Emil C. Wills

EMIL WILLS, FARMER AND RANCHER, DRAGGED TO DEATH BY SADDLE HORSE

People of this community were shocked Monday afternoon when word reached Lusk that Emil Wills, who resided on a ranch some 35 or 40 miles north of here, had been dragged and kicked to death by the horse he was riding.

Monday morning Mr. Wills left his home on horseback for the Rochelle ranch, where he was going to help brand. He told Mrs. Wills that if he didn't return home in time the next day to take her to vote, for her to come on over to the Rochelle ranch where the primaries were to be held.

As he hadn't returned by the middle of the next forenoon, Mrs. Wills went to the Rochelle ranch only to learn that he had not been there at all.

Alarmed for his safety, a searching party was immediately sent out. His horse, completely exhausted, was found at a gate about a half mile from the Wills ranch, with the lifeless body of his master hanging from the turned-over saddle, one foot still fastened in the leather above the stirrup.

Whether the horse fell or pitched or what the beginning of the trouble really was will never be known.

Emil was an expert horseman, having ridden all his life and the horse was one he was accustomed to ride.

This terrible accident must have occurred shortly after he left home Monday morning.

Coroner M.L. Morris brought the body into town Tuesday afternoon and an inquest was held at the Austin, Elquest, Slack undertaking rooms that evening. They returned a verdict of accidental death, the result of Wills being dragged by a horse.

He leaves to mourn his untimely death a wife, to whom the entire community extends sympathy in the loss of her husband.

Mr. Wills was a young man of 36 years and had lived in this part of the country the greater part of his life.

Relatives of his are driving up from Colorado and funeral services will be held Thursday from the Baptist church.

The obituary will be published next week.

The Lusk Herald-Standard

Emil Wills

The Herald-Standard regrets very much that they have been unable to secure the obituary of the late Emil Wills as all of his relatives live at a distance. From friends we learned that the deceased was born in Iowa, February 13, 1886. While still a little boy the family moved to Harrison, Nebr., where they resided for several years. They came to Lusk from that place. Emil lived in this vicinity ever since, where he was highly respected and known to his neighbors and friends as a thoroughly reliable young man, very much liked by all.

His mother, Mrs. Vina Wills and two sisters and their husbands drove up from Walsenburg, Colo., to attend the funeral. He also leaves another sister, Mrs. H. B. Ernest of Glenwood, Colo., and two brothers, one in Missouri and the other in South Dakota.

Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon Rev. T. R. Braddy of the Baptist church officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the Lusk cemetery.

* * * * * 

The Lusk Herald and Standard, September 5, 1922

OBITUARY

Emil Wills was born in War Lake, Sack County, Ia., on February 13, 1880.

At the age of five years, he, with his family, moved to Harrison, Nebr., which was their home until in 1900, when the deceased moved with his sister to Wyoming. 

He was married to Mary B. Moon on December 20, 1915 and for a number of years had resided on his ranch about 50 miles north of Lusk, and was for many years a faithful and efficient employee on the the Albert Rochelle ranch. It was while in pursuance of his duties along this line that he met his death August 21, 1922.

Wills was a kind and affectionate husband, a good and hospitable neighbor, a faithful friend and was loved by all who knew him.

He is survived by his sorrowing wife, his mother, Mrs. Vina Wills of Sentinel Butte, N.D.; three sisters, Mrs. Theresa Hester of Delta, Colo., Mrs. Emma Earnest, Glenwood Springs, Colo., Mrs. Fern Unfug of Walsenburg, Colo., Mrs. Elsie Ahlich of Walsenburg, Colo.; four brothers, Jerry F. wills if hanna, Mo., Otto H. Wills of Sentinel Butte, N.D., Chas. F. Wills of Medora, N.D., and John R. Wills of Sentinel Butte, N.D. 

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records