Introduction: The following account, detailed by Monica Harmes, captures the tragic circumstances surrounding William Harmes' death and the ripple effect it had on the family and community.
William Harmes
Born: March 14, 1836
Prussia, Germany
Died: November 15, 1889
Talpa, Colorado
Cause of death was an accidental cranial gunshot by one of his sons, August Harmes. William was said to be reading the news paper while he sat near a wood stove when the gunshot happened. There is a well documented article in the Huerfano World about the accident and the trial, in which August was found not guilty. He was a CIVIL WAR VETERAN - Union. 1857 at 21 years of age before he traveled to settle in Colorado. Married Camila Gonzalez on 2/20/1861. Camila was from Red River, NM.
It was quite sad because, while no one contested the shooting was an accident, and August was not charged, he could not stand to stay in the community. He left Colorado and settled in Park City, UT. August was a savvy businessman like his father was and he worked the store in Talpa. So it wasn't surprising that August had a successful business while in Utah. While we were growing up, our Father, Eddie Harmes, relayed this information as he was told by his grandfather, Charlie Harmes. It was a sad and unfortunate incident. After all, August was Charlie's brother, and Charlie lost his father AND his brother when he was 25, all around Christmas time. This is the same year Charlie married Augusta.
It was quite sad because, while no one contested the shooting was an accident, and August was not charged, he could not stand to stay in the community. He left Colorado and settled in Park City, UT. August was a savvy businessman like his father was and he worked the store in Talpa. So it wasn't surprising that August had a successful business while in Utah. While we were growing up, our Father, Eddie Harmes, relayed this information as he was told by his grandfather, Charlie Harmes. It was a sad and unfortunate incident. After all, August was Charlie's brother, and Charlie lost his father AND his brother when he was 25, all around Christmas time. This is the same year Charlie married Augusta.
The family looked for August, to no avail, until one day someone mentioned a man by the name of Harmes living and working in Park City, UT. The story went that once August got word his family knew where he was, he sold his business and moved his family to Washigton State. That is where the trail and the stories ended. Then, about 30 years ago, a woman in Seattle contacted one of my siblings asking about William Harmes. She said August was either her grandfather or great grandfather, and the newspaper article about the trial was discovered in his personal things. She said while her grandfather was a good provider, hard worker and loved his family, he NEVER spoke about his family in Colorado or his childhood.
The only other thing I was ever told about August and the accident, was that the firearm had been sent to a gunsmith for repair. August was in the store and was taking the gun out of the package it had been mailed in when it went off. I do not recall the article saying anything about a mistaken burglary, but I do recall the gumsmith was one of the trial witnesses.
Note: The original newspaper article from the Hurfano World newspaper will be posted here when found.
I wish there were some written accounts. Like, wouldn't it wonderful if a diary was kept by someone that was there, sonwe could really know. One thing I always wonder is, the day William died was December 15th. The article said that, "the news traveled fast." Thwre were no automobiles. It was probable there was snow and certainly cold. Who rode for help, how did the authorities get notified, how long did it take? I really enjoy history. But it's the small details that make me wonder. Like, how long did it take William Harmes to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado to pursue his dreams to own land? Was he on a wagon train part of the way?
