Remembering Carl Otto Aderman

Fifty-six years ago today, May 1, 1957, Carl Otto Aderman died tragically in a shooting accident. (Carl is the grandson of Fredericke Bergemann and is my 1st cousin, 3x removed.) As the newspaper wrote the story:

Lake Crystal Farmer Shot Accidentally

The death of a 51-year old Lake Crystal farmer who apparently tripped and shot himself in a field near his home early this morning was ruled accidental today by Dr. George R. McNear, Jr., Blue Earth county coroner.

The farmer, Otto Aderman, was found by his wife about 7:30 this morning. He had left to go to work in the field at daybreak. Mrs. Aderman investigated when she saw the tractor standing idle in the field about a quarter of a mile from the house.

Aderman was found lying in a drainage ditch on the side of a fence running alongside his field with a .22 caliber rifle laying near him. Blue Earth County Sheriff Jay Mickelson who investigated the death said it appeared that Aderman was out hunting gophers when he tripped and discharged his rifle. A check by the sheriff showed, he said, that Aderman had an interest in hunting.

Time of the accident was not determined definitely. Mrs. Aderman did not hear a shot, she told authorities. Her husband left the house about daybreak this morning, and Mrs. Aderman found him at about 7:30 a.m.

An autopsy by Dr. McNear was completed before 1 p.m. today. Aderman is survived by his wife and two sons, at home. He had farmed near Lake Crystal for many years. Funeral services are pending.”

Carl Otto was the son of August Frederick Aderman (1867v- 19150) and Martha Bolter.  One of his siblings, William Gustav Aderman, was a twin. He also had three other siblings: Meta, Herman and Herbert. He married Lorraine Estell. Carl’s father, August, was a stepbrother to my 2nd great grandfather, Ferdinand.