Untimely Deaths
Life and death are balanced on the edge of a razor. ~Homer, Iliad
Transcribed by Cathe Ziereis & Editor Jim Glasheen
Shawano County Advocate Dispatch
Thursday Oct 10, 1903
The worst storm ever in Shawano history was last Saturday afternoon. The storm commenced in Minnesota and swept through portions of Wisconsin and ended in Canada. The storm destroyed the barn on the John Lund place. Some of the debris struck Mr. & Mrs. John Pleshek, who was in a wagon on the way home from Bonduel. They were killed instantly. It is thought that the force that struck them knocked them from the wagon. A lady and little girl were also on the wagon. The lady’s shoulder was dislocated, but the girl was not hurt at all.
FUNERAL HELD TUESDAY. The funeral of Mr. & Mrs. John Pleshek was held Tuesday morning in the town of Waukechon at the Catholic Church. The funeral was one of the largest ever held in the town. Mr. & Mrs. Pleshek had many relatives in the county. They leave 6 children, 2 daughters are married. Mr. Pleshek was about 46 years of age and was a prosperous farmer of Waukechon. They were both well liked, and their sudden and sad death is a great shock to their relatives and friends.
Shawano County Advocate
Thursday, Dec. 29, 1904
Killed In Woods Near Wabeno
Louis Raasch, Of Cecil, Killed at Geo. Hoffman’s Camp Last Week Thursday
Word was received here last Thursday night of a fatal accident that happened at George Hoffman’s Camp near Wabeno, Thursday morning. It appears that Wednesday afternoon some of the men felled a large tree, which lodged in another. As it was pretty late they left it until the next morning, when 3 of them went to work to cut down the tree in which the other had lodged. When it fell it struck all 3 of the men, killing one instantly and injuring the other 2, one of them so badly that it is feared he cannot recover. All of the men reside in Cecil, and the body of Louis Raasch, the unfortunate victim was taken home that night by rail. Mr. Raasch was a brother of Otto Raasch, who died he a few weeks ago.
V.W.
5 Jan 1906, Bonduel
Bergsbarken, A. (son of) two sons were found in a shed with a small gun. The youngest child took the gun and as a joke, pointed it at his brother and immediately shot him in the forehead. He died in a few hours. The children were aged ten and thirteen years.
Advocate
18 Jan 1906
At John Kadletz’s Mill – Paul Anker Loses His Life.
Funeral Tuesday
One of the worst accidents which have happened in this vicinity for some time occurred Friday morning at John Kadletz’s mill in the town of Waukechon, which resulted in the death of Paul Anker, a highly respected citizen of the town.
The particulars of the accident, as we have been able to learn them are about as follows. Mr. Anker had some lumber sawed at the mill and was assisting there, paying for the same. He had worked six days and expected to quit in a few days more. He was taking lumber from the saw and stepped on the carriage to ride back to where the logs were put on the carriage, it being his turn to assist in this work. As the carriage started back he either slipped or stepped in front of the saw, which struck his left leg close to the body, taking it nearly off. The mill was at once stopped and Mr. Anker got off from the carriage and attempted to set up, but could not and soon bleed to death. He was taken to his house as soon as possible. Dr. Partlow was summoned by phone, but Mr. Anker was past medical aid before the doctor had started. The horrible accident was a shock to the citizens of Shawano, and the deceased was well known here
Mr. Anker was about 34 years of age and had lived in the town of Waukechon nearly all of his life. He was highly respected as an honorable and upright citizen. He was a member of the F. R. A. of this city. He leaves a wife and five children, the oldest son being about fourteen years of age.
The funeral was held Tuesday at the Norwegian church in the town of Waukechon and it was one of the largest funerals ever held in that town. Rev. Talley of the Green Valley church delivered an excellent sermon. The many friends deeply sympathize with the bereaved family in this sad hour.
Advocate
18 Jan 1906
Waukechon
Paul Anker a well known farmer of Waukechon, was caught by the circular saw and was killed in Kadletz’s mill Friday morning about nine o’clock. He was injured severely in the body and in the lower limbs, dying a few minutes later. The deceased was born in Denmark in 1871, coming to this country a few years later. Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. M Anker of Waukechon, two brothers and a sister survive him, John Anker, Shawano, Charles Anker, Peshtigo and Mary Miller of Lime Kiln Hill. He leaves behind also a wife and five children, John aged 14, Tressie 12, Percy 7 and Lloyd 5. The deceased, by his generous and jovial disposition made many friends who express their sympathy for the bereaved family. The funeral, the largest ever seen in this vicinity was held at Lutheran Norwegian church at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon. After the sermon amid his innumerable sorrowing friends and relatives his body was carried to its last resting place in the cemetery adjoining the church.
V.W.
26 Jan 1906, Marion
Stark, Carl, a brake man on the railroad was caught under the wheels of a freight train in Milwaukee, which brought instant death. His parents live in Dupont. His remains were taken to Appleton where his parents previously lived.
Shawano County Journal
1 Feb 1906
Froze to Death
The body of Chas. Scofield and John Mahnahmata, two well known Indians, were found Tuesday having apparently frozen to death during the cold spell and severe storm of Monday night. John Wackesha succeeded in fighting the cold and storm until a half mile from his home on the reservation, where he was found buried in the snow. Chas. Scofield had covered a distance of about 1 ¾ miles from Phlox, where he was evidently overpowered by the cold and storm, and it appears was making his way toward Berendsen’s barn to seek shelter. He succeeded in getting half way between the road and barn, where he was found in the open field stuck in a snow drift. He was taken to the M. W. A. hall at Phlox.—Mattoon Times.
Shawano County Journal
1 Feb 1906
Froze to Death
The body of Chas. Scofield and John Mahnahmata, two well known Indians, were found Tuesday having apparently frozen to death during the cold spell and severe storm of Monday night. John Wachesha succeeded in fighting the cold and storm until a half mile from his home on the reservation, where he was found buried in the snow. Chas. Scofield had covered a distance of about 1 ¾ miles from Phlox, where he was evidently overpowered by the cold and storm, and it appears was making his way toward Berendsen’s barn to seek shelter. He succeeded in getting half way between the road and barn, where he was found in the open field stuck in a snow drift. He was taken to the M. W. A. hall at Phlox.—Mattoon Times.
Advocate
29 Mar 1906
Herman Menger, of the Town of Waukechon Killed Tuesday Morning.
The town of Waukechon seems to have a number of accidents in which its citizens lose their lives. Tuesday morning Herman Menger commenced to saw wood at Aug. Schneider’s place. The horse power had been out of repair and Mr. Menger had fixed the same. When he started work Tuesday he wished to see how it was going to work. He got on the horse power, lying flat on the same, while it was revolving, watching the workings underneath. When part way around the head came in contact with a stake which was holding the machine and one of the arms or guides struck him on the other side of the head, the two hitting him in such a manner as to break his neck, and death must have been instantaneous. When the boy went to start the power again the dead body was found. It was a most peculiar accident.
Mr. Menger is about thirty-six years of age and leaves a wife and several small children. The funeral will probably be held tomorrow, as he has a mother and sister at Campbellsport. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of all in this sad accident.
Advocate
29 March 1906
Mattoon Boy Killed by Car
Howard Thompson, aged 17, a resident of Mattoon, Wis. was killed by a southbound Milwaukee interurban car Sunday afternoon on Douglas Avenue in Racine. The young Man went there three days ago and was employed at the Racine Gas Light company’s plant. He was riding a bicycle and turned into the track in front of the large car. He was dragged half a block, his neck being broken and both hips dislocated.
Shawano county Journal
5 April 1906
Fall Proves Fatal
About three weeks ago, Willie Pace, the eight-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. B.A. pace, of the town of Herman, fell from a barn from which he was sustained serious injuries. He hovered between life and death for eleven days, but on Monday of last week, March 26th he succumbed to his injuries. The funeral was held at Gresham on Thursday of last week.
Shawano County Journal
5 May 1906
William Kunschke, Well Known Young Man, Meets With Deplorable Accident
While At Work on Lath Machine in Schernick’s Mill, Unfortunate Man Sustains Terrible Injuries—Died Soon After.
Heedless of the danger lurking near him, William Kunschke, employed in the sawmill on Mill Creek, owned by J. T. Schernick in the town of Pella, met with a deplorable accident Thursday evening of last week which resulted in his death. It was just before 8 o’clock when the accident occurred, and the unfortunate young man died three hours later.
While at work on a bolter in the lath mill Kunschke was standing in a position directly facing the swiftly revolving saw. He had been repeatedly warned not to stand in that position, where by so doing he was exposing himself to extra danger, but by long experience in the mill the young man had grown to look upon his hazardous work without seeming thought of its risks. He had just run a slab through the machine and was about to start another when the saw caught up the bolt and hurled it back against him with terrible force. The piece struck him in the chest and he was hurled headlong into a pile of rubbish several feet distant where he alighted on his stomach in a heap.
Mr. Schernick and others at work in the mill ran to Kunschke’s aid and saw at once he was badly hurt. Without waiting to even put on his coat Joseph Schernick, Jr., mounted a bicycle and rode at highest speed to this city, where he summoned Dr. Cantwell. The injured man was carried to Mr. Schernick’s home, where he was placed in a bed and given such relief as was possible until the doctor arrived.
Examination revealed that Kunschke was seriously injured about the lungs and stomach, though it was not then thought that the injuries were likely to result fatally. However, the contusions sustained to the abdomen and stomach when the young man fell after being struck were equally dangerous as the blow from the slab, and internal hemorrhages soon developed alarming symptoms. Everything possible was done to alleviate the injured man’s sufferings, but he gradually sank until the end came at about 8o’clock.
The body remained at the Schernick home until Friday morning when it was taken to the home of the young man’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kunschke, residing a short distance from the scene of the accident. The grief of the stricken parents was affecting and neighbors and friends about the entire community were likewise shocked at the terrible misfortune. The victim of the sad accident was a favorite among his associates. He was a kind-hearted jovial young man who commanded the confidence and respect of his large circle of acquaintances. He was 23 years of age and unmarried. He had worked in a saw mill for a number of years and was a valuable hand. On a former occasion he had been employed by Mr. Schernick, but had been off duty for a while, returning to work again the morning on which he met his death.
William Fredrick Charles Kunschke was born April 24, 1883 in Caledonia, Waupaca County. In the year 1898, after having been for two years in the German school, he was confirmed in the St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran church. The Rev. M. A. Treff, who conducted the funeral services, took occasion to mention in his sermon that the deceased until his last day always truthfully lived up to the quotation given him at his confirmation. He was ever a good and obedient son to his parents. The perfect harmony, in which he lived with his sisters and brothers, was best seen at the funeral which took place Sunday from the St. Paul’s church in the town of Richmond. A beautiful floral offering in the form of a broken harp of blue and white bearing the words “Our Brother” adorned the casket. Assuredly the heartfelt sympathy expressed by everyone was in some measure a consolation to the bereaved family. The deceased young man leaves, besides his parents and grandparents, four sisters and three brothers and a large circle of other relatives.
Mr. Schernick was much depressed as a result of the accident. He is a very careful man about the sawmill and always has been cautious in looking after the safety of his employees. He had often warned Kunschke about the danger of standing in front of the saw, but the young man through long experience anticipated no harm and met his death at a moment he probably least expected it.
V.W.
11 May 1906, Caroline
Jolitz, Konrad, a former resident of our village, was the victim of an unfortunate accident in his brother’s machine factory in W. Superior, which took his young life of 26 years. The end of last week he was laboring in the power mechanism, of a machine and was so severely wounded which took his life in a compassionate death.
Konrad Jolitz lost his hearing and speech in his younger years through severe illness. He received his training in the German School of North Detroit, Michigan, and in the State Deaf and Dumb Institution in Delaware, Wisconsin. He leave 4 brothers, Karl and Wm. in Superior, August in Mayville and Hermann in Tilleda and two sisters, Mrs. Wilhelm Salzmann and Mrs. Dave Steinberg, both in Tilleda. The funeral was held on Thursday in Caroline.
SCJ
17 May 1906
The body of Theodore Knutson, an inmate of the Marathon county insane asylum, was found in a swamp near Bear Creek. Knutson became separated from a crew of asylum inmates with whom he was cutting wood and no trace of him could be found.
SCJ
7 Jun 1906
Two bodies were found on the Chicago and Northwestern railroad tracks about a quarter of a mile, west of Stiles Junction, near Oconto, sometime Friday morning. One body was cut in two just above the ribs, and the other was horribly mangled, the head and limbs being severed from the body. The men were evidently from Chicago on their way for Shawano, where they were hired to work for W. Chapman, as was shown by employment tickets found on them. It is believed they became intoxicated and fell asleep.
Shawano County Journal
14 June 1906
Corpse of Otto Raisler, Drowned in a River in Idaho a Year Ago, is Recovered
After remaining in the water for more than a year, the body of Otto Raisler, who was drowned in Priest River in Idaho early in June of last year, was found Friday morning, a telegram received here by the parents of the young man conveying the sad, yet comforting intelligence. In spite of a frigid search made for the body at the time of the drowning it could not be located and for many long months the bereaved relatives had waited in sadness for its recovery.
Seven years ago, Otto Raisler, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Raisler, left for Idaho, where he embarked in the mining business. He met with unusual success and became secretary of the New York Mountain Chief Consolidated company, a gold mining concern, and a large holder of its stock. One morning with another young man, Raisler started in a boat across the river passing through his residence village. The current of the stream was swift and while in the middle their frail craft was struck by a log boom, capsizing it.
Both Raisler and his companion were pitched headlong into the raging water, the latter being rescued while Raisler was drowned. Immediate search for his body was begun, and after a several days’ fruitless effort to bring it to the surface all hope of recovering the corpse was abandoned. Immediately upon receiving the news of the dreadful accident the father of the unfortunate young man left Shawano for the home of his son, expecting to find the body recovered and to have it brought back here for burial. His disappointment was great at not being permitted to realize his expectations.
At the time of the drowning, Sherwood McEwan son of James McEwan, of this city, who also went to Idaho several years ago, was a witness to the accident and aided in the subsequent search. Upon their recovery Friday it was McEwan who identified the remains as being those of Raisler. The identification being made unmistakable by the watch and clothing found upon the corpse. Arrangements having been made for burial in case of the finding of the body, it is probable interment took place immediately as no doubt decomposition had made transportation of the remains to this city impossible.
The dead man was 30 years old and single. He had many warm friends in this city and after taking up his residence in the west he became likewise popular with his newly-found companions. At the time of his deplorable death he was rapidly gaining prominence as a successful miner and would probably have become immensely wealthy had death not cut short his career.
V.W.
15 Jun 1906, Tigerton
Lehmann, Ernst (Mrs.) passed away suddenly after giving birth to a child last Tuesday afternoon, 5 June and was buried on Friday, 8 June with Pastor E Junghaus from Zion Ev. Lutheran Church officiating. Her husband was one of the oldest settlers of Town Germania. A large group of people attended her funeral. She leaves, besides her husband, six children, her parents and six siblings. She was born on 18 October in Town Grant, Shawano County, Wis.
V.W.
15 Jun 1906
Kolbert, Rudolf, (son of Walter Vorphal’s brother in law), died of a shooting at the age of 11 and was buried in Wausau last week. Walter Vorphal attended the funeral.
V.W.
15 Jun 1906
Eaton, Harry was found dead on Sunday morning around 7 o’clock in the Wolf River in the area of Keshena Falls. He was around 40 years old and came from Poysippi, Wis., where his wife and small child are living. About a year ago his house burned and two of his children burned to death. Since this time Eaton was nervous and suffered with heart cramps. This sudden accident was a factor to his early death.
Advocate
14 June 1906
Died at Keshena Last Sunday
Harry Eaton lost his life while working on the drive Sunday at Keshena. He was working for Black Bros. and at about 6:30 Sunday morning while riding on a log, was seen to throw up his hands and fall backwards into the water. It was believed to be a case of drowning, but Undertaker Bauerfeind informed us he had a hemorrhage which was the cause of his death. He fell in the river back of the Catholic hospital at Keshena. His body was not found until four 0’clock in the afternoon, about a half mile from where he went in. The body was brought to Shawano to H. Bauerfeind’s undertaking rooms and prepared for shipment. The deceased was about forty years old and leaves a wife and three children at Poysippi, and was taken there on Monday. He had worked for Black Bros. just a short time, but has been on the Red River drive for several weeks. The sudden death will be hard on the wife and little ones.
Shawano County Journal
14 June 1906
Harry Eaton, A Driver, Plunges to His Death In Wolf River—Body Recovered—Terrible Afflictions Fall Upon Wife.
Falling from a log on which he was riding, Harry Eaton, of Poysippi, Waushara County, employed by Black Brothers and engaging in driving the Indian lumber from the Menominee Reservation, plunged to the bottom of Wolf river at Keshena at an early hour Sunday morning and was drawn out several hours later as a corpse.
As to the exact cause of the dreadful mishap there seems to be considerable conjecture. One report says the log on which the unfortunate man was riding was struck and turned over by another, thus causing him to tumble. Men who were riding close to Eaton say that just before taking the fatal plunge he threw up his hands and tottered as if having been seized by an attack of heart trouble. A peculiar fact in conjunction with the drowning is that the body did not once rise to the surface, though it was recovered only a few feet from the spot where it first went down.
