The afternoon of August 18, 1913, 18 year old Clayton Straw was out hunting by himself. As he climbed over a fence, his gun discharged. A load of shot (lead BB’s) passed through his left side, shattering ribs and exposing the lung. The opening in his side was 4 inches long by 2 inches wide. What happens next shows the fortitude and determination that Straws and Duguids have embodied for generations.
Clayton would understandably have been in great pain. It must have been a shock seeing the blood and torn tissue. But clear headedness prevailed and Clayton did what he needed to do to survive. He stopped the flow of blood with his shirt and with what I can only imagine as adrenaline induced power, he managed the 1/2 mile trek back home.
Clayton endured surgeries, infections, and pain. It took him almost 4 months before he was well enough to resume his education at school. I am sure that all the Straws that have come from his union with Martha Beulah are thankful for his perseverance through suffering and consider him a Hero.
