials and Mr. Faller, with Dr. Hershner, responded. They reached the house about 10:10 o'clock the shooting having occurred about half an hour previous.
They found Mr. Sponsler in the couch where he had been shot with his wife supporting his head and the dead body of the boy near the barn.
It was learned on investigation that the lad had fired through the window, holding the weapon near the pane, just inside of which his employer was lying. The bullet, fired from a 32 calibre Smith and Wesson gun traveled less than two feet and it is said, to be a miracle that the man was not instantly killed.
Bullet Lodged In Skull
Dr. Hershner probed the wound which was in his skull just back of the left ear and which had lodged in the bone but not quite reached his brain. Should infection not set in from the wound it is believed that he will recover.
The boy shot himself about 200 feet away on the barn bridge. He placed the gun against the right side of his head and fired. The bullet penetrated his brain and death is believe to have been instantaneous.
He was lying on his left side with the weapon beside him when found.
A Masonic meeting had just closed in Mechanicsburg when the news was received and a number of the men went to the scene of the tragedy. On advice of District Attorney Lloyd and Mr. Faller a jury was immediately empanelled and an inquest held. On the jury were Grant Westhafer, Tolbert Senseman, H. J. Wise, B. G. Westhafer, William A. Fink, Paul T. Weaver, all of Mechanicsburg. They gave a verdict of suicide and ascribed no motive for either act.
Dagnell's body was sent today to his relatives in Dillsburg. He had worked on the farm since February 1915, andhis brother was there but a few weeks. It is not known what would have prompted the deed other than pique over the disturbances earlier in the evening. The lad was said to be naturally hot tempered. He is also said to have been worrying over the condition of his horse, a fine animal which was injured some weeks ago. The shooting caused much excitement in the section.
The revolver used had been purchased on last July Fourth to celebrate the national holiday and the boy had fired blank cartridges but it was not known that he had ball ammunition.
Census Records
| Date | Location | Enumerated Names |
|---|---|---|
| April 28, 19102976 | Franklin, York, Pennsylvania |