The gang with which Eaton was working was called out between the hours of 6 and 7 o’clock Sunday morning to meet a “flood” and Eaton had only been at work a few minutes when the fatal mishap overtook him. All efforts of his companions to effect his rescue failed of results and it was not until late in the afternoon that the body was recovered. It was brought at once to Bauerfeind’s undertaking establishment in this city, where it was prepared for removal to the unfortunate man’s home, being shipped to Poysippi Monday morning.
Eaton was about 38 years old and is survived by a wife and one child. The grief of the stricken widow may be imagined when it is known that she is left with a baby after having passed through the terrible trial of having two children burned to death last summer in a fire that destroyed her home. Now that her husband has been taken from her, the mental strain this cast upon the luckless woman calls forth the utmost sympathy.
Prof. U. T. Cady was for many years a close acquaintance of both Mr. and Mrs. Eaton, the latter having gone to school to Mr. Cady while he taught at Poysippi. Eaton was a hard working and honorable man who had a large following of warm friends.
Advocate
21 Jun 1906
Physician Swallows Acid
Dr. A.O. Arndt, one of the leading physicians in Oconto Falls died Saturday night as a result of accidentally swallowing a dose of carbolic acid. He noticed his mistake immediately and had the presence of mind to call for an antidote, which his wife administered, but his own efforts and those of several physicians Filed to save his life. His body was taken to Sheboygan for burial.
SCJ
28 Jun 1906
Railroad Laborer Killed
Gillett was the scene of a fatality Wednesday night of last week where Jack Kane, aged 52, of Milwaukee, was run down by a log train, sustaining injuries which caused his death Thursday morning. Kane had been employed on contract work on the new Northwestern line and left Shawano for Gillett Wednesday afternoon. It is said he had been drinking and it is probable he went to sleep on the track where he met his death. One of his arms and a leg were mangled, and as he lay helpless in the cold several hours before being discovered, he was too weakened to survive the shock. He was buried at Gillett.
Shawano County Advocate
Thursday, August 9, 1906
A Sad Accident Tuesday Noon
Little Hope Brodhagen Drowns In M J Wallrich’s Cistern Funeral Sunday
Perhaps the saddest accident that has happened in Shawano for years was the accidental drowning of little Hope Brodhagen Tuesday noon. Just how the accident happened will never be known. Hope was playing with little John Gallagher Tuesday morning and about 11:30 took him home. On her way home it is supposed that she noticed the window in Mr. Wallrich’s house opened and went to look in, and accidentally stepped on the cover of the cistern, which is directly under the window, and fell in the cistern and drowned.
Mrs. Wallrich returned home from the lake about 11:30 and left word at the office for Mr. Wallrich to go home for dinner. She went to the house and noticed the board was off the top of the cistern and went to Mr. Gentz’s to have him put a new one on. It was so near dinner time he said he would be over after dinner. At about 1:00 he came over, and while Mr. and Mrs. Wallrich were eating dinner, Mrs. Colwell, at whose house Hope stayed, was in just a few minutes before, asking if they had seen hope. Mr. Gentz saw the board in the cistern and moved the same and saw a body there. He at once notified Mr. Wallrich, who investigated, and saw it was little Hope Brodhagen. He immediately notified Dr. Cantwell, who came at once and they took the body from the water. All that was possible was done, endeavoring to bring life back, but she was past aid.
Mr. Wallrich then investigated matters more fully, and saw the window and screen were opened, and it could not be opened unless from the inside. He believes that someone was in the house recently and in going out jumped onto the cistern cover and broke the cleat on the house, which helps hold the board. Mr. Gentz tried the board a few weeks ago and it was perfectly safe. An inquest was held before Justice Bold in the afternoon, the jury consisting of Aug. Cattau, F. A. Eberlein, John Schweers, E J Sprague, Chas. Lueke and J H Pulcifer. They investigated into the matter fully, and decided that Hope Brodhagen came to her death by accidental drowning.
The death is a particular sad one. Her mother died about a year and a half ago. Her father thought the world of her, stating many times that she was all he had to live for. He left Monday night for South Dakota to be absent several months, and up to this time no word of the sad news has reached him. All possible efforts are being made to reach him by wire. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, with the hope that he will be here. The deceased was about nine years of age and was a very sweet and loveable child. Very quiet and pleasant. She had made her home with Mrs. Colwell since her mother’s death and attended the public school. She was a grand-daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Parker of the town of Belle Plaine. The accident cast a gloom over the community and every one expressed sympathy for the father.
Shawano County Journal
9 August 1906
Fell To Death in Open Cistern
Little Hope Brodhagen, Aged Eight Years, Meets Death in a Most Pitiable Manner
With her apron filled with apples, and a smile of joy upon her face in anticipation of meeting a lady who had been all but a mother to her, little Hope Brodhagen, aged eight years, and the only child of Fred Brodhagen, fell into a cistern at the home of Mr. and Mrs. M J Wallrich shortly before noon Tuesday and was taken out a corpse. The fact that the little girl was idolized by her juvenile chums and the older folks, as well, makes her death particularly sad, but the more painful fact that her mother is dead and she was the only comfort of the bereaved husband and father, casts a pall upon the little girls parent which is well nigh a death blow.
A mystery which a coroner’s jury was unable to fathom surrounds the sad taking away of a child. Opposite from Mr. Wallrich’s residence is the home of Albert Seering and on Monday night while coming from his work Mr. Seering noticed a strange man lurking among the trees in the lawn surrounding the Wallrich residence. He informed his wife of the stranger’s actions and both Mr. and Mrs. Seering watched the man until near midnight. Mr. Seering had an intention of calling an officer, but as he saw no movement on the part of the strange man to commit a depredation, he went to his bed chamber and retired.
Mrs. Wallrich and her children departed for the lake on July 3, but before leaving she had Theodore Gentz, a practical carpenter, examine the frame work about the cistern at her home in order to make sure that the children, who have been used to playing about her home, could not break through. Mr. Gentz made a thorough inspection of the boards and even jumped upon them to insure Mrs. Wallrich that they were perfectly safe. Therefore, it must certainly be said that it was by no means due to any carelessness on the part of either Mr. or Mrs. Wallrich—as the coroner’s jury found—that the unfortunate little girl met her death. In fact Mrs. Wallrich was one of the best friends little hope ever had and the child’s sad death has been the source of as much grief to both Mr. and Mrs. Wallrich as if it had been one of their own.
The verdict of the coroner’s jury was simply that she came to her death by accidental drowning. All the evidence that was produced only showed that the child fell into the cistern, which is located to the west side of the Wallrich residence, underneath a window. Mrs. Wallrich returned from the lake shortly before noon Tuesday and left word at her husband’s office for him to come home for dinner, instead of going to a hotel. Upon her entrance to the house she noticed that the window above the cistern was raised and that the fly screen was lying down upon the cistern platform. She noticed that a few boards on the cistern were displaced. During Mrs. Wallrich visit to the lake Mr. Gentz had varnished the floors. The window being raised aroused her suspicions, and at once she went to Mr. Gentz’s home to inquire whether or not he had opened the window screen or removed the boards from the cistern. Mr. Gentz said he had done neither, but stated that as soon as he had finished his dinner he would investigate. Not thinking further of the circumstance, Mrs. Wallrich returned to her home to prepare dinner, not even looking into the cistern. Mr. Wallrich came home for his meal, and while he was there Mr. Gentz arrived to inspect the cistern. He looked into the opening and at once made the astonishing exclamation that a woman was in the water. Immediately Mr. and Mrs. Wallrich peered into the cistern and were horrified to see the clothing of the little girl floating on the surface of the water. Her head was also visible, and Mr. Wallrich being then assured that the floating object was that of a body, he immediately sought professional assistance. Dr. Cantwell was the first to answer the telephone call and was upon the scene in a few minutes. The body was drawn from the cistern and both Dr. Cantwell and Dr. Partlow, who was also summoned, attempted to super induce animation. The child had been in the water too long however, and their efforts were futile.
Less than 45 minutes before her death, little Hope was cheerily enjoying the companionship of her juvenile associates. She had been making her home with Mrs. Nellie Colwell and that lady saw her alive at about 11:30 o’clock Tuesday morning, when she took little John Gallagher, to his home. On her return she stopped at an apple tree in the yard of the Wallrich residence and filled her apron with the fruit. She was carrying the apples when she fell into the cistern, as they were still floating on the water when the body was taken out.
Mystery surrounds the sad occurrence, but it is the general belief that the stranger seen by Mr. Seering took out the screen window and was in the act of entering the Wallrich home when he weakened the supports holding the boards covering the cistern. It is thought that the robber became frightened when the timbers broke loose and gave up the contemplated robbery. Taking that theory as a basis, it is believed that little Hope, seeing the window raised and believing that her dear friend, Mrs. Wallrich, had come home, she ran to the window to greet here and fell through the weakened platform. It was really fortunate that Mrs. Wallrich returned home Tuesday. Otherwise the little girl would likely not have been found for weeks. Her father departed from the city Monday night for North Dakota, and left the child in Mrs. Colwell’s charge. The lady has always been very watchful over the child, but it is quite unlikely that she would ever have thought of looking into the cistern, for the reason it was believed it was perfectly safe.
The coroner’s jury heard from Mr. Gentz own lips that he had assured Mr. and Mrs. Wallrich that the cistern covering was safe. The verdict was they attached no blame to anyone and simply found that the girl’s death was due to accidental drowning. The child was eight years of age and was unusually bright and intelligent. Her mother died two years ago, since that time she was the sole comfort of her father. The message that informed him of her death was heart-rending and his homeward trip was, indeed, a sorrowful one.
The funeral will be held at 1 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church, Rev. E M Martin officiating.
Shawano County Journal
9 Aug 1906
William Reeves, Suppose Laborer of Chicago, Ends His Life in Clump of Bushes
Lying in a clump of bushes by the side of the Northwestern railroad, midway between the water tank and the depot, William Reeves, supposed to be a laborer, who came here from Chicago and of whose family nothing has been learned, was found dead Friday evening of last week, having committed suicide by swallowing laudanum.
Railroad tickets found in the man’s pocket show he was hired out to an employment bureau in Chicago to work for the contracting firm of Paulson and Larson at a place named Ula, in Green County. He had an individual pass bearing his own name and another calling for transportation for P. Swanson and five others. Who or where Swanson is cannot be learned, and another mystery which baffles explanation is how Reeves came to reach Shawano instead of going to Ula, which village is in the southern part of the state.
The pass bearing the dead man’s name was dated at Chicago July 26 and it is thought he came directly to this city. He mingled with the railroad laborers here for several days and drank freely, though he was careful not to become intoxicated to any noticeable extent. He seemed, however to be worried about something and it was doubtless due to this uneasiness of mind that led him to take his life. He was last seen alive Wednesday morning of last week and it is thought it was on that morning he swallowed the poison.
While looking for a partner who lay down to sleep off an overdose of liquor a railroad laborer came upon the body of Reeves Friday night. The dead man had been seen by others who walked along the railroad, but no attention was paid to him for the reason everyone thought him asleep. When the laborer found the dead body he became badly frightened and hurriedly made known his discovery. District Attorney Werner and Dr. H. W. Partlow went to the spot to examine the corpse and found an empty bottle, which contained Laudanum, lying beside it. On the inside coat pocket of the dead man a package of Paris green was also found, it evidently having been his intention to take that poison in case the laudanum failed to produce desired results.
The laudanum was purchased at Gallagher’s drug store, Reeves telling the clerk who sold him the stuff that he wanted to mix it into a liniment. After taking the poison the discouraged man placed the cork back in the bottle, stretching himself out upon the grass, pulled his hat down over his eyes and contently awaited death which, appearance indicated, came peacefully.
The hot sun beating down upon the body for three days hastened decomposition and when undertaker Wenkadt took charge of it he made immediate preparations for its burial. The body was held however, until Sunday morning, District Attorney Werner in the meantime having sent telegrams to Chicago and Milwaukee in an effort to locate the dead man’s relatives. Failing to receive a reply, the undertaker was instructed to release the remains and burial took place early Sunday morning in the Shawano cemetery. P. I. Russell took photographs of the body for Attorney Werner in the hopes that they may aid in future identification of the dead man.
Reeves was about 48 or 50 years of age , five feet and nine inches tall and weighed about 185 pounds, though when to body was found it was considerably bloated, due to the action of the poison. Reeves hired out to the Chicago employment agency as a common laborer to work with a constructing engineer’s force. The man’s clothes and the soft condition of his hands lead to a suspicion that he was disguising his real identity and that he never did manual labor. While drinking with his chums he seemed to be jolly at times, though he evidenced a strange fear and worry which indicated that something bore heavy upon his conscience. It is believed by some of those with which he associated that he was a fugitive criminal, though he never revealed anything to throw any light upon his career or occupation. It is possible he became melancholy through dissipation and financial straits. When his pockets were searched only 10 cents in money was found upon him.
Among Reeve’s effects were a cheap pocketbook and a note bearing his name and a small account he had run for tobacco and other stuff. This note however, had no other name than Reeves and failed even to give the name of the place where he had made the purchases.
Attorney Werner is continuing his efforts to locate the suicide’s relatives, though it is very likely that the mystery surrounding his death will remain unsolved.
Shawano County Journal
16 Aug 1906
No information of any kind has as yet been received by District Attorney Werner in answer to the telegrams sent out by him in an effort to locate the relatives of William Reeves, the stranger, who committed suicide in this city several days ago. The dead man, as stated in last week’s Journal, was buried in the Shawano cemetery, where in all likelihood he will remain until doomsday unclaimed by the world, while, perhaps, an aged father and mother are anxiously awaiting tidings from a wayward son, finally to die heartbroken.
Advocate
16 August 1906
Funeral of Hope Brodhagen
Sunday afternoon at 1:30 the funeral of little Hope Brodhagen was held at the Presbyterian Church. The church was crowded and a large number remained outside. Many beautiful floral offerings were presented, the pupils of her room in the public school, present a handsome floral piece also many others. Rev. Mr. Martin spoke a few words of comfort to bereaved relatives and friends. The pall bearers were four young ladies, Esther Raddant, Viola Brauer, Bernice and Beatrice Anderson. After the services the remains were taken to the Belle Plaine Cemetery, where they were laid away by the side of her mother, who died about a year ago. A large number accompanied the remains to the cemetery.
Advocate
23 Aug 1906
Horrible Accident at Keshena
Last Thursday a horrible accident happened on the reservation about three and a half miles north of Keshena. A heavy rain and wind storm was in progress and Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Nonan and little grandson were returning from the Crow settlement. The horses became frightened at the lightning and would not go. The couple saw a large tree falling and tried to make the horses go so they could get out of the way. The horses would not budge and the tree came right across the wagon falling directly on the squaw and killed her instantly. It squashed her in terrible shape severing her head from the body. There was about 500 feet of lumber on the wagon and it made kindling out of it.
The little boy jumped out of the wagon and was not injured very much but the Indian was hurt quite badly and he is now in the hospital and is in a serious conditions. The people at Keshena were notified as soon as possible and they went out and picked up what could be found that night. The head was not found until the next day. It was one of the worst accidents that have happened on the reservation for a number of years.
Shawano County Journal
23 Aug 1906
Wife of Mitchell Nonan, an Indian, Meets With Horrible Death in Storm
Struck down by a heavy tree which was standing by the roadside, Mrs. Mitchell Nonan, an Indian woman living near Hemlock dam, about 15 miles north of Keshena on the West Branch river, was instantly killed Thursday afternoon of last week. Her husband, who was seated in the wagon with her was also badly hurt, and a grandchild sustained severe wounds.
The trio was driving home from Keshena and had just passed the Kackatosh homestead when they were overtaken by a storm. The wind which accompanied the rain had the indications of a cyclone for a time and the horses which Nonan was driving were urged to their best speed.
At a point near the Crow settlement on the road leading to Hemlock dam stood a lone hemlock tree. Just as Nonan drove his team past the big tree a heavy blast of wind struck it and toppled it over. Mrs. Nonan was sitting alone on a seat in the middle of the wagon, while her husband and grandson sat on the forward seat.
Nonan saw the tree start to fall, but he was powerless to save himself or his companions and in another instant the heavy trunk alighted squarely upon the head of Mrs. Nonan and crushed it into a pulp. Her body was fearfully mangled and her remains rendered unrecognizable. The husband of the unfortunate woman was struck by the heavy branches extending from the trunk, and his head and face were cut and bruised in a frightful manner. He was rendered unconscious and when first picked up by rescuers it was thought he was also dead. His recovery as yet is a matter of uncertainty, his injuries being of a very dangerous nature. The boy was hit by the branches, but being protected by his grandfather, he escaped with only slight wounds.
The weight of the falling tree was so great it smashed Nonan’s wagon almost to pieces. Had the accident occurred a fraction of a second sooner it is believed all three occupants of the vehicle would have been caught squarely under the heavy trunk and crushed as was Mrs. Nonan. The mangled condition of the woman’s body was horrifying to the rescuers who hurried to the aid of the unfortunate trio. Her brains were strewn all over the wagon, and on the ground great streams of blood were pouring from the wounds on her body that sickened those who were forced to witness the shocking sight.
Mrs. Nonan was about 70 years of age and widely known.
SCJ
20 Sep 1906
Carl Hoeffs, a well known farmer residing near Bonduel, died Monday morning as the result of having his leg amputated. Several months ago Mr. Hoeffs sustained an injury to the knee. The wound failed to heal and caused intense suffering. As a last resort, Dr. Eicher amputated the injured member, but even then the afflicted man’s life could not be saved, his death resulting a few days after the leg was taken off.
