From the Dayton Herald, 19 Apr 1937, Page 1:

Special to The Herald --

CELINA, Ohio, April 19 -- A band of stray dogs, thirsty for sheep blood, were still roaming the countryside in Center township on Monday while their would-be executioner, Lewis A. Hall, 67, lay dead, victim of his own gun.

Mr. Lewis [sic], prominent farmer, sheep and wool buyer of this vicinity for many years, went to the aid of his flock early this morning when he heard the tell-tale bleating and barking dogs. He carried his double-barreled shotgun.

The dogs, however, escaped and Mr. Lewis returned to the barn. As he started to climb the stairs inside, he stumbled on the first step. Both barrels of the gun were discharged, striking the man in the back of the head and killing him instantly.

Mrs. Hall found her husband's body at 6:30 o'clock as she went to summon him for breakfast.

The body was removed to Mendon, Ohio, pending funeral arrangements.

Surviving, besides the widow, are two sons, Guy of New Mexico state and Harry in California, and Mrs. Harold Grothjan of Washington, D.C.

From the Dayton Daily News, 19 Apr 1937, Page 6:

CELINA, APril 19 -- L. A. Hall, 58, accidentally killed himself when a discharge from his shotgun struck him in the head at 8 a.m. today at his home in Neptune, near here. He was found at the foot of the stairs to a basement in his barn.

It was reported that Hall had noticed a dog molesting his sheep when he went out to the barn for his morning chores. He came back from the barn and obtained his shotgun and it is believed the gun went off accidentally while he was on his way to shoot the dog.

Coroner Dr. Joseph M. Huerkamt returned a verdict of accidental death.

Hall is survived by his widow, two sons, Harry and Guy of California, and a daughter, Mrs. Mary Grothjan of Washington, D.C.

Transcriber's note: Lewis Hall was 68 at the time of his death. - K. Cathey.