Zieset, Benjamin (1938-1948)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1948 Sep 16 p. 1

Birth date: 1938

Lancaster County Farm Accidents Claim Lives of Three Boys

SEPARATE MISHAPS WITH TRACTORS AND WAGONS PROVE FATAL

Smoketown, Pa. — Freak accidents claimed the lives of three small boys on Lancaster county farms within a period of only a few weeks recently.

Benjamin Ziest, Jr.,, son of Benj. and Anna Arment Ziesel of Denver, was killed when thrown from a wagon as it entered the lane from the main highway. The boy and his father were hauling wood with the tractor-drawn wagon when he fell off and wagon ran over him, fracturing his skull. He was 10 years old and besides his parents, is survived by seven brothers and sisters.

Ten-year-old Russel Bender of Mt. Joy died Aug. 31 from injuries received in an accident on the farm of Wilbur Kraybill, also of Mt. Joy. Mr. Kraybill reported that his tobacco-laden wagon was being backed into the barn when Russel ran between the wagon and a post, and was crushed. Russel is the son of Gilbert and Zelah Bender and is survived by three brothers. funeral services were held at the Mt. Joy Mennonite church.

James Heller, three and one-half year old son of Parke and Charity Good Heller, lost his life the afternoon of Aug. 16 when he was pinned beneath a tractor. He was thrown from the tractor when a trailer-load of tomatoes jack-knifed into the heavy vehicle, upsetting it on the barn hill on the Heller farm. The father was thrown clear; the hired man and a brother were pinned by the tractor fender but sustained only bruises.

Mr. Heller is a minister of the Hammer Creek Mennonite church, where funeral services were held for the son.