Advocate
20 Sep 1906
John Roth, of Wittenberg, was shot by his son last night, sometime between 8 and 10 o’clock. The old man had been drinking, came home and abused his family and put dynamite under the house to blow them up. The young man was probably justified in shooting the old guy. ---Clintonville Tribune.
SCJ
20 Sep 1906
Hanging for Months
A news special from Ashland says: The body of a man hanging to a large sycamore tree was found near Ashland Sunday. The body had dropped to the ground but the head was still hanging by a rope. It had been hanging probably for four months or more. The body was identified as that of A. Feeblecorn, whose wife died n an asylum last winter.
Shawano County Journal
28 Feb 1907
Geo. Nytis Struck By Falling Tramway at Mattoon
Friday morning Geo Nytis was instantly killed and Art. Johnson badly bruised. The men with others were engaged in constructing new tramways and at the time were raising into place a section of tramway when it collapsed. Mr. Nytis fell with his head resting on the mud sill and one of the timbers fell square on his head. The others escaped without injury. Mr. Johnson is resting easy.
The deceased was Mrs. Nytis third husband all of whom met with sudden death. Mrs. Nytis and six children have the sympathy of the entire community.—Mattoon Times.
SCJ
2 May 1907
Red Springs
The funeral of Rupert Doxtator was held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Lutheran Church. The bereaved family consists of a mother, father and three sisters. For particulars of his sad accidental shooting see first page of the journal.
Advocate
May 2 1907
Accidentally Shot Died At Oshkosh
Rupert Doxtator of Gresham is the Victim. Remains Taken Home Saturday.
Rupert Doxtator, of Gresham, died at St. Mary’s hospital in Oshkosh, on Friday last, a few hours after an operation.
The boy was the only son of Charles Doxtator, an educated half-breed Indian who resides near Gresham. The lad had been attending a boarding school in that vicinity, and on Wednesday afternoon was playing in the school yard when a fourteen year old playmate began fooling with a loaded rifle. Doxtator told him to leave it alone. He had scarcely finished speaking when the youngest boy turned the weapon toward him and it was accidentally discharged.
Most boys would have collapsed on the spot but this one possessed grit and pluck far above the ordinary. Although the body was penetrated completely, the intestines being perforated in several places he walked to a nearby stable and got his horse and buggy, and then drove to the office of a physician in Gresham. Not being able to receive immediate attention there he drove home a distance of several miles, and had his supper with his father as usual. That night he slept most of the time, but in the morning the father called a surgeon, who advised taking the lad to Oshkosh at noon.
He was taken to that city as soon as possible and was taken from the train to St. Mary’s. At the hospital he was given every attention by surgeons and nurses and an operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. He had been so long without aid, however, that it was impossible for him to recover. That he lived two days was a marvel to those who knew the extent of his injuries. It is reported that he dressed himself without assistance the morning after the shooting after the physician arrived and ordered him to the hospital.
The remains were brought from Oshkosh by the father Saturday morning to Shawano and then taken to Gresham on the W & N Ry.
Shawano County Journal
2 May 1907
Shot By Companion
Though Badly Wounded He Shows Great Endurance
Chas. Doxtader, an Indian living on the reservation near Gresham, passed through here Thursday morning with his 17 year old son, Rupert, whom he was taking to a hospital at Oshkosh for an operation. The lad had been shot in the abdomen with a 22 caliber rifle and was in a precarious condition. He had gone over to a neighbor Wednesday evening, between six and seven o’clock and discovering a partridge asked the neighbor’s boy to go into the house and get his rifle. This the lad did and upon coming out thought he would try the gun and it was the same old case of “didn’t know the gun was loaded.” He pulled the trigger, a cartridge was exploded and the bullet struck young Doxtader in the stomach. Being of but a 22 caliber, the bullet did not pass entirely through the abdomen and lodged in the intestines. Upon his arrival here Doxtader summoned Dr. G M Goodrick and he accompanied the patient to Oshkosh—Clintonville Tribune.
Rupert Joseph Doxtader, the part Indian boy, who was brought here from Gresham Thursday noon suffering from a gunshot wound in the abdomen, died at St. Mary’s hospital Friday afternoon shortly after 3:15 o’clock. He was seventeen years old.
He was brought here as soon as possible, and was taken from the train to St. Mary’s in the city ambulance. At the hospital he was given every attention by surgeons and nurses, and the operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. He had been so long without aid, however, that it was impossible for him to recover. That he lived two days was a marvel to those who knew the extent of his injuries. It is reported that he dressed himself without assistance the morning after the shooting, before the physician arrived and ordered him to the hospital.
The remains were taken by the father this morning to Gresham, which is not far from Shawano on the line of the Wisconsin & Northern Railroad—Saturday’s Northwestern.
Advocate
2 May 1907
Dead Man Found In Wolf River Saturday Afternoon by Flora Viestantz
Saturday afternoon at about four o’clock the news was phoned to the court house that a man had been found in the river. Upon investigation it was found that while Flora Viestantz, the fourteen daughter of Aug. Viestantz, and some other girls were fishing on the west side of the railroad bridge near the paper mill, her hook caught and she thought it was a small log or a snag, but when it came so that she could see it, she was horrified to see that it was a dead man. She and her companions called for help and Herman Naber came and brought the body to shore.
The authorities were at once notified and Dist. Atty. Werner was soon there. He decided that an inquest was necessary and a jury was summoned by Justice Bold. A post-mortem examination was held that evening by Drs. Cantwell and Partlow. The jury found that it was a case of accidental drowning.
Facts came to light later that the name of the man was John McGovern, and that he had worked with a gang of railroad men at Pulaski. He came to town about Thursday and was said to be subject to epileptic fits. This, together with the fact that his hat and coat were found by some boys in the morning, also a towel and some soap, and his shirt turned in at the neck, it is supposed that he went to the river to wash himself, when he had a fit, and fell in. It is said that the boys burned the hat and coat also the towel in the morning.
The body was taken to Wenstedt’s undertaking rooms where they remained until Wednesday, when they were buried. They were held for some time, hoping that some information could be secured from relatives in Pennsylvania.
Shawano County Journal
2 May 1907
Corpse Fully Identified
Remains of John McGovern of N. W. Extra Gang
About 4 p.m. Saturday the body of a man was fished out of the Wolf River just below the North Western railroad bridge. Flora Viestentz, the fourteen-year-old daughter of August Viestentz, was fishing when she hooked what she thought to be a log. It proved to be a corpse and the hook had a firm hold on the shirt collar. The sight was such a nervous shock that neither her nor any of her four young girl companions could do much and the real work of drawing out the body was done by her eleven-year-old brother Leonard.
The authorities were notified and the remains identified as John McGovern of St. Louis, Mo. who has been working on an extra gang on the North Western near Pulaski.
The men had just been paid and he had been spending his time in the saloons and a couple of nights in the village jail.
A post mortem examination of the lungs were made by Doctors Cantwell and Partlow to prove the death was caused by drowning. The body had been in the water about 24 hours.
McGovern was about 45 years of age and was regarded by his fellow workmen as not right mentally. A few dollars were found in the dead man’s pockets.
The coroner’s inquest was held Monday afternoon. The verdict rendered by the jury was accidental drowning.
One of the workmen on the gang testified that he was subject to epileptic fits, and also that he was of a despondent or quiet temperament. The way his shirt collar was tucked back would indicate that he had went to the river to bathe and while at the water’s edge, had an epileptic attack, and fell into the river.
The remains are held at Wenstadt’s undertaking rooms in hopes that relatives may be located who will claim the body.
McGovern had stated to a fellow workman that he had been a widower for a number of years, but had four daughters living in Pennsylvania.
Shawano County Journal
May 1907
A Brakeman Killed
Accidental Death of Charles North at Gillett
A deplorable accident occurred in this village about 1 o’clock Friday morning, the result of which caused the death some hours later at Green Bay of Brakeman Chas. North, enroute south on an extra North Western train from the north.
It appears that the train halted near the coal chute, where the engine was detached from the train to go ahead and replenish the coal supply in the tender. When in the act of performing this duty Engineer Lund discovered that the train of cars he had just left behind were moving slowly toward the engine and to avert possible danger of a serious collision, immediately moved his engine slowly back to couple on and check the moving cars. Approaching carefully and when within a few rods of the slow moving cars, Brakeman North jumped from the engine to arrange the necessary coupling. The engine and train came together so lightly that scarcely a jar was perceptible other than that noticed by the ordinary coupling of cars together and no thought of danger to the unfortunate brakeman accrued to the engineer. On investigation however, young North was found lying on the ground just to one side of the outer rail where the cars and engine had a moment previous been joined together. It was seen at once that the young man was seriously injured and he was immediately conveyed to the station where every attention possible was accorded the hurt man to relieve suffering. Meantime a special train was ordered up and directions given to hurry the young man to a hospital in green Bay for medical relief and treatment. But to no purpose. North died shortly after reaching his destination. It was found that his hips were badly crushed and the intestines mangled beyond all hope of repair.
Te dead brakeman’s home is at Green Bay and he has been with the North Western company but a short time employed in the capacity of “extra” brakeman.
No blame is attached to either Engineer Lund or Conductor Bramer, who was in charge of the train, for the sad affair, and just how the accident occurred that crushed out a life will never be known—Gillett times.
Advocate
11 June 1907
Killed Herself While Insane
Friday Morning with a 32 Caliber Revolver—Buried Monday
While insane, Mrs. Alex Vierbecher shot herself in the right temple, Friday morning with a 32 caliber revolver. The deed was done about 7:30 and she died at about 8:00 o’clock. The deceased had been sick nearly two years and was afraid she would become insane. Saturday morning she woke up about one o’clock and told her husband they were going to take them all to the asylum. She got up to see her little girl in another room. She then went back to bed, but did not sleep. Mr. Vierbecher got up a little after seven and went out to the kitchen to build the fire. While he and his little daughter were there his wife got up and took the revolver from a stand draw in the sitting room, went in the bedroom and fired the fatal shot. Dr. Partlow was called but she was past medical aid.
Mrs. Vierbecher was about thirty-five years of age and had been sick two or three years. Besides her husband, one daughter about ten years of age is left to mourn her sad departure. Funeral services were held at the Catholic Church Monday morning at 10 o’clock, interment in city cemetery.
Advocate
13 June 1907
Drowned in Three Feet of Water
Sunday afternoon John Martske of the town of Richmond lost his live in three feet of water. He and some other boys had been fishing and he was standing on a large stone. The report is that they had got through fishing and were going home. He noticed that his feet were dirty and he went back to the stone here he had been, to wash his feet. It is thought that he slipped and struck the back of his head on the stone and went into the water which was only three feet deep and suffocated.
The deceased was 15 years, 5 months and eleven days old and was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Martzke. The accident was a very sad one. The funeral was held Tuesday.
Shawano County journal
13 June 1907
Boy Drowned
John Mortzke, son of Fred Mortzke, of the town of Richmond, was drowned in the Wolf River Sunday afternoon. With his brothers he had been fishing and before starting home stepped on a large rock to wash his feet. He slipped and fell heavily on the rock and from there into the water. Before help could reach him he was carried out by the current and drowned.
His parents were in Gillett visiting and a message was sent them at once. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Evangelical Church conducted by Rev. Schulke of Bonduel. The boy was aged 15 years, 5 months and 11 days
V.W.
14 Jun 1907, Birnamwood
Erickson, O. of Norrie was shopping in Birnamwood on Thursday 6 June. As he finished his shopping and was preparing to travel home, the horses suddenly spooked. Before getting into the wagon, which his wife and small child were already seated, he tried to stop the horses, but fell. The wagon ran over his head and the top of his skull was shattered. One of the horses suddenly fell, causing the team to a stop. He wife and child were safe. Dr. Baker was called to care for Erickson, but could give no help. The wounded man died that same evening about nine o’clock and was buried in Norrie on Sunday. He leaves his wife and five small children.
V.W.
14 Jun 1907, Town of Richmond
Merzke, John, oldest son of Fritz Merzke drowned in the Red River last Sunday. He had gone fishing with a few of his friends. As they were heading home young Merzke had forgotten something and went back. His friends waited for a time and after a while, they returned to the river, where they found the boy laying in the water. They hurried to help him but were not successful. It is supposed that Merzke had gone into the water where he struggled until he no longer could help himself. The victim was about fifteen and a half years old. Mr. Merzke was not around on that day and what a shock when he returned home! He was buried on Tuesday with many mourners from near and far coming to pay their respects. Pastor Schuelte from the Evangelist Church in Bonduel officiated. Our condolences to this sorrowing family.
Advocate
20 June 1907
Drowned in Lakewood Lake
Julius Gaber, aged 19 years, lost his life in Lakewood Lake Sunday evening. He and some companions were in swimming and he was taken with cramps. He was still breathing when taken out of the water, but soon died. Henry Bauerfeind went to Lakewood Monday morning and prepared the body for shipping the body to the home of his parents in Pulaski.
Advocate
20 Jun 1907
Mrs. J.F. Peickard and daughter, Miss Mabel, were called to Stevens Point Monday, by the drowning of the formers nephew, Anton Peickard, who was fishing in Wisconsin River Saturday with a boy companion when the boat overturned. They will visit there a couple of weeks.
Shawano County Journal
27 June 1907
Pulaski
Julian Gabryszak, aged 20 years, son of our local baker, drowned while bathing at Lakewood Sunday, June 15th. The father has been notified about the sad news Monday, who ordered the remains be brought home at once. The funeral was held Wednesday morning.
Shawano County Journal
4 July 1907
Crushed To Death
Unknown Man Found Dead in Box Car in Green Valley.
Identity Not Disclosed by the Inquest Held by the Local Authorities Last Friday
At the inquest held at Green Valley last week over the body found in a North Western box car, nothing was found to disclose the identity of the dead man. The car had been loaded with lumber at Wabeno by the Bay Shore Lumber Co. and a couple of thousand of feet had slipped over on him crushing his chest and breaking four ribs.
A jury was impaneled and an inquest held before Justice W A Lamberg. Dr. J F Stein was called to give the medical testimony. The remains were interred Friday in the Green Valley cemetery.
He was a man between 35 and 40, five feet eight inches in height, weight over 150, sandy complexion, blue eyes, light sandy mustache, four days growth of whiskers, and his coat was marked K. W. H.
He wore a black coat, overalls, heavy shoes, black hat and striped shirt. In his pocket was found $1.59 in cash, blue handkerchief, spool of thread, knife, tobacco and matches, and a bottle of whiskey. The upper teeth were all gone but one.
Shawano County Journal
25 July 1907
Angelica
A four year old Grand-son of Mr. and Mrs. Dekaski was drowned in an old well last Wednesday while at play in their yard. The child was soon missed and on investigation the body was discovered in the well, which had been partly filled with water. After recovering the body Dr. Fuller was sent for, but he arrived too late, life being extinct when he reached the scene. It is thought the child could have been saved if proper methods had been employed as soon as taken from the well. The funeral took place Friday forenoon from the Catholic Church at Hofa Park. The child and its mother were on a visit to her parents, their house being in Milwaukee.
SCJ
25 July 1907
Gust Olson aged about 60, who has been working for Len Sargent on the Ross homestead, died Thursday morning. He had a big “toot” the Fourth, and in the morning he mistook a bottle of rheumatism liniment for whiskey and drank it. Since then he has been up and around, but has done no work. – Laona Chief
Advocate
1 Aug 1907
Killed in Virginia
Albert Heise, formerly a resident of the town of Washington, was killed in his saw mill in Virginia last week. He moved south about three years ago. No particulars could be secured. The deceased was very well known in the county.
SCJ
1 Aug 1907
The two year old son of Harry Wood of Wittenberg died from drinking poison. The little chap found an old bottle of liniment and imbibed its contents.
V.W.
2 Aug 1907, Suring R.F.D. 1
Adelbusch, Wilhelm, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Adelbusch, age 24, committed suicide by slashing an artery on his arm and inflicting a dangerous wound in the area of his heart. Dr. Conrad was called but he could not save him. On the third day, lockjaw and tetanus had set in and the unfortunate young man paid the price for his wounds. He leaves his parents and several siblings.
V.W.
2 Aug 1907
Heise, Albert, formerly a resident in Town Washington, was killed in a terrible way in his saw mill in Meherrin, Virginia. Mr. Heise operated a brick factory in Town Washington with great success until three years ago when he moved to the village of Meherin, Virginia. He purchased a reasonable large piece of excellent forest land, which he enjoyed. He built a saw mill, where he was found dead a few days ago. The details of his accident are unknown.
The deceased was a very kind man and a good citizen, devoted to his wife, and a loving father to his children. He was a member of the Meherin Ev. Lutheran Church of the Missouri Synod. The news of his death brought great sorrow to his friends and acquaintances in Shawano and Oconto County
V.W.
2 Aug 1907
Verswendsen, Grandmother, who had recently been permitted to leave the system at Oshkosh and was now living with her son, was found by the family in the morning with her clothes on fire. She died in awful torment about six hours later in spite of the immediate care given in caring for her wounds. It appears that the old lady in a moment of insanity lit her clothes on fire.
L.C.
9 Aug 1907
Committed Suicide
Elling Peterson of the town of Lessor was a caller at the Journal office last Thursday and furnished us details of the suicide of Mrs. F O Oien.
