The Oskaloosa Independent Jefferson County Saturday April 21, 1877 >From Valley Falls area. We give below what we have been able to learn of the cause of two sudden deaths which occurred on Saturday, the 14th inst., and acknowledge our indebtedness to Dr. Gephart, who was called upon in both cases, for the particulars. Marshall FAULK, son of Adam Faulk, about 16 years, was plowing for his uncle, J.H. Faulk, about two miles from town, when deceased drove to one corner of the field, his brother and cousin were driving along the road, twelve or fourteen steps from deceased, with a load of fodder. They had a shot gun with them, and while drawing the gun across the fodder, it was discharged, the shot passing through the fodder and four or five struck the deceased. The fatal shot having entered just below the right eye. This was about 10 o'clock, and he died a little after 12. His funeral was preached on Sunday, at 11 o'clock by Rev. E. Gill. ================= The other death was that of Mrs. Sarah J. SMITH's little boy, past four years of age. Mrs. Smith resides about two miles west of town with her father, Jonathan WRIGHT. The death is supposed to have been caused by eating buckeyes. Just how much he ate, whether a part of one, a whole one, or more than one is not known. He stated that he believed the buckeyes would kill him, and shortly after was taken with convulsions and died within an hour. Dr. Gephart was called, but the child was dead before he reached him. The funeral was preached by Rev. E. Gill Sunday afternoon.