The Time Capsule | Roy Marshall

Thirteen-year-old Elbridge Boellert was killed 98 years ago this month. He was shot dead on Main Street, in the midst of a large crowd, and yet not a single person seemed to know who was responsible. 

The case has a connection to world events and is reminiscent to those relished by Sherlock Holmes. He had a way of solving crimes with nothing more than newspaper accounts. With this one, he could also have referred to the coroner’s inquest, held in November of 1918 and still on file in our county courthouse. 

I expect the detective would have noted the $5 paid to Dr. Yoakam and the $1 each to jurors Coppage, Tirene and Anderson, pondered their conclusion, then made an appropriate deduction. Here’s the story; decide for yourself. 

By the fall of 1918, Germany and her armies were on the brink of collapse. They were ready to end the war, but wanted terms. Allied leadership was relentless—surrender must be unconditional, or nearly so. As the slaughter continued, so did negotiations. On Nov. 7, United Press erroneously declared the war to be over. Numerous newspapers carried the story, and readers assumed it was true. Jubilation followed. Events were planned, some more hastily than others. Although Stanton put together a fine parade, much of the wild celebration was spontaneous and unorganized. By about 7:45 p.m., young Elbridge Boellert and several school friends had joined the crowd. They were on the west side of Main Street, about 100 feet north of the newspaper office, as the town’s marching band approached. The band had outriders. Some of the men on horseback were firing guns, shotguns supposedly loaded with blank ammunition. The sidewalks were chaotic, with men throwing their hats, a few of them firing shots in the air, women cheering. Three boys were dashing down an incline when one fell, another tumbled over him. One of the boys sprang up. Boellert did not. The shot struck his neck at shoulder level and he died in a gush of blood. 

Subpoenas were served and an inquest convened. The doctor could only report on the nature of the wound. Boys within a foot or two of Boellert had not initially known why he fell. It was not possible to question everyone who had been in the crowd, but none responded to requests for information. The conclusion was that even the guilty person probably didn’t realize he was the one. 

I’ve often wondered if the panel really believed that. Anyone who has fired live rounds and blanks can easily feel the difference – especially in a 12 gauge. Even with blanks a rider should not have pointed his gun into the crowd and surely knew if he had. If it was a reveler on the street, he knew where he was and what he was doing when Boellert was shot. Someone had reason to suspect he had a burden to bear, but that person was never identified. 

Other communities got the word of the real armistice, the actual end of the war on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, and celebrated a few days later. Stanton was not among them. 

Roy Marshall is a local historian and columnist for the Red Oak Express. He can be contacted at news@redoakexpress.com.