She had been at the Oshkosh insane hospital for a year but for the past few years has been cared for by relatives. The fire had been kindled and the others had gone out to milk when the insane woman came out of the house with her clothing in flames and they could not be extinguished until she was terribly burned. She died from her injuries that Tuesday night. She admitted that she had set her clothing on fire and that is was not the result of an accident. She had made an unsuccessful attempt to drown herself two years ago.
One of her brothers hung himself in Norway and another brother committed suicide here a few years ago—Shawano Journal
T.C.
3 Sep 1907
WM. Ebert Killed
Falls from Load and is crushed Beneath Wheels
The following account of the death of Wm. Ebert, a well known citizen of the town of Grant, was taken from the Marion Advertiser of last week.
“Tuesday evening about six o’clock, Wm. Ebert, who lives near the Hoepner Cheese Factory in the town of Grant, was returning from Caroline with a load of shingles, and in going down the Schroeder hill, by some sudden jolt of the wagon, he was thrown off in front of the load between the horses, and it is thought that he struck the wagon tongue with his head, and although fatally injured, he manages to walk home, a distance of about half a mile.
Dr. Sattler was immediately sent for and found upon examination of his patient that he was hurt internally and there was no chance to save his life. Mr. Ebert died at eleven o’clock the same night.
Wm. Ebert was a man well liked by the people in the community to which he lived who will be shocked to hear of his sudden death. He was a brother of Mrs. Robt. Timm, Mrs. Chas. Wiesmann, Mr. Otto Papendorf and Mrs. Fred Schmidt of Marion.”
T.C.
6 Sep 1907
Hunting Boy Shot
Accidental Death of Frank Schultz as Told By Our Hunting Companion.
Frank Schultz, son of Herman Schultz, was accidentally shot by a gun in the hands of his brother Herman on August 30 at 8:15 p.m. and died August 31 at 1:10 p.m. The two brothers slept in the granary and had their evening play hours there. On the evening of the accident, several of the neighboring boys, who were frequently there evenings, were having a time of their own wrestling, scuffling and having a regular old Indian war dance. Finally, to show their Indian bravery they made a rush for two old rusty guns which had not been used for some time and were not supposed to be loaded, when suddenly the gun in the hands of Herman discharged and the whole charge of the 12 gauge shell of No.5 shot penetrated Frank’s side between the fourth and fifth ribs, causing his death.
Frank was conscious until about one-half hour before his death. Dr. Mulvaney was summoned and dressed the wound at once. He found that the whole charge had entered the stomach, making a hole about two inches in diameter. It also tore off part of the lungs thus causing his sudden death from bleeding. The doctor removed about forty shots, pieces of wads, paper and bits of clothing from the wound.
Frank made a statement before his death and while wholly conscious, which was reduced to writing and signed by him, that Herman was not in the least to blame, and that it was wholly an accident. An inquest was held Saturday evening before Justice Wm. Oppermann and the jury brought in a verdict as stated above.
The deceased was 21 years, 3 months, and 11 days old. He was born in Marion Wis. His remains were interred in the North Dupont Church cemetery of which church his father is a member. He leaves to morn his loss, the father, one brother and six sisters. His mother died about eight months ago. The family has the sympathy of all who knew them, as was shown by the large funeral. The father has been sick with rheumatism for four months and was unable to attend the funeral.
T.C.
13 Sep 1907
Wm. Ebert, born in Germany in 1863, and died Sept. 5th, from injuries received last Wednesday, in a fall from a load of shingles. He came to this country in 1882 with his parents. In 1893 he was married to Miss Lena Korpp. One child blessed this union. He leaves a wife with child, his parents, four sisters, one brother and many friends to mourn.
Funeral services were held Sunday from the Luth. church. Rev. Grombach officiating. Interment in the city cemetery.
T.C.
13 Sep 1907, (New London 7 Sep 1907)
Maertz, August (child of) fourteen months old, drowned in Symco last Tuesday afternoon in a pail of four inches of water. The Maertz family formally resided in this town until a few days ago when they moved on a farm in the area of Symco. Mrs. Maertz was getting the house in order. She pounded a nail in the wall to hang a picture when her little child crawled unto the porch and fell into a pail. Because of the fall, the child’s neck was broken which caused an instant death. The little corpse was brought here and the funeral was held on Thursday at the Lutheran Church.
SCJ
3 Oct 1907
William Doney of Stiles, Oconto County, was crushed under the wheels of a tractor engine and died of the injuries.
Shawano County Journal
10 Oct 1907
Man Killed at Wittenberg
Joseph Vogel fell from a third story window of the Hotel Rand at Wittenberg last Sunday morning and was instantly killed. Vogel was a carpenter, unmarried, and fifty-three years of age. He was formally of Oshkosh, but had lived in Wittenberg for about eight years. It is reported that he lost his balance while leaning out of the window.
T.C.
11 Oct 1907
Joseph Vogel of Wittenberg was killed Saturday night by falling from the third story window of a hotel in that village. His remains were taken to Oshkosh for interment. He was formerly a resident of that city.
T.C.
11 Oct 1907
Julius Gentz Killed
Julius Gentz, who was killed Wednesday afternoon by a charge of dynamite while engaged in blasting out stumps on his farm in the town of Texas, was a prosperous and highly respected resident of that town. He had lived there for about 25 years and is said to own one of the largest and best tilled farms in the county. He was 58 years old and was born in Germany, a widow and seven children survive him.
The accident happened at about 3 o’clock, a short time before which he had set a charge, lighted the fuse and left it, going about twenty rods away to talk to his neighbors, Mr. Gaulke and son, while waiting for the explosion to take place. After a short wait, he remarked to the Gaulkes that he thought the charge would probably not go off and that he guessed he would go back to examine for the cause. Mr. Gaulke advised him to wait about fifteen minutes longer to make more certain the fuse was out. He remained a while and got uneasy after a couple minutes passed and went over anyway. Mr. Gaulke saw him stoop down at the stump as if investigating, and a moment later saw the results of the explosion.
Mr. Gaulke hurried over to the scene of the explosion and found the body of his neighbor lifeless and badly mutilated. The top of his head was stove in, his nose torn off; face blown full of small stones and particles of powder and sand, and the body In general horribly bruised. Mr. Gaulke then notified Coroner Dickens, who went out and made an investigation.
The funeral will be held Monday afternoon from St. Stephen’s church, Rev. Werhahn officiating.
V.W.
11 Oct 1907
Seymour, Clarence, the thirteen month old son of Anton Seymour and his wife, Nettie Meifert, was buried on Sunday with Pastor Rose in Town Richmond officiating. The child passed away on Wednesday in Macalister, Marinette County, where his father worked on the railroad. Death was the result of his swallowing a strychnine pill, which he found while his mother was in the house.
Shawano County Journal
17 Oct 1907
Julius Gentz, a farmer in the town of Texas, near Tigerton, was killed on the 11th of October by an explosion of dynamite while blasting out stumps. The fuse burning slowly, Mr. Gentz was convinced that it was out and went to renew it when the explosion occurred.
SCJ
17 Oct 1907
Carl Radloff of the town of Union, Waupaca county, was attacked by a bull and was so badly injured that he died three days afterward.
V.W.
18 Oct 1907
Radloff, Karl, of Town Union, passed away from wounds received from a raging bull. He reached the age of sixty-six years eight months and eighteen days and leaves a grieving wife and three sons, Albert, Franz and Carl, and two daughters, Mrs. John Cleveland living in Missouri and Ida, who is still with her mother to comfort her in her sorrow. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon and for the last time; the family had a last glimpse in the face of their beloved father.
Shawano County Journal
24 Oct 1907
An old man named Wenzel Pospisiel was found not far from his home at Antigo with his throat cut and died soon afterward. Trouble in his family had been occasioned by the recent marriage of a daughter; but the coroner’s jury could discover no evidence of murder.
Shawano County Journal
24 Oct 1907
Child Fatally Burned
Wittenberg Enterprise: Cora Bishop, a two-year-old girl at the Homme Orphan Home, received burns Thursday afternoon, October 17, from which she died the next morning. The little girl and her twin brother, besides another little child, were in the nursery and asleep on a couch. In some way, no one is able to account for it, a fire started at the foot of the couch, which reached the clothing of the twin girl. She awakened and cried for help, which brought an attendant into the room, but not before the child was quite severely burned about the face, back and arms. A doctor was it once telephoned for and he did all in his power to ease the suffering of the little child and to save its life, but in vain. The accident is a very sad one and has cast a gloom over the Home. The little girl was a particularly winsome child and the favorite of all.
SCJ
7 Nov 1907
Charles Stinson was accidentally killed by the discharge of his gun while hunting ducks at Pickerel Lake.
SCJ
14 Nov 1907
Adolph Petrich, who lived near Stoney Ridge, died of injuries sustained in a runaway. He was driving home from Marion when the accident occurred
SCJ
14 Nov 1907
A year and a half old child of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Ullmer, who live near Seymour, was drowned in a tub of water.
V.W.
15 Nov 1907
Fischer, Wilhelm of Clintonville, passed away in the evening of last Saturday or Sunday from the injuries on his job of digging. He reached the young age of around twenty years.
V.W.
15 Nov 1907, Marion
Lightfuss, Ewald from Symco was involved in a terrible accident last Wednesday morning. He was working in Oshkosh on the high peak of the roof when the accident happened. He slipped on the ice that had formed on the roof in the night and fell sixty feet to the earth. He cut his face on the telephone wires and broke his arm by falling onto the street. The other arm was broken three times and both of his legs were broken. He begged the Police to put an end to his life because of his intense suffering. However he died an hour later. He was only twenty-seven years old and leaves an aged mother, with a broken heart from losing her youngest son, also a bride, Ida Ernst from Town Union, who he just married this month, also two brothers and three sisters. The funeral was held on Saturday at the Lutheran Church in Symco and burial in the cemetery there.
In remembrance of our brother and friend, Ewald Lightfuss.
SCJ
21 Nov 1907
Andrew Ravy of the town of Royalton, Waupaca County, accidentally shot himself while hunting near Rhinelander, and died of lockjaw.
SCJ
21 Nov 1907
Will Fischer of Clintonville, twenty years of age, died of injuries caused by the caving in of a water ditch.
SCJ
28 Nov 1907
Carl Wetzel, who lived near Antigo, was killed by a set gun which he had himself placed for deer.
Advocate
Dec 12, 1907
Shot While Hunting In Forest County
Last week Geo. Hudson and his uncle of Pittsfield went to Forest County to look after some land and took their guns to do a little hunting. While they were in the woods and crossing a small stream they had to cross a log. The young man told the uncle to be careful in crossing the log. He was careful, but when the young man went to cross the same his gun was discharged in some manner and the bullet went in one side of the body and came out the other side, killing him instantly. This happened on Saturday last and the body was taken to the home of his parents in Pittsfield and the funeral was held Wednesday. The deceased was 30 years of age and the parents and relatives are heartbroken over the sad accident. He was a very fine young man and had many friends in his neighborhood.
Shawano County Journal
19 Dec 1907
While Harry Belding and his nephew, George Hudson, were hunting rabbits near Lakewood, the latter was killed by the accidental discharge of a shotgun in the hands of the former. At the time of the accident Hudson had jumped across a small creek, and was followed by Belding. When the latter jumped his ammunition sack hit the hammer of the gun, causing the discharge. An inquest resulted in a verdict of accidental death.
SCJ
19 Dec 1907
Miss Daisy Hudson, teacher in the Wilson district closed her school last week on account of the death and burial of her brother George Hudson, who was accidentally shot while hunting. The sympathy of the community is extended to the family
SCJ
19 Dec 1907
Adelbert Hudson of Maple Grove has been in the city on business this week. He is father of the young man, George Hudson, who was accidentally shot and killed near Lakewood, as reported in another column under the heading of Neighborhood News.
SCJ
19 Dec 1907
O.T. Hambleton, a well known farmer of the town of Farmington, and former clerk of Waupaca county, was killed by a vicious bull. His badly brushed body was found in the road quarter of a mile from the farm house.
SCJ
26 Dec 1907
Frozen to Death
Peter the seventeen-year-old son of John Okawass, was found frozen to death near the Little Crow settlement, in the Menominee reservation, last Friday morning. One report is that the boy had drunk a large quantity of alcohol and was overcome on the road home.
The Clintonville Tribune
May 15, 1908
A Shocking Accident
Herman Borchardt Blown To Pieces With Dynamite and Ray Wetmore And Dan Bentzler Injured
A terrible accident occurred at Herman Kubitz’s farm in the town of Bear Creek at about 9:00 this morning. Dan Bentzler in company with Herman Borchardt and Ray Wetmore had been drilling a well for Mr. Kubitz and had got down to a depth of about 70 feet. They had found it necessary to use dynamite in the hole several times and this morning Mr. Borchardt was loading a charge of about a pound of the explosive to put in the well. He had it between his knees, had adjusted the cap and just how the accident happened is a matter of conjecture. He must have placed the binding twine over the cap and pulled it too tightly or left the electric battery with which the dynamite was touched off, connected up, for there was a blinding flash, a deafening report and this strong, robust man was scattered to pieces about the field. Parts of the body were to be found in all directions while Ray Wetmore who was nearby was dangerously injured. His right eye was blown out, his left leg was torn wide open and he was otherwise maimed. Dan Bentzler was farther away and escaped with a few bruises and a badly burned face. The accident is indeed a lamentable one and the sympathy of the community goes out to the bereaved family. The injured men were brought to this city and then misfortune seemed to overtake them as there were none of the physicians in town to look after them and they were obliged to suffer for some time before a doctor could be secured. A jury was empanelled and has gone to the Kubitz farm to hold an inquest over Mr. Borchardt’s body.
The Clintonville Tribune
May 22, 1908
Obituary
Herman Borchardt whose tragic death we mentioned last week was born in Germany, April 17, 1858, and when but a small child came to this country with his parents and settled in the Town of Bear Creek. His boyhood days were spent in that town and on Oct. 26, 1884, he was united in marriage to Caroline Miller. Shortly after their marriage they came to Clintonville to live and for more than 20 years have made this city their home with the exception of a short residence in Eland. They were the parents of 3 children, Mrs. Ferdinand Spearbraker, Clarence and Will, and these together with the wife, survive him to mourn his sad and untimely demise. The news of his death caused a wave of sadness to spread over the hearts of his many warm friends throughout this locality and they will extend sympathy to the bereaved ones. Herman Borchardt was one of those straight forward, industrious, honest men who held the confidence of those who knew him and he was a true and loyal friend, no hardship being too great for him to undergo to accommodate those whom he deemed his friends. The body which was so terribly mutilated by the explosion, was prepared for burial in this city and taken to the home of Mrs. Borchardt’s parents, Mr. & Mrs. August Miller, in the town of Bear Creek, funeral services being held by Rev. Katerndahl last Sunday afternoon. Those present from out of town who attended the funeral were; Mr. & Mrs. C. A. Raisler of Shawano, Mrs. L. Stumpner of Rhinelander, Mrs. Wm. Schwandt of Leeman, Laura Borchart of Joliet, Ill., and Gusta Borchardt of Appleton
VW
23 Oct 1908, page 51
Wilt T Fred, who lived with his brother John in the Town of Herman, brought his life to an end in the rafters of the house on Tue forenoon of this week at 10:30 by shooting himself. This unfortunate man, as most readers will remember, was declared insane by the County Judge and was sent to the insane asylum in August 1906. After being there a few months, his condition improved and he was sent home to his brother. His act was attributed no doubt, to his past, and he took his life as a target.
Fred Wilt was born in 1863 in Marshall, Wisconsin and reached the age of 45 years, 10 months and 14 days. He leaves besides his mother and 2 brothers, George and John, and a sister who is married to Fred Raasch from Town Herman. His father preceded him in death a year ago. The funeral was held today, Fri, at 10 o’clock at the Catholic Church in Gresham with Father Becker from Shawano officiating.
SCJ
31 Dec 1908
Killed by Falling Tree
Birnamwood Young Man Meets Sudden Death near Leona
William Stockbauer was instantly killed by an accident Tuesday at the Connor Lumber Camp 12 near Leona. The young man was working as a sawyer when a big maple came down very unexpectedly and killed him instantly.
The body was taken to Birnamwood Tuesday evening for burial. Stockbauer was 21 years of age.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, May 25, 1909
Committed Suicide by Hanging, Jury Decides
Case Clouded In Mystery And Much Talk Concerning The Same
The death of Mrs. Richard Weber (nee: Amelia Petrich) of the town of Belle Plaine in Wednesday last, caused considerable talk and it has not abated much at this writing. Wednesday morning Henry Bauerfeind, the undertaker, was called to the home of Richard Weber to bury his wife. When Mr. Bauerfeind reaches there he found that she had not died a natural death and would not do anything until a physician had issued a death certificate. Dr. Ragan was called and he soon learned that Mrs. Weber had died of Strangulation, as there were rope marks on her throat and it was easily seen how she had died. Her husband told Dr. Ragan that she had committed the deed by strangling herself with a small piece of rope. The sheriff was notified at once and a jury empanelled who went to the house and examined the remains, questioned the members of the household and returned home about 12:00 that night. Mr. Weber said that he and his wife had a few words that morning at about 10:00 and he went out to the barn. Soon after he wanted some tobacco that was in his coat upstairs and that when he went after the same he found his wife lying across a box on her stomach with a rope around her neck. He said he worked over her a few minutes and then called his father and mother or went down stairs and said that she was dead.
