Accidents

Deaths attributed to accidental shooting occur regularly throughout this set of cases. Some cases involve children, some involve quarrels in saloons or bars, or circumstances of domestic violence.

Gun accidents and gun deaths are typically recorded by the police as part of their regular record keeping (JCLC p.547-548, JCLC p.516). Records concerning the regulation of firearms during this period are contradictory, and the subject of academic research and debate (Article by Greg S. Weaver).

In the 19th century many people are killed in horse-related accidents, but as the 20th century progresses, everyone is killed by recklessly driven automobiles. If there is one technological change which overwhelmingly changes the character of people’s lives before the computer, it is the automobile.

We recommend you download the raw database files for comprehensive searching, but here’s a sample of related cases:

Learning From the Past, Living In the Present: Understanding Homicide in Chicago, 1870-1930 (pages 551-552) by Leigh B. Bienen & Brandon Rottinghaus

Learning From the Past, Living In the Present: Understanding Homicide in Chicago, 1870-1930 (pages 547-548) by Leigh B. Bienen & Brandon Rottinghaus

Florence Kelley in Chicago, 1891-1899

Florence Kelley was the first woman factory inspector in the United States. A resident of Hull House, and a reformer – who refused to be associated with any political party–Florence Kelley lived in Chicago from 1891 until 1899, leading and participating in a variety of projects. Visit our companion site...