On This Date in Minnesota History: October 22

October 22, 1904 – A shrapnel shell exploded in the hands of Ed Klossner of New Ulm. Both were so lacerated and mangled that amputation was necessary.

His brother was instantly killed.

The young men had been out where the artillery were doing target practice and had found an unexploded shell that they took home with the intention of opening it. They were cautioned against it and advised to throw the shell in the river.

This afternoon they attempted to remove the cap. The younger boy stood 20 feet away watching his older brother who held the shell in one hand and a wrench in the other.

The explosion sent portions of the shell through his side, cut a large gash in his leg above the knee and instantly killed his brother.

Ed Klossner was taken to the hospital where his wounds were dressed. He is 25 years old and his brother was 20.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Shell Explodes in Man’s Hand. Ed. Klossner, New Ulm, Seriously Injured—His Brother Is Instantly Killed.”; October 23, 1904; p. 1.

Photo taken by Pamela J. Erickson. Released into the public domain July 25, 2012,
as long as acknowledgement included. 

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