The jury did not reach any verdict that evening and met again Thursday evening but did not do anything but talk over the matter. The next afternoon the deceased’s mother was called as a witness and she did not know anything about the death of her daughter until that time, while the Webers claimed that they had notified her. She lives in Symco, Waupaca County, and went to Belle Plaine Friday morning. The funeral was to be held Friday afternoon but for some reason the same was held early Friday morning. Many things that have been done seem to lend an air of mystery to the death, and while everything may be done through ignorance or for fear of much talk or notoriety, much has been done and said that gives the whole matter a shade of mystery. In the examination the mother of the dead girl told an entire different story then that told by the husband of the deceased. He admitted that the story that he told at first was not true as he did not want people to know that his wife had committed suicide. He stuck to his story Friday evening and after some deliberation the jury returned a verdict that the deceased had come to her death by hanging herself. One or two of the jury are not yet fully convinced that the verdict was right but as the evidence is not strong it was the only one thing that could be done.
The pieces of rope that were used were about six feet long, one a small piece of binding twine about two feet long and the other piece a little larger rope and four feet long. It is believed that the only way that she could have committed the deed was to have put the same over a piece of wire that was across the room to hang clothes on and that the rope broke and she fell on the box as stated by her husband. There were no marks on her body that there had been a struggle with anyone. The only way that she could have met her death differently than hanging would be by someone strangling her with the rope from behind, as there were marks behind her ears where the rope had cut into the skin to some extent.
Mr. & Mrs. Weber lived in Shawano some time ago and it is said by neighbors that they did not live very happily. They leave one little baby about two years of age. The death is a sad one ad if anyone is guilty of the deed it is hoped that they will be found out.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday May 27, 1909
Verdict of Suicide
The coroner’s jury after a diligent enquiry into the death of Mrs. Richard Weber returned a verdict last Thursday evening of suicide. It must be said that no theory has yet been advanced that can be supported by the known facts. Had the body not been disturbed and the attic in which her death had occurred cleaned up the facts could have been better guessed at. The main reason for not accepting the suicide theory is that Weber did not tell Dr. Ragan the truth in his first story. Weber was given a most detailed and severe cross examination by District Attorney Larson Thursday. He went through it all without disclosing anything that would be evidence against him not yet a story that makes the suicide theory a very acceptable one. The mother of Mrs. Weber, Mrs. Matilda Haas, of the town of Dupont, Waupaca County, testified that she had never known of her daughter at any time attempting suicide and that Mrs. Max Fisher (a sister of Mrs. Weber) had told her that Weber had at one time tried to kill his wife with a butcher knife. Her testimony was against Weber yet she said later she would go his bail if necessary. Mrs. Fisher lives near New London. Henry Koeppke, a half brother of Mrs. Weber, testified that he had lived with Richard and his wife for a year and a half and had never known any special trouble between them. He strongly disbelieved the theory of murder. Koeppke’s wife recently died and for two weeks past he has been at Gresham. Mrs. Haas has been married three times and this son has not been home much since a young boy. He told how Mrs. Weber, when about 11 years old, had attempted suicide by taking Paris Green. Fear of punishment by the parents kept the children from telling of the incident. When the Webers resided here it is claimed that they had considerable trouble. Justice Bold acted in the capacity of coroner. Dave McCarthy was the foreman of the jury.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday, Sept. 2, 1909
Welch a Suicide
Henry Welch, a resident of the town of Seneca, committed suicide sometime Friday by drowning himself in the north branch of the Embarrass river near Leopolis.
The discovery of his hat on the bank of the river led to the inauguration of an investigation. District Attorney Larson, who was in possession of the facts, declared the cause of death was too evident to warrant a coroner’s inquest and he gave orders for the burial of the body.
On Friday, Aug. 20, Mr. Welch appeared at District Attorney Larson’s office and instituted a complaint against his wife for divorce proceedings. Mr. Larson was in possession of all the facts in the alleged case, and made an effort to cause Welch to reconsider his determination to seek a legal separation from his wife. At the time Welch was obdurate and insisted that he would end his troubles by taking his life. Mr. Larson gave him one of those heart-to-heart talks for which he is noted as an attorney and it must have had some effect for when an officer appeared to serve the papers on the wife, Welch refused to permit the proceeding.
Friday a friend of Welch’s named Voeltz, living in Leopolis, received a note in which Welch bid his good bye and stated that Voeltz would never again see him alive. This alarmed Voeltz and he caused a search to be made for his friend.
The finding of his hat was the first clue and the discovery of the body proved the climax.
According to District Attorney Larson, Welch was a man about 52 years of age. The couple was married in 1882 and had a living family of 7 daughters and 2 sons, both residing at home.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1908
Sad Accident Last Tuesday Evening.
About 8:00 last Wednesday night the people of Shawano were surprised to learn that August Mielke has been killed by falling down the cellar steps in the rear of Joe Boehm’s saloon. Wednesday morning Mr. Boehm was going down cellar and as he was in the act of going down the steps saw a man. On examination it was found to be August Mielke of the town of Waukechon. There are a number of stories about the accident and an inquest was started before Justice Bold on Friday, and after a few witnesses were examined the same was adjourned until Friday of this week, in order to get a witness or so. It seems that he brought some beef and a couple of hogs to town Tuesday afternoon and sold them to Gus Kleeman. During the afternoon and evening he was seen by a number of our citizens who noticed he had been drinking considerable. He was in a number of business places. The last seen of him was between 9 and 10:00 when he went out of Wege’s saloon. It is thought that he went to Upham’s sheds where he always kept his horses and not finding them, started to go into Mr. Boehm’s saloon. There are 2 passageways to the rear and he saw a light and was going into the saloon. Instead of going into the door he fell into the cellar way and his neck was broken in the fall. When found in the morning he was frozen and it was hard to tell what caused his death but the remains were taken to Henry Bauerfeind undertaking rooms and prepared for burial. The deceased was about 60 years of age and was a hard working farmer. He had a splendid farm in the town of Waukechon and has recently built a fine residence. He leaves a wife and several children and was a brother to Dr. F E Mielke of this city. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at the Luth. Church and the large church was crowded. It is estimated that over 1,000 were present. Rev. Selle delivered the sermon. Mr. Mielke was well liked by his neighbors and they deeply regret his sad death.
Advocate
12 Jan 1909
Birnamwood Boy Poisoned by Drink
District Atty. A.S. Larson received a telephone message Monday morning from Dr. Baker at Birnamwood, who stated that a young boy had been poisoned, and asked Mr. Larson to come there and hold an inquest. Dr. Baker said that Herman Hoffman and son Harvey had been at Eland on Friday and got some beer and whiskey to drink. Harvey, who is twelve years of age was taken sick and died on Sunday. It is believed that he has been poisoned and Dr. Baker refused to issue a burial certificate until the case had been investigated. Mr. Larson went to Birnamwood this morning and will investigate the matter thoroughly, and no doubt an inquest will be held.
T.C.
22 Jan 1909
County News
The inquest in the case of Harvey Hoffman of Birnamwood resulted in a verdict that his death was caused by cerebral hemorrhage caused by diphtheria germs.
Advocate
11 May 1909
Killed by Train Last Night
Ben Habeck was killed by the 8 o’clock train last night. The body was found this morning. The coroner’s inquest before Justice Bold this morning brought out the following facts. Habeck was in the city yesterday and had been drinking considerable. He bought a ticket for Belle Plaine, where he has been working the past few weeks and got on the 6:43 train. He was standing on the platform and the conductor asked him for a ticket. He would not go inside, give his ticket or pay his fare, so the conductor put him off at the junction at the paper mill. It is thought that he started to walk to Belle Plaine and got as far as McComb’s crossing and laid down on the track and went to sleep. His arm was cut off and his head crushed, which would show that he was laying on the track. The deceased lived in Clintonville but moved by Caroline a short time ago. He was about 35 years of age and leaves a wife and four children. He has a brother living in the city.
SCJ
Thursday 13 May 1909
Ben Habeck Killed
Monday evening Ben Habeck of Caroline met a shocking death on the Northwestern track a little west of the McComb crossing which is just west of Larson’s brick yard. The train that killed him was the evening passenger from Clintonville. The manner in which the accident occurred will never be known nor even more than crudely guessed at.
Tuesday morning as Max Pahl a splitter in the ground wood mill, was coming to his work, he discovered the body of a man on the railroad track between the rails. Word as at once sent to the railroad agent, to undertaker Bauerfeind and to the county officials.
It was easy to see by the pieces of his skull and fragments of clothing that the man had been dragged a couple of hundred feet were the train left him.
The left arm was almost completely severed and the body maimed and bruised in too many ways to admit of description. The skull and brain was entirely gone and the head was mutilated in a most shocking manner, in fact it at first appeared before the body was lifted up that the head had been completely beat off.
A coroner’s jury viewed the remains and the hearing went over to Wednesday to permit a railroad attorney to be present.
Agent Mierswa sold Habeck a ticket for the 6:40 p.m. train to Belle Plaine. He was going there to work as stone mason for Herman Hubert on Albert Braatz’s new barn.
A search of the body for some means of identification disclosed his ticket to Belle Plaine, pocket knife, a small sum of money and several small articles he had purchased while in Shawano Monday. It appears that Habeck was so much under the influence of liquor that he told the conductor he had no ticket and he was told to get off at the paper mill which he did. It is hard to surmise how the accident occurred but it must have been the passenger from Clintonville as no other train passed over that track after Habeck was seen get off at the paper mill.
Habeck’s hat was found close beside his body. The conductor was told that Habeck had a ticket shortly after he was put off the train. The conductor then said the walk would do him good abut that he would not have put Habeck off had he known he had a ticket.
C.L. Young, a Northwestern claim agent, was here to look after the railroad company’s interest at the hearing. Attorney Fred Eberlein represented the deceased man’s family.
Deceased was a son of Ferdinand Habeck. His father is dead but he is survived by his mother, three brothers—S.O. of Belle Plaine, William of the town of Washington and Otto of Pella. Also three sisters—Mrs. Wm. Koepke of Marion, Mrs. Ferdinand Roloff and Mrs. Henry Zirble of Clintonville. Habecky’s wife was formerly Miss Anna Marquardt and their two daughters are aged 4 and 8 years.
Mr. Habeck was aged 38 years, 5 months and 2 days. The body will be taken to Marion and from thence to Caroline for burial.
The funeral will be held at the Lutheran Church Friday afternoon.
Advocate
22 Jun 1909
Cut His Throat on Sunday
Sunday afternoon Julius Johnson cut his throat at the home of his nephew at Pulcifer. The facts as we have been told, is that after dinner he took his razor and went out to the outhouse and cut his throat so that he bled to death. It was thought that he had gone into his bedroom to take a nap, and it was not known that he had committed the horrible deed until discovered by a young lady. The deceased was about 75 years of age.
SCJ
1 Jul 1909
News of Neighbor
Jack Sheridan, a former Ocontoite was killed at Everett, Wash. by a falling tree.
SCJ
7 Jul 1909
Leonard, the 16 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Henfer, residing near here, drowned while bathing in the river here. His body was recovered after a thirty minute search, but all attempts to bring him back to life were useless, as signs seemed he was taken with cramps. The death of their son is a hard misfortune to the parents. Funeral services were conducted at the Lutheran Zion’s church by Rev. Alpers.
Advocate
20 Jul 1909
Died of Lock Jaw Friday Evening
Oldest Son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Darling who Lately Moved Here from Mattoon
Another victim of the 4th of July celebration.
On Wednesday, July 7 Harvard Francis, the 11 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Darling who recently moved on the Kuckuk farm north of town, was playing with a ten cent blank cartridge revolver, and the same was accidently discharged, the contents striking the palm of his left hand. He was brought to town and Dr. Stubenvoll dressed the same. The hand was doing nicely and on Thursday of last week after the hand had been dressed the doctor told Mr. Darling that he need not bring his son to town any more as the wound was doing so nicely. About 10 o’clock Thursday morning while the boy was in the yard he felt a pain in his back and at first nothing was thought of it, but he continued to get worse and at four in the afternoon was very bad and suffered a great deal all that night and the next day until 8 o’clock Friday evening when he passed away, lock jaw being the cause of his death.
The deceased was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Darling and was born in Waldo, Sheboygan County, May 25, 1898. He moved to Mattoon with his parents where they resided about six years and came to Shawano a few months ago. The remains were taken to Mattoon yesterday to be laid beside another child Mr. and Mrs. Darling lost about a year ago. This is a very sad blow to the bereaved parents, and their many friends’ sympathies with them in this sad hour.
SCJ
22 Jul 1909
Brief Obituaries of People Known Throughout County
Harvard Francis Darling, aged 11 years 1 month and 21 days, son of Mr. and Mrs. Beverly Darling of the town of Wescott, died last Friday night at 8 p.m. of tetanus or lock-jaw. The lad shot himself in the right hand with a revolver. The family recently moved here from Mattoon to which place the remains were taken Monday for burial.
Advocate
27 Jul 1909
Drowned at Neopit Sunday Afternoon
Sad Accident to Geo. Evens, a Young Russian, Worked Here Last Winter
The first fatal accident happened at Neopit Sunday afternoon. Geo. Evens, a young Russian about 21 years of age went in bathing with one or two companions. He went in the still pond and was standing on a large rock where he accidentally slipped off and went down into fourteen feet of water. He came up three times but could not swim and sank the third time. It was two hours before his body was recovered.
The deceased was about 21 years of age and worked at Neopit last fall and then came to Shawano and worked at the Murdock House a few months, doing chores there. He was a quiet young man and made many friends by his pleasant manners. We understand that his parents live in St. Petersburg and they have been notified. The remains were buried at Neopit yesterday.
SCJ
29 Jul 1909
George Evens was Drowned
George Evens, aged 22 years, a young St. Petersburg Russian formerly employed as a flunkey at the Murdock House, was drowned Sunday afternoon in the mill pond at Neopit.
He had been bathing and emerged from the water to stand on some rocks when he slipped and fell into twenty feet of water. Evens was stunned by the occurrence, lost his presence of mind and drowned.
The body was brought to the surface two hours later, after dynamite had been used.
Deceased was buried at Neopit.
The fatality occasioned much regret where Evens had made a fine impression through his general appearance and manliness.
Advocate
31 Aug 1909
Henry Welsch of Tilleda, Ended His Life by Jumping into the River
Word was received here Monday of the death of Henry Welsch of Tilleda. He was in the city Friday, Aug. 20 and called on Dist. Atty. Larson and wanted to get a divorce from his wife as he did not get along very peacefully with her. Mr. Larson endeavored to have him go home and try to get along some way. This could not be done so Sheriff Elefson went to Tilleda on Monday, Aug. 23 to serve the divorce papers. When he got there he was told that everything was all right and that he need not serve the papers. Things could not have gone very peacefully for on Friday Mr. Welsch made all preparations to drown himself. It is said that he drank considerable liquor in order to get up courage to do the deed. He wrote a note to Mr. Voelz of Leopolis, bidding him good bye, stating that he would never see him again. A hat and coat was found on the banks of the river and the body was recovered Saturday.
The deceased was a man about fifty years of age and leaves a wife and nine children, only two living at home. He lived in Leopolis before going to Tilleda where he purchased a farm a few years ago. He was well liked and his sad death was a shock to his friends.
T.C.
10 Sep 1909
Arthur Fink, the 18 year old son of John Fink who lives near Morris, was drowned at Winneconne on Monday night. He was riding his bicycle over the bridge which spans the wolf River and on account of darkness was unable to see that the draw was open for a boat coming up the river, people standing on the bridge warned him but he was unable to stop in time and plunged off the bridge into the river. People came to the rescue almost immediately, but after pulling him out were unable to revive him.
SCJ
16 Sep 1909
Arthur Sink, aged 19 years, of Tigerton, employed on the farm of John Davis of Winneconne, was drowned while riding his bike through an open bridge at Winneconne. The funeral was held at Tigerton, Friday afternoon.
SCJ
Thursday 14 Oct 1909
Solomon Davis, aged 38 years, a resident of Marinette, but employed at the Neopit log mill, was accidently killed Saturday. A door to the log room struck him and he was precipitated to the ground, a distance of 35 feet. His skull was crushed and the right arm broken. Death was instantaneous. Remains were taken to Marinette for burial. A widow and child survive.
SCJ
14 Oct 1909
Young Lad Killed
Contents of Shot Gun Discharged Into Abdomen
Death Ended Misery
Boy Was Carrying Gun and Used it as a Club to Drive some Cows
Herman Labutzke, aged 14 years died Tuesday at Cecil as a result of a fierce shotgun wound to the abdomen, accidentally inflected.
He was engaged in driving some cows and carried a 15 gauge gun. The speed of the animals not being exactly to his liking, he used the weapon as a club. In striking one of the cows, the gun was discharged, the contents tearing a gaping wound, which resulted in his death fifteen minutes later.
The young man was well liked and his untimely end caused a feeling of deep sorrow in the community.
Advocate
19 Oct 1909
Accidentally Killed
Herman Labutzke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Labutzke of the town of Washington, aged 14 years was killed Tuesday by the accidental discharge of a 16 gauge shotgun. He was driving the cow’s home, and we are told went to hit one of the stock and at the same time the gun was discharged the charge lodging in his abdomen. He was staying at the home of Wm. Saltzwell on account of the Labutzke family being quarantine for diphtheria. Dr. Comee of Cecil was called, but the boy was dead when he reached the place, living but 90 minutes after the accident—Bonduel Times.
SCJ
30 Dec 1909
Van Orman Killed
Embarrass Man Was Fatally Crushed Between Logs
Was Dead When Found
Was Unloading Logs When Caught and Horribly Crushed Between Two Rollers
Nick Van Orman, unmarried and stated to be 47 years of age, met a tragic death, Tuesday night, between 6:15 and 7 o’clock, near the saw mill at Embarrass by being squeezed to death between two logs.
The Story
It is stated that Mr. Van Orman recently purchased a small lot of timber and cut it down. Having no team, he secured the loan of the horses from William Anton and loading the logs on bobs, started to the saw mill, where he arrived after the plant had closed.
All the logs had been unloaded except two, and in trying to get these off the sled, one of the logs rolled to the ground carrying Van Orman with it, and the remaining log rolled onto the man who was face down prostrate over the other log.
Life Crushed Out.
Van Orman’s life was crushed out. It is not known how long he lived after the accident, but he was dead when found by Anton, who becoming anxious over the non-arrival of his team, started out in search of Van Orman, with the result stated above.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday, Dec. 23, 1909
Accidently Shot
Fred Natzke Of Pella Horribly Injured
Skull And Brain Torn
Said To Have Used His Gun To Dislodge A Fox From A Hollow Log Last Saturday
Fred Natzke, the victim of the accident died Monday evening at 7:45. The funeral is being held this afternoon, services being conducted at the German Lutheran church at Pella.
Fred Natzke, a son of Gottlieb Natzke, who has been making his home with W E Schultzin the town of Pella for nearly two years past, met with a distressing accident last Saturday while hunting, and as a result of a discharge of his gun, a portion of the skull was driven into the brain and about three tablespoons of brain scattered on the ground, where he fell after being wounded.
His condition is regarded as precarious at this writing, and it is the belief of attending physicians that his recovery is out of the question. The two sons of C F Schultz started out hunting. En route they were joined by Natzke. The scene of the shooting was in the town of Belle Plaine on the old Perry Farm.
Natzke and his companions had chased a fox into a culvert. Natzke started to scare the fox out of his hiding place by using his gun as a stick. The weapon was discharged and the contents entered Natzke’s skull just above the right eye.
He dropped to the ground with a gaping wound, 1 ½ inches in diameter in his right temple. The injured man was carried to the Schultz home and word was sent out for medical assistance. Dr. Miller of Clintonville was the first to respond and was joined almost immediately by Dr. Gordon of this city. It quickly was understood that he was in a critical condition and attention was turned to stopping the cerebral hemorrhage which was successfully accomplished. It was deemed inadvisable to attempt to remove the splintered skull bones from the brain, at least, not for the present.
Mr. Natzke would have been 30 years of age on Jan. 19, on which date he was to have been married to a well known and popular young lady. Besides his parents, the members of his family survive. It is understood the young lady prostrated with grief and cannot reconcile herself to an understanding of the tragedy which has deprived her of a husband.
Probably the most authentic story of the affair is told by Louis, Edwin and Willie, the sons of C F Schultz, who were with Fred Natzke at the time of the accident with proved fatal. The quartet of boys had been rounding up a fox. The animal dodged into a culvert. The 3 brothers were placed on guard at one end of the culvert and Mr. Natzke had figured a stick would dislodge the much sought animal. He passed a rod or two from the end of the culvert where he was stationed and had drawn his pocket knife to cut and point a stick. He placed his gun against a pile of stones, the weapon slipped when the muzzle was pointed directly at Natzke’s right temple; the trigger caught and exploded the contents which were scattered through Natzke’s skull, as above described.
Natzke was conscious up to the time he died. He realized that the end was only a few hours’ consideration at the most, so when the attending physician, Dr. Miller, questioned him regarding the accident, he recited the details as given above, completely exonerating the 3 companions and assuming the entire responsibility himself, stating that the affair was an accident for which he alone was responsible.
Advocate
Tuesday 18 January 1910
Myron Schuyler, an Oneida India, Kills Himself at Morgan Siding
The body of Myron Schuyler was found Tuesday in the woods one quarter of a mile from the new government school house at Morgan Siding on the Wisconsin & Northern railway. He had been staying at Dave Morgan’s and also at Neopit for some time past, and it is said he was in love with a maiden near there and it was not returned. Thus the rash act. He shot himself with a revolver in the mouth and the revolver was found at his feet. His mother lives at Oneida and she was notified to come and get the body. It is said he was about twenty two years old.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 20 January 1910
Committed Suicide
Myron Skyler Shoots Self with Pistol, Monday
No Woman in the Case
It is not known what prompted the Rash Deed of Self Extermination.
Myron Skyler, employed at Morgan’s Siding, traveled a half mile from camp, placed the muzzle of a revolver in his mouth, drew the trigger, and sent a messenger of death crashing through his brain.
Skyler left camp and said nothing to any of his companions. Deliberately, he walked away from his frequented haunts, sought place of seclusion from all observing eyes, and perpetrated the deed which terminated so fatally.
Suicide. It is stated that there was no reason for his untimely end.
His relatives state that his finances were in good shape, that he had no love affairs, and that, above all, there was no case of affection behind his rash move.
The remains of the unfortunate man, who is said to have been 29 years of age, were given in charge of his relatives at Oneida.
District Attorney Larson was informed of the occurrence, but in as much as the facts in the case were so unmistakably clear, no inquest was deemed necessary.
Advocate Thurs. 1 Feb 1910
John J Hill lies dead in Smith’s undertaking rooms and Ned Antone and Julius Smith are held in the village jail charged with murder
All the parties are Oneida Indians who were employed as wood or log cutters in a town of Birnamwood camp. They were in the village all Saturday afternoon and evening and were well tanked up before departing for their abode in the woods. Hill was found dead by the roadside a couple of miles from town Sunday morning and his companions in the Saturday carouse were under arrest before nightfall. An inquest with District Attorney Larson in attendance will be held today. One of the suspects is a tough looking specimen of humanity; the other is a very decent appearing young chap just past boyhood. Whether the jury finds that death resulted from blows on the head from exposure or from both, the real culprit will stand out the same, whiskey. The dead man is “only an Indian,” the suspects are “only Indians,” and there are many who may say “one Indian more or less will add or subtract little from the world’s aggregate of human worth.” Nevertheless we hope that those who supplied the booze to these unfortunate one be recovered to light and weighed in the scales of justice. And, turning to consider the sordid, the financial side of the case, let’s not forget to charge the heavy expense of burial, of inquest and of trial against the vacated benefits of “the income from liquor licenses.”
V.W.
Friday 4 Feb 1910
Birnamwood
Rahe, Wilhelm, a young twenty three year old man was traveling here last Saturday evening on the freight train from Eland. It did not stop in our village, so the young man attempted to jump and unfortunately, due to the fall, his right leg was crushed in several places. Both local doctors and one from Wausau were forced to amputate by the knee. The unlucky man died on Sunday morning in Hotel Gueller. His father, Heinrich Rahe brought the body home for burial.
Shawano County Journal
10 Feb 1910
Ends His Career
Birnamwood Man Victim of His Own Hand
The Identification
Oleson, the man who suicide in the Tremont hotel in Oshkosh, and whose embalmed remains have been awaiting identification during the past three weeks, has been positively recognized as a Birnamwood resident, and the remains are said to have been taken there for interment.
Difficult Task. The suicide happened in a hotel room, and as the man left little to identify him, the corpse was placed upright against a wall at the morgue and photographed, the pictures being sent out in all directions by the police after being printed in The Northwestern.
John Miller, a butcher of Lime Kiln Point across Lake Winnebago from Oshkosh, is said to have been the man who identified Oleson who seems to have been quite well known in that section
Shawano County Journal
17 Feb 1910
Louis Iball, aged 19 years was killed at Long Lake, Oconto County, by having a tree fall on him. His home was at Marshfield.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, March 29, 1910
Committed Suicide Saturday Morning
Mrs. Chas, Volland Hangs Herself in the Cellar
Was Found By Mrs. Blake
Mrs. Chas. Volland (nee Minnie Gehrman) committed suicide Saturday morning by hanging herself in the cellar and was found about two hours afterward by a neighbor, Mrs. Blake. It seems that about 2 weeks ago Mrs. Volland fell down stairs and hurt her head, which caused her to go insane. She has been acting strangely for the past 2 weeks and would make remarks to neighbors about going insane but they did not think much of it. Her mother, Mrs. Gehrman of Leopolis had been visiting her for a short time and went away Friday. Mrs. Volland appeared to be alright Saturday morning. She got up and prepared breakfast for her husband who works in the brewery and left home about 6:30. She then dressed her 2 little girls, aged about 5 and 3 years, and sent them to the neighbors. They played with the other children in the neighborhood for a short time and the oldest then went home but could not find her mother. The little girl then went to Mrs. Blake and said she could not find her mama. Mrs. Blake went to the neighbors and also through the house but did not find her. After returning home she thought she would go again and look down in the cellar. There she found Mrs. Volland hanging. She called some men working near there and they cut her down. The district attorney was notified and Sheriff Elefson and Dr. Gordon went to view the remains and were satisfied it was a clear case of suicide and no inquest was held. Mrs. Volland was about 28 years of age and had been married about 7 years. She leaves her husband and 2 little daughters, besides her parents and other relatives. She must have thought of the deed as a note was found in the cupboard asking him to take good care of the little girls. There was no cause for her to commit the terrible deed and her accident a couple of weeks ago no doubt injured her head in such a manner that it made her insane. The husband is heartbroken over the deed.
SCJ Thurs. Mar 31, 1910
Mrs. C. Volland Committed Suicide
Mrs. Charles Volland committed suicide last Saturday morning by hanging herself to the supports of a beam in the cellar at her home in the third ward. A common binding line was used in the crime. One end was securely fastened to the supports and the other carefully tied around her neck. Then she swung from a cellar step and strangled to death while suspended in the air life was extinct when the body was discovered by Mrs. James Blake, a neighbor and cut down by Paul Mehlhorn, S L Grignon and Gus Thomas. Mr. Gordon stated the woman had been dead for some time. The details of the fatal act had been carefully planned and the deed was committed when she was all alone.
The Probable Cause
Two weeks ago last Tuesday; Mrs. Volland sustained a severe injury to her forehead when she tumbled headlong down the steps leading to the basement. The effect of this injury coupled with ill health and brooding over some secret are presumed to have temporarily unbalanced the unfortunate woman. She left a note which was found later. It contained a farewell message, a suggestion that the children be well cared for and hinted that the secret on her mind was too much for her to handle.
Other Features
Early Saturday morning the mother had neatly attired the youngest daughter Dorothy and sent her out to play. When she returned and failed to find her mother, Mrs. Blake’s attention was attracted by the child’s cries and a search was made for Mrs. Volland, without results. An attempt to quiet the child was only temporary successful, and a second time Mrs. Blake sought to locate the mother. This time the body was found as she descended into the basement. Mrs. Blake called the gentlemen above mentioned and they took down the remains.
Funeral was held yesterday afternoon. Rev. Ludwig conducted services at the house at 1:30 and at the Peace Lutheran church at 2.
The husband and two daughters, Edna, 6 years, and Dorothy, 4 years, survive.
The news of Mrs. Volland tragic death came as a great shock to many friends. Her home life apparently had been happy in every respect. They ascribe the motive to insanity produced by ailing health.
V.W. Fri. 1 Apr. 1910
Czarnick, John from Pulaski appeared before the court last Saturday under the charge of a violent attempt to kill his wife, Josephine. Their ten year old son was a witness, who for his age was unusually bright and not in the least shy in the presence of the Judge or the attorney. He said that his father on the morning of 24 March went to Green Bay and on his return in the evening; he brought a revolver with him and shot three times at his wife. The first shot was in the kitchen as his wife was washing dishes. She ran into the next room when he fired the second shot. Then his wife crawled under the table. Czarnick kneeled on the floor and shot again. Leo grabbed him by the shoulder so that he lost his aim in the shooting.
Czarnick came to Shawano the next day and confessed that he tried to shoot his wife. Upon questioning, he admitted that he was a habitual drinker and had many arguments with his wife because he would not give it up. On the other side the wife can also be blamed. The sheriff, upon checking the house, beheld a terrible dirty and neglected sight. It appears that the wife and mother of three children were hardly with them. Her husband said that she spent much of her time with a man named George Malinski. The District Attorney claimed this is a dreadful case against the man who had done the shooting.
V. W.
Friday 1 April 1910
Volland, Karl (Mrs.) (Gehrman) was found by a neighbor, Mrs. Harvey Blake, last Sunday morning, hanging in the cellar of her home in the Third Ward. All efforts to revive her were in vain. After Dr Gordon’s judgment and the investigation by the sheriff, it was determined that there was no suspicion of a crime committed.
The funeral was held on Wednesday at the home, them at Peace Church in the church cemetery. Pastor Ludwig officiated and offered words of hope to the survivors. The pallbearers were
Emil Arnst, E Fritz, Harvey Blake, Herman Bock, Wm Thomas and Carl Sell.
Mrs. Volland was born on 2 December 1878 in Town Herman. She was the third child of August and Karoline Gehrman. She married Carl Volland on 11 June 1903 and has lived in Shawano since then. She leaves behind her grieving husband, two small daughters, her aged parents, two brothers and four sisters, Mrs. Alb. Reetz from Leopolis, Albert Malueg from Caroline and Konrad Volland from Fernie, British Columbia and Miss Lisette Gehrman who is living at home with her parents. They were all here for the funeral.
Mrs. Volland wrote a letter in which she requested that the children be given the best in assistance and education. There is not the slightest doubt that she did not enjoy good health for some time and was irresponsible for her act. About a month ago the neighbors noticed her melancholy moods and heard her mysterious remarks. About two weeks ago she had the misfortune of falling down the steps and hurting her head which added to her suffering.
She found joy in showing her deep love to her husband and to her children through her domestic life and pleasant outward disposition.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, April 5, 1910
Funeral on Wednesday
The funeral of the late Mrs. Chas. Volland was held Wednesday afternoon at the Peace Congregation church. A large number of friends gathered to pay their respects to the departed and there were many beautiful floral tributes. The pallbearers were Will Thomas, H J Blake, CC Fritz, Emil Arnst, Chas. Sell and Herman Bock. Those from far away who attended the funeral were Henry and Otto Reick of Ashland, Mrs. Conrad Volland of British Columbia. Besides her husband and 2 little daughters the deceased leave many other relatives.
V.W.
Friday 1 April 1910
Volland, Karl (Mrs.) (Gehrman) was found by a neighbor, Mrs. Harvey Blake, last Sunday morning, hanging in the cellar of her home in the Third Ward. All efforts to revive her were in vain. After Dr Gordon’s judgment and the investigation by the sheriff, it was determined that there was no suspicion of a crime committed.
The funeral was held on Wednesday at the home, them at Peace Church in the church cemetery. Pastor Ludwig officiated and offered words of hope to the survivors. The pallbearers were
Emil Arnst, E Fritz, Harvey Blake, Herman Bock, Wm Thomas and Carl Sell.
Mrs. Volland was born on 2 December 1878 in Town Herman. She was the third child of August and Karoline Gehrman. She married Carl Volland on 11 June 1903 and has lived in Shawano since then. She leaves behind her grieving husband, two small daughters, her aged parents, two brothers and four sisters, Mrs. Alb. Reetz from Leopolis, Albert Malueg from Caroline and Konrad Volland from Fernie, British Columbia and Miss Lisette Gehrman who is living at home with her parents. They were all here for the funeral.
Mrs. Volland wrote a letter in which she requested that the children be given the best in assistance and education. There is not the slightest doubt that she did not enjoy good health for some time and was irresponsible for her act. About a month ago the neighbors noticed her melancholy moods and heard her mysterious remarks. About two weeks ago she had the misfortune of falling down the steps and hurting her head which added to her suffering.
She found joy in showing her deep love to her husband and to her children through her domestic life and pleasant outward disposition.
Advocate
12 Apr 1910
Mrs. Conrad Volland, who was called here by the death of Mrs. Chas. Volland, left this morning for her home in British Columbia. She was accompanied by Mr. Chas. Volland and two daughters who will make their home theirs for a few years. Mr. Volland has a position in the brewery where his brother is working and the two children will make their home with their Aunt .
V.W.
Friday 15 April 1910
Vorpahl, Paul with an attack of insanity where he had been staying. He shot himself in the chest, was severely wounded and died on Wednesday tried to commit suicide Sunday night in the house of his brother in law, Anton Braun in Town Underhill, morning around two thirty. The pitiful young man suffered some time with temporary insanity due to a fall on his head.
Pastor Schuetz administered the sacrament after his confession and stating his belief in God but would not bury him because he took his life with his own hand. Pastor Karpinsky from Belle Plaine buried him on Thursday, with services at the house and burial at Bierbaum Cemetery in Cecil. Paul Vorpahl was born on 30 June 1880 in Belle Plaine, a son of Fred Vorpahl who is now living in Underhill. He leaves behind his father, four brothers and three sisters, also many friends and acquaintances
Advocate
19 April 1910
Shot Himself on Sunday, April 10
And Died On Wednesday
Paul Vorpahl of the Town of Underhill
Paul Vorpahl of the town of Underhill, Oconto County, committed suicide Sunday, April 10th at the home of his brother–in-law. Aug. Braun, in the town of Washington. It seems that he was hurt in the head some years ago and it is believed that this affected his brain as at times he has not been right, and had spells of insanity. On Sunday night or Monday morning he arose and took his gun and went out in the field. He shot himself in the breast injuring the lungs. After awhile he regained strength enough to go to the house and fainted on the door step. The family heard his groans and a physician was called at once, who pronounced the wound fatal. He died early Wednesday morning. Before he died Rev. Schuetz was called and he administered the sacraments of the church. It is said that after Vorphal died the pastor refused to bury him as it as against the rules of the church to bury one that had committed suicide. Rev. Karpinsky of Belle Plaine church, and Rev. Ebert of this city, were called and officiated; interment was at the Bierbaum cemetery in Cecil and took place Thursday.
Shawano County Journal
25 May 1910
Another Death at Hot Pond
Robert Petonic Killed Last Evening at Neopit in Same Way as Mr. DuQuaine
Held Under Log Pile
Men Had To Chop the Way to the Doomed Man—Lived Only Ten Minutes After Rescue
Robert Petonic, also known as Chas. Wycheesitt, Jr. was killed yesterday afternoon at Neopit at a quarter after four in a very similar way to that which took the life of Mr. DuQuaine a few weeks ago. Mr. Petonic was letting logs into the hot-pond and had just unhooked a chain when the whole pile came rolling down upon him. He was so completely entrapped in the chaos of logs that the way into where he lay had to be chopped in with axes. When he was finally rescued, he was found to have been literally broken to pieces and he lived only ten minutes.
He was a man of about thirty-three years of age. He was not married. The arrangements for the funeral have not been made as we go to press.
Advocate
Tuesday 5 July 1910
Chas. Ragusee of the Town of Wescott Commits Suicide Sunday Morning
After years of suffering with sickness, Chas. Ragusee of the town of Wescott became tired of life and committed suicide Sunday morning at his home. It seems that there was a church picnic in the town of Richmond and the family attended the same. After his family had gone he made careful preparation to commit the deed. He wrote a letter to his wife telling her not to worry and gave her the farm, also telling her where to find the money. It seems that he had been in poor health for a year or so. When the family returned about five o’clock in the afternoon his wife found the letter on the table and after reading the same went out to see if she could find her husband. When she looked in the granary she was horrified to see his body hanging from a rafter. He had made a noose in a rope, slipped his head in the same and then swung into eternity. He must have been dead several hours when found. Dr. Gordon was called at once but saw that there was no chance for recovery.
The sheriff was called but it was seen that it was a clear case of suicide and there was no need of an inquest. The deceased was about fifty-five years old and was a hard working farmer. He was well thought of by his neighbors and had many friends. He leaves a widow and several children. The funeral was held at the home this afternoon.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 7 July 1910
Town of Wescott Farmer Hangs Self in Barn
While his family was attending a picnic at Red River Sunday, Charles Ragusee, a town of Wescott farmer, about fifty-five years committed suicide in his barn by hanging.
Ragusee was a well-known farmer who has lived for a number of years in the town of Wescott, and for a few years past has been in poor health. This and marital troubles are believed to have prompted him to commit the rash deed, Before going to the barn he wrote a note to his wife informing her of his intentions and on her arrival home was found and read by her. An immediate search of the premises was made and upon entering the barn the body was found suspended from the rafter by a rope. Dr. Gordon was summoned but his service was of no avail as the man had been dead for some time. Sheriff Ellison was also summoned and the evidence of suicide being such that an inquest was not held. The deceased is survived by his wife and eight children, some of them living at home and the rest married and Mrs. Rettman of this city is helping with the daughters of the unfortunate man.
Advocate
6 Sep 1910
Killed in Washington
Word has been received that Will Smith was killed in Washington, on Tuesday last. He was working for his cousins, the Fife Bros. and a load of lumber fell on him. The deceased was 33 years of age and was born in Shawano and spent his boyhood days in this city. He was well known here and had many friends who will regret to learn of his death. He was a cousin of Mrs. W.J. Schumaker of this city. He went to Spokane last March and intended to have his mother go there in a short time and keep his house for him. His mother jus received a letter from him saying how glad he was that she was coming west. The sudden death was a sad shock to his relatives.
SCJ
Thursday 27 Oct 1910
Milo Rollfson, aged 15, of Scandinavia, scratched a pimple on his face. Blood poison developed and he died Monday after a week’s illness.
SCJ
Thurs 15 Dec 1910
Ground to Death by Train
The body of an unknown man, mutilated beyond recognition, was found Sunday morning on the railroad track two miles south of this village. August Wegner, walking from here to Tigerton made the discovery and made prompt report by telephone to Night Operator Jones. Mr. Wegner had missed the 3:47 morning train by a few minutes and was therefore compelled to take the walk. No trains had passed the spot before the going of the 3:47 and the arrival on the scene of Mr. Wegner. The presumption is therefore fair that the passenger train had killed the man. The “body” was brought here and was given burial Monday.
Appearances at the scene would seem to indicate the man had been tramping the track, had become cold, had fired a pile of old ties, close besides the railroad embankment, had sat down upon the embankment, fallen asleep and toppled over upon the rail. His head was crushed off just above the lower jaw, the left foot was crushed off and the right leg was broken near the hip, the bones protruding through the flesh and the clothing. That the man was not a confirmed hobo was evidenced by his horny hands. That he was probably of southern European parentage was evidenced by the body hue. For description we should say: he was about 35 years old, of 5 ½ foot stature and 145 pounds weight. His hair and short moustache were black and wiry. In one of his pockets was a Northern Pacific time card and a railway hat check from Paulson & Larson the railroad contractors, on Aug 22 and good for passage from Chicago to Spencer, Wis. In one of his shoes $4 in bills was found. Upon the body there was no mark whatever by which identification could be aided and it does not appear probable that his identity will ever be known.—Wittenberg Enterprise
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1911
Wm. Lemke Killed Near Bowler, Wis.
News was received here Saturday that Wm. Lemke, a farmer in the town of Almon was killed by a load of logs near Bowler. We have been informed that he was hauling logs for Unsert & Perkins and when about 3 miles north of Bowler the wrapper chain broke and it is supposed that the logs rolled off and he went under. He was found about an hour after the accident by Herman Malwitz who was coming along on the road with a load of logs. His neck was broken also several ribs. The deceased was 54 years of age and was an old settler of the town. He leaves a wife and large family. The funeral was held today at 2:30.
V.W.
Friday 28 April 1911
Eberhardt, Frank, of Town Navarino, took his own life on Thursday of last week. Dr. Max Schnug from Bonduel was called. The house was locked and after the door was broken, they found Frank Eberhardt dead from a gunshot wound, which was lodged in the middle of his forehead. The body lay in bead with a 22 caliber rifle at his side signifying that this death was planned. An inquest was held the following day with many people present. After Dr. Schnug washed and examined the wound, he testified that the gun was brought to the forehead and the act was self inflicted. On Sunday Pastor August Lutz officiated in a service, after which the body was taken to Appleton where the relatives of the deceased reside.
Mr. Eberhardt was thirty two years and eight months old and lived in the house of Mrs. Busack. It appears that he lived a melancholy life and was troubled with unnecessary worry. The deceased had forty acres of land in Town Lessor and recently purchased seventy five acres from Emil Soyk.
V.W.
Friday 12 May 1911, Birnamwood
Heiligenthal, Joseph. On Friday morning Mrs. L Ascher received a notice from Sheboygan that her brother, Joseph Heiligenthal was laying close to death in a hospital. At noon she received a telegram that he had died. Mrs. Ascher and her daughter left for Sheboygan on Saturday noon for the funeral. Joseph Heiligenthal was forty five years old and unmarried. He worked for the city of Sheboygan and according to the message; he was wounded in the head by a pitchfork handle due to the carelessness of his comrades. The man did not take care of the wound thinking it was not serious until death followed a few days later.
Shawano County Journal
8 June 1911
Deaths Throughout the County
The 13-year old daughter of David Ren, residing near Birnamwood, was killed two weeks ago by being run over by a wagon from which she had fallen.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 8 June 1911
Robert Schunerd died at the Goeke farm in the town of Wescott Thursday of last week. He was badly cut on the head in a fight that took place two years ago and in which Herme Kittson was hurt also and later died. The death of Schunerd in attributed to injuries alleged to have been inflicted by John Boss and the death has been reported to District Attorney Andrews.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 8 June 1911
Another victim was added to King Alcohol’s long list when Frank Stark shot himself Saturday evening. There was not a better hearted boy when sober, as he then was ever willing and ready to do anything to please or help out anyone that needed help, but drink has been at work for many years impairing the tissues of his brain until it has at last culminated in this tragedy. May God in His infinite mercy bring comfort to the hearts of his stricken parents, for no one on earth can offer consolation in this, the greatest earthly trial that can come to parents. Oh, how long shall this accursed whiskey traffic be allowed to ruin the bodies and souls of our young men? God grant that the nation may soon wake up to recognize this fearful peril and crush it out of existence by forbidding the manufacture of the death dealing poison—death dealing to morals, to body, and to soul. God grant that this sad event may be a warning to all.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 8 June 1911
Suicide at Advance
Green Valley Young Man Shot Himself in the Head With a Rifle
Frank Stark aged 24 years, son of Falden Stark, a farmer of the town of Green Valley, committed suicide Saturday night by shooting himself in the head with a rifle. The funeral was held Tuesday. Young Stark had been drinking. He came home intoxicated and had a bottle of whiskey with him. His mother got the bottle from him and hid it. The son quarreled with his mother about this, and in a fit of madness went out and got the rifle and shot himself. The ball entered the temple and came out the other side of the head. The cause of death being so well known no inquest was held.
Advocate
25 June 1911
Obituary
Chas. Pederson, of the town of Waukechon, died in Chicago on Wednesday, June 21st from Peritonitis. About a month ago he went to Chicago for an operation on his jaw, the results of a decade tooth. It was thought that he was getting along nicely as his parents had not heard from him since he went there and they thought he was all right. He recovered from the operation but died from Peritonitis,
The deceased was about twenty-three years of age and all speak very highly of him. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jens Pederson, and besides his parents leaves several sisters. His sisters who live in Chicago accompanied the remains home and they reached Friday morning and were taken to his home in Waukechon and the funeral was held Saturday afternoon, Rev. Slater Officiating.
Shawano County Journal
12 Oct 1911
Suicide by Hanging
Wm L Schmidt Took His Life at Birnamwood Friday
Wm. L Schmidt, a man without family, committed suicide at Birnamwood Friday by hanging himself. He had been seen at 12:30 O’clock; at 5 o’clock his dead body was found.
For twelve or fourteen years Mr. Schmidt had lived by himself in a small house and was looked after by Joe Roundheimer and Alex Roundheimer.
Sometime Friday afternoon he went to the barn, made a noose of a rope, put the rope over a hook on which a hay rope ran, climbed on a ladder and then stepped off the ladder. His neck was broken and death probably was instantaneous.
District Attorney Andrews conducted an inquest Saturday. The verdict was in accordance with the above facts.
V.W.
Friday 16 Nov 1911, Page 29
Kosbab, Fritz. It was reported in the last issue that young Fritz Kosbab lost his life while riding his bicycle to go hunting, with a gun under his arm. That was the assumption. The reporter concerning the affair and investigation. Many were amazed at the report in the Milwaukee paper that the decision following the post mortem stated that “with a bullet wound of this type that took his death, a shot from an unknown person was made.” That is all we know. The following is a report from the Wittenberg Enterprise.
The first impression concerning this accident is as stated. The young Kosbab was on a bicycle with a loaded gun in his hand. He may have run into something in the area and was thrown from his bike. His fall caused the gun to go off, which fatally wounded the young man.
While checking the circumstances of the accident, it appears that this version of the story is under suspicion. The coroner from Manitowoc County requested jury trial concerning the place of this tragedy. The mother and both brothers of the deceased will be questioned. Helmut, the seventeen old brother (who is not quite right in the head), said that he was an eye witness of the accident. He said that after the shot was fired, he first took the bicycle and the gun to the barn and then hurried to report the incident to his mother. A younger brother was in the barn and claimed to know nothing about the headless body that he saw. A statement was made by the mother that to her knowledge there was never a serious conflict between the brothers. She did say that as Helmut brought her the news of his brother’s death, she instinctively asked “Did you shot him?” However she could not explain her reason for making that remark. The Jury, according to the accident investigated, will determine if the life of the deceased “was taken by a bullet wound and that the shot came from an unknown person in the back of the victim.”
Plymouth Review
Wed 6 Dec 1911
Death of Joachim Buchholz
About 2 weeks ago Mr. Joachim Buchholz of the town of Lyndon, while working at a feed cutter met with an accident by which he lost an arm. Drs. Brickbauer and Bruns found it necessary to amputate the member and from all outward appearances the patient was doing well and the arm was healing very satisfactorily. On Monday however, Mr. Buchholz suddenly passed away, death, it is thought, resulting from a paralytic stroke.
The funeral was held today from the Lutheran Church in this city, and the Rev. M Schmidt officiated. The interment will be in the Plymouth Union Cemetery.
Mr. Buchholz was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, June 5, 1841. He came to America and Sheboygan County in 1867. His union with Miss Mary Harting took place on Feb. 5, 1870. She survives him as do the following children: Mrs. Theo. Johanning, town of Sheboygan Falls; Mrs. Henry Miller, town of Mitchell; William, Henry, Richard and August, all of the town of Lyndon. Besides these he leaves 14 grandchildren.
Mr. Buchholz was always looked upon as a thoroughly honest man.
V.W. Thurs 8 Feb 1912.
Three Murdered and One Suicide
Mailahn, Lewis, Age sixty-six, shot in the head
Mailahn, William, Twenty-one years old, cut in the throat
Mailahn, Dora, sixteen years old, cut in the throat
Mailahn, John, eight years old, cut in the throat
These terrible murders and suicide occurred last week in Binghamton, fifteen miles north of Appleton. Wm. Mailahn, the target, according to his behavior lately, as testified by the neighbors, that he committed the family murders and then sought to take his own life. He had strained relations with his father which extended to other family members.
The horrible bloody act appears to be the result of him being diagnosed with consumption which has hit all of his family members with incurable sufferings. In the last months already three brothers were victims. Also the murdered sister was already lying in death. The horrible fate of the family had been discussed around the table for some time and the brother believed that it is better for everyone if they took carbolic acid and die together. The story was also known by the neighbors but no-one thought that the young man would carry it out. The surviving brothers are also stricken with the horrible illness. The murderer has not only used a straight razor but a piece of broken mirror on his siblings and then lacerated their throats. This act, which is horrible in all details, has caused great excitement in Appleton and the surrounding area.
V.W.
Thurs 13 June 1912, Clintonville
Schultz, Gustav, who worked many years as a gate keeper at Main Street crossing for the Northwestern Railroad disappeared suddenly on Friday morning. He left his home as usual in the morning but did not appear at work. A search was made shortly after his disappearance was known. The searches for both Saturday and Sunday proved unsuccessful. There was an excitement of concern throughout the entire city. It was not until Monday afternoon when his body was found by Adolph Schultz laying in the water in the area of the feed mill. One may never know how and when Mr. Schultz died. However it is assumed in an act of insanity he did this terrible thing. Last fall he had spent time in the State Asylum and was released. Since then he was no longer the person he once was. It appears that this was an accident due to the fact that he worked the past year on the railroad without a report of moodiness. He was also grieving over the illness of his son. It could be sworn that in investigating the accident that Mr. Schultz met his death through drowning and the reason for his drowning is unknown. Gustav Schultz was born in Germany on 8 February 1857, came to America twenty eight years ago, lived here and worked the entire time for Northwestern Railroad. He was a hard working, conscientious worker, respected by everyone. He, who has lost his life in such a terrible manner, leaves his sorrowing widow and eight children. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at the house.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, July 9, 1912
Kills Himself on Saturday
The people of Shawano were shocked and greatly surprised to learn Saturday morning when they went to their places of business that Fred W LaLeikel, the well known meat dealer, had committed suicide by taking strychnine. Mr. LaLeikel had been despondent for some time and it would seem that he had been contemplating this deed for a week or more, as it’s reported that he purchased the strychnine in Milwaukee. He went down stairs about 4:00 Saturday morning and drank the poison and then went up stairs and told Mrs. LaLeikel. But she did not believe it for a short time but he commenced to have convulsions and the Drs. Stubenvoll and Cantwell were called, and they did everything possible, but he was past medical aid. He passed away at about 5:15 Saturday morning.
The deceased was born in Roggenhausen, Germany, in 1862. When a young man he learned the butcher trade. He came to the United Sates in 1885 and settled in Milwaukee and was married to Miss Alvina Greenwald in 1887. They came to Shawano about 23 years ago and started a meat market and have been in that business ever since. They did not have any children. They built up an extensive business and had one of the finest meat markets in Northern Wisconsin. Besides the widow, those who are left to mourn his sad death are, his mother who resides at Edgar, 3 brothers, Emil, Chas. and Herman, 2 sisters, Mrs. Phillip Meyer of Edgar and Mrs. Albert Herman of Tilleda. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the home, Rev. H C Slater, pastor of the Methodist church delivered the sermon, A large number of relatives and friends were here to attend the funeral and many Shawano people were also present to their respects to the departed. The pall bearers were Albert Seering, Aug. Cattau, H F Rohloff, H. Buth, H E Schuster and M C Eberlein. Interment in Woodlawn cemetery.
V.W.
Thurs 18 July 1912, Clintonville
Hanson, Jim, a young man from Negaunee, Michigan who was visiting his uncle Rasmus Hanson in Town Deer Creek, was found dead last week by drowning in the Embarrass River. Medical help came too late.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, August 27, 1912
Sad Accident on Wednesday
Three Boys Accidently Drowned In the Wolf on Wednesday Afternoon in Town of Richmond
One of the saddest accidents which has taken place in this part of the county for years, occurred last Wednesday afternoon, in which three young lives were lost. Carl and Henry Stach and Irvin Feltz lost their lives and it will never be known how the accident happened. Mrs. C. C. Feltz sent her little son to Carl Stach’s place for some eggs in the afternoon, and Irvin remained a while to play with his playmate, Carl Stach, aged nine. The latter was helping in the harvest field, and Irvin went to watch them and it is supposed wadded in the river. He must have got into deep water and Carl went to help him, when they both went down. Henry, aged fourteen, was on the binder and saw the boys in the water and ran to their assistance. It is supposed that he was taken with cramps as soon as he went in the water, as he was subject to rheumatism. Mr. Stach saw the team with the binder, standing in the field, and went to see where the boys were. He could not find them and went to Mr. Feltz’s house. They not being there Mrs. Feltz and Mr. Stach went to the river and found Henry’s hat in the water. Alarm was the given and aid was quickly responded. The bodies were recovered about an hour after they went down.
Assistance was given to the bereaved parents and everything possible was done that loving hands can do on such occasions. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon and it was the largest funeral held in this city for years. Over 110 teams were in the procession and friends from far and wide came to sympathize with the parents and other relatives. The St. Jacobi Lutheran Church was packed and many were not able to get inside. It was indeed, a sad sight to see small caskets in front of the alter. Their pastor Rev. Salle delivered a fine sermon, offering words of condolence to the parents. He told how the accident happened as near as anyone knows. The little girls of the church sang two or three hymns and the school children marched to the church in a body. The pall bearers for Irvin Feltz were Emil Peters, Charley Koch, Louis Ramlow, Oscar Schroeder, Carl Wittlinger and B. Drake. W. H. Garfield officiated as undertaker. The pall bearers for Carl Stach were Walter Mehlberg, Walter Krause, Arthur Ramlow, Fred Eberlein and Hugo Pahlow. For Henry Stach, they were Alfred Ramlow, Ernst Hacker, Theo. Regling, Raymond Schroeder, Dave Robenhorst and Alfred Malinge. M. C. Karth was the undertaker. Carl Stach was 9 years, 3 months and 27 days old, and the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Carl Stach. Henry was 14 years, 7 months, and 5 days old, and was next to the youngest. They were born in the town of Richmond and were bright young boys. Besides their parents, they leave two brothers and three sisters and numerous other relatives. Irvin was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Feltz, and was greatly liked by his young playmates. The sudden death is a great shock to the parents and the entire community sympathizes with them.
V.W.
Thurs 13 June 1912, Clintonville
Schultz, Gustav, who worked many years as a gate keeper at Main Street crossing for the Northwestern Railroad disappeared suddenly on Friday morning. He left his home as usual in the morning but did not appear at work. A search was made shortly after his disappearance was known. The searches for both Saturday and Sunday proved unsuccessful. There was an excitement of concern throughout the entire city. It was not until Monday afternoon when his body was found by Adolph Schultz laying in the water in the area of the feed mill. One may never know how and when Mr. Schultz died. However it is assumed in an act of insanity he did this terrible thing. Last fall he had spent time in the State Asylum and was released. Since then he was no longer the person he once was. It appears that this was an accident due to the fact that he worked the past year on the railroad without a report of moodiness. He was also grieving over the illness of his son. It could be sworn that in investigating the accident that Mr. Schultz met his death through drowning and the reason for his drowning is unknown. Gustav Schultz was born in Germany on 8 February 1857, came to America twenty eight years ago, lived here and worked the entire time for Northwestern Railroad. He was a hard working, conscientious worker, respected by everyone. He, who has lost his life in such a terrible manner, leaves his sorrowing widow and eight children. The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at the house
Shawano County Journal
11 July 1912
Fred. W La Leikel Commits Suicide
Shawano’s Well-known Butcher Takes Poison.
Early on Saturday Morning
Despondency is supposed to have been Cause of Rash Act—Funeral Services Held Monday Afternoon
The fact that Fred. W. La Leikel, Shawano’s leading meat dealer, had committed suicide Saturday morning by taking a dose of strychnine came as a great surprise to his many acquaintances in Shawano and vicinity. He is said to have been despondent for some time and evidently contemplated taking his life in this manner, as he is supposed to have purchased the poison while in Milwaukee a few weeks ago.
About four o’clock Saturday morning he went down stairs and drank the poison and then called to Mrs. La Leikel, telling her what he had done. She evidently did not believe he had done so, as she told him to come up and go to bed. He soon began to have convulsions however and medical aid was immediately sent for. Drs. Cantwell and Stubenvoll soon responded and they resorted to methods to counteract the poison, but to no avail. Mr. La Leikel passed away at 5:15 o’clock, about one hour after having committed the rash act.
Mr. La Leikel came to Shawano twenty three years ago and went into the meat business, and has continued in this business practically ever since. He was a first-class butcher and with the able assistance of his wife, built up a large trade. For quite a number of years the occupied the building now used by C. A. Bretscher & Sons as a book store and about three years ago erected the large modern building on the corner of Main and Division Streets, the present location.
Mr. La Leikel was born in Raggenhausen, Germany, in 1862. He learned the butcher trade when he was a young man, and came to this country in 1885, settling in Milwaukee. He was married to Miss Alvina Greenwald at Milwaukee in 1887. During their residence in Shawano County they built up a large business and formed many close friends, who will all regret the occurrence chronicled above. Mrs. La Leikel has the sympathy of the entire community in her bereavement.
Those who were left to mourn his sad death, are the widow, no children having been born to them, his mother, Mrs. Mathilda La Leikel, a sister, Mrs. Ph? Meyer, both of Edgar, Wis. and a sister, Mrs. Albert Harrman of Tilleda, this county.
The funeral occurred Monday afternoon from the home. Rev. C Slater of the Methodist Church, officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. Undertaker W. H. Garfield had charge of the arrangements. A large number of relatives and friends of the family attended the services. The pall-bearers were H. O. Buth, H. F. Rohloff, Henry Schuster, M. G. Eberlein, Albert Seering and August Cattau.
Those from out of town who were called here by this sad occurrence were the relatives given above and Mr. and Mrs. Emil Greenwald, Wm. Greenwald and two children, and Gustav Greenwald, Brothers of Mrs. La Leikel from Milwaukee, Mrs. Theodore Meyer of Bonduel, Mrs. Math. Wagner of Bonduel and Mr. & Mrs. Peter Lookaround of Neopit.
Mrs. La Leikel will continue to conduct the business as heretofore, at least until some other arrangement has been made.
V.W.
Thurs 18 July 1912, Clintonville
Hanson, Jim, a young man from Negaunee, Michigan who was visiting his uncle Rasmus Hanson in Town Deer Creek, was found dead last week by drowning in the Embarrass River. Medical help came too late.
Shawano County Journal
29 May 1913
Commits Suicide
Man Kills Self by Cutting his Throat
A man by the name of Doranso committed suicide at Bowler Tuesday afternoon. He came down from Neopit and stopped over night at the Northwestern hotel. He had no money, but he pawned his watch and got enough to go to Bowler. There he hired out to a farmer. Yesterday the farmer went into the field to call the man to supper and found him lying on the ground with his throat cut and a knife lying in his hand.
Advocate
3 June 1913
A man named Henry Duranso, aged about forty-five years, committed suicide at Bowler last Wednesday afternoon. He was here in the morning and went to work of John Brockow, a farmer living near here. After dinner when they got ready to work Mr. Brockow went to look for his new hired man and found him in the field dead, with his throat cut with a razor. M. C. Karth was called to Bowler to take care of the remains. The man was a stranger here, but he had worked at Neopit for a short time.
SCJ Thurs. 7 Aug. 1913
Man Suicide
All Through Disappointment in Love
This love business is a troublesome quality. Over at Aniwa a fellow by the name of Ed Weidenbeck committed suicide Monday by taking carbolic acid—all through unrequited love. It seems that he was very democrat of nature and bestowed his affections where so ever they might fall, but no one of the feminine hearts at whom his arrows were shot were pierced by the shaft. There was one particular, so the story goes. Who looked perfection to the eyes of the suicide man. But she was of a different mind and so she up and married another fellow, and that was the last straw, and hence the suicide. The deceased was twenty eight years of age. He had spent all his money, was out of work, and had become a county charge. He was buried by the county undertaker on Tuesday. Letters on his persons showed that he had relatives in Manawa.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1913
(Leopolis)
The uncertainty of this frail existence was again forcibly exemplified last week, when this community was startled on Monday by a verified report that a former respected resident of Leopolis, Frank Butt was fatally wounded near his residence by a stray bullet. Frank Butt was practically a Leopolis product his parents arriving here from Theresa, Dodge County, 44 years ago, when he was one year of age. He was reared in this community and until 10 years ago made it his home. He was a manly fellow in every sense of the word and his friends are legion as was attested by the large turn-out at the funeral which
was held from the Lutheran church of Leopolis on Friday, the church being filled to overflowing. He is survived by the wife and four children and one step-son, one brother, Wm. Butt, his father and three sisters, Ida and Mathilda of Oshkosh, and Mrs. Wm. Rubusch of Lyndhurst, who were all present at the funeral. The sympathy of the whole community is extended to the bereaved.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 1913
Still Another Meets Death
Frank Butt a town of Seneca farmer was shot and fatally wounded Monday afternoon while hunting. He lived but two hours after receiving the wound. Our information is that Butt and others were engaged in work upon a logging road over which the Tigerton Lumber Company is to operate its steam log-hauler. Several of the crew took guns along when they went to work, in hope that they might possibly bag some game. Just at dusk Monday the dogs out in the timber started a deer and every gun owner seized his weapon and sought point of vantage from which to shoot. Soon as the deer appeared there was a fusillade of shots and Butt who appeared to have been nearest of any to the deer, cried out “I’m Shot” and fell to the ground. A four mile road took a messenger to the nearest telephone and Dr. Gates was summoned from Tigerton. He made the trip with all speed in his auto, but the wounded man was practically gone when he arrived. The ball passing entirely through Butt’s body had completely severed the spinal cord. No one knows whence came the shot that killed the man, for all guns used by the party were of almost identical caliber. Butt made ante-mortem statement holding the companions blameless in the matter. Deceased leaves a widow and five children.—Wittenberg Enterprise.
Shawano County Journal
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1914
Father and Son Killed
John Swanson, aged about 50 years, and his son, Bill, 16, were found dead, crushed under a tree near their home 4 miles south of Mattoon Thursday afternoon. The discovery was made by the daughter and brother of the unfortunates at about 3:00. It is believed that the accident occurred between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. When they failed to come home for dinner she went in search of them and found their bodies lying prostrate. Mr. Swanson had both arms broken, his skull fractured, and ribs broken. The boy’s head had been pierced. Mr. Swanson was chairman of the town of Hutchins and was very well known here. He was a fine man and highly respected by all who knew him.
Volksbote Wochenblatt
Mattoon
A tragic accident last Thursday took John Swanson and son Emil from our midst
About 10:30 in the morning Emil was seen here on the street. He returned home and went to the woods with his father to cut down some trees. In some way they were both killed by a falling tree. When they didn’t come home at noon to eat, a daughter, Lillian, went out to look for them and found her father and brother dead. Herr Swanson was 53 years old and Emil 16 years old. Herr Swanson was born in Sweden; he travelled a lot and lived in Florida, California, and Pennsylvania; He also lived for a time at Black Hills, S.D. His wife died shortly after they came to Mattoon, about 14 years ago. He is survived by 5 children, who are Mrs. John Johnson, Mrs. Chas. Johnson, Miss Sybill, Abel and Lillian.
The Wittenberg Enterprise
Thursday, Feb. 19, 1914
Two Killed By Falling Tree
John and Emil Swanson, of the town of Hutchins, this county, met tragic death last Thursday in the woods upon the Swanson farm. The men (father and son) had gone from the farmhouse in the morning to their clearing and logging work. When they failed to return for dinner, search was instituted and the bodies found crushed under a fallen tree. No one exactly knows how, why or when the accident happened; but the supposition is that they were caught and killed shortly before noon—perhaps 4 hours before the bodies were found by another son and the daughter who made the search. Mr. Swanson was about 50 years of age; the boy about 16. The family head was a gentleman of education and high character. Besides being chairman of the town, he had long been school district clerk. It was upon occasion of his attending the school board conventions held in this village that the Enterprise gained acquaintance with Mr. Swanson and came to the recognition of his worth as a man and a citizen. Sorrow most profound is manifest throughout the town of Hutchins, and everywhere the deepest sympathy is felt for the grieving family.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday, March 19, 1914
William Mielke Fatally Shot
Last Saturday several school boys were out enjoying the sunshine of that exceptionally bright day and were indulging in boyish sports in the full exuberance of youth. One of the boys was Wm. Mielke, son of Dr. and Mrs. F Mielke. The play consisted of flying a kite by some of the boys while the others shot at it with a 22 revolver which one of the boys had with him. When the last shot was about to be fired, the cartridge exploded prematurely and William was shot through the abdomen. He was taken immediately to the near-by office of the Shawano Lumber Company where Dr. Gordon was called and whatever could be done was done. Later he was taken to the hospital after the family had been notified and Dr. Cantwell was also called. Dr. Marshall was then wired for at Appleton and he came on the east-bound evening train. The three doctors performed the operation to remove the lead. At first great hopes were held for his recovery, and it was with a great disappointment and sorrow that adverse reports began to go out. The end came at 11:30 on Monday evening.
Life is sweet to all mankind and it is not for us to choose who shall be taken and who shall be left, but to out poor mortal judge it would seem that out of the great scheme of life we could have spared one with less prospect of doing good in the world than we could have spared this young man who showed such surety of becoming a good and useful man. He was a sophomore in the local high school. Nature had talented him with an aptitude for music which he exemplified in his ability as a coronet player. He was a member of the High School orchestra and of the Christian Endeavor orchestra. He also had been active to some extent in the school athletics and forensics. He was 17 years old.
The funeral was held this afternoon at the residence. There was no session of the High School in deference to the deceased pupil. All the pupils marched in a body to the services. The singing was done by a group of boys and girls from the high school under the leadership of Mrs. Knapp. The almost limitless profusion of most beautiful flowers testified in mute terms to the great esteem in which the boy was held by old and young. The pall-bearers were all of his school-mates and were Dale Russell, Roger Cantwell, George Schultz, Clarence Rhinehart, Clifton Hayter and Charles McGreaham. The body was laid into its quiet home in Woodlawn cemetery. Rev. McGreaham, the boy’s pastor conducted the services.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday, June 4, 1914
Miss Ella Getschow, One of Two Victims, Of Fox River At Appleton
That “In the midst of life we are in death” was clearly demonstrated last Sunday morning, when the Grim Reaper visited a party of 11 young people near Appleton and claimed two of the members of the party, by drowning. The young people attending a dance, and were returning to Appleton, when a launch in which they were riding, a substantial 25 foot boat, struck hidden rocks and capsized, throwing the members of the party into the Fox River, 2 of them drowning, one of the unfortunates being Miss Ella M Getschow, of Pella. Nearby fishermen in a row boat, rescued the remaining members of the party, many of whom were unconscious, among the rescued being Miss Rena Getschow, sister of the deceased Pella young lady.
Ella M Getschow was 18 years, 6 months and 27 days old, was a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Getschow, of near Pella, and a niece of Sheriff Otto, of this city, Mr. Otto and Mrs. Getschow being brother and sister.
Relatives were notified immediately after the accident, and Mr. Getschow went to Appleton Monday returning Tuesday morning with the body of his daughter, which had lain in the water for many hours before being found. The body was taken to the undertaking parlors of H Bauerfeind, where it was prepared for burial, and was taken to the home of the parents of the deceased on Wednesday morning.
Funeral services were held from the house yesterday afternoon at 1:00 and from the church of St. Bethlehem at 2:00, Rev. Stubenvoll officiating.
Besides her parents, the deceased leaves 8 brothers, Chas. Walter, Brace, Arthur, Reuben, Herbert, Robert, and Lewis, and 5 sisters, Mrs. L Horn, of Appleton, Mrs. Minnie ---- of Neenah, Verna, Mary and Hazel.
Shawano Advocate
14 July 1914
Boy Accidently Shot
At Neopit by his Brother Thursday
Taken to Oneida for Burial
Reginald Elm, aged eleven years and six days, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Elm, was accidently shot at his home in Neopit last Thursday, by his young brother. They were playing together with a revolver, and probably did not know the weapon was loaded, and the bullet hit the little fellow. Dr. Gordon was called, and all that was possible was done, but to no avail, the little sufferer died at 9:30 that evening. The remains were taken to Oneida on the Saturday afternoon. Besides his parents, the deceased leaves three brothers and two sisters. Mr. Elm resides at Oneida, but has worked at Neopit the past four years. His many friends sympathize with him in this sad hour, and the sudden taking away of a loved one.
Shawano County Journal
16 July 1914
Boy is Shot
Hammers Cartridge Into Gun and Bullet Goes Into Lungs Causing a Fatal Wound
Last Friday two boys at Neopit were playing with a gun shooting at a mark. When their cartridges ran out, they went to the house to get some others. The gun they had was for a 32 short bullet; they had some 32 longs and tried to push them into the gun. Failing in the attempt, they pounded the cartridge with a hammer. When the cartridge exploded it went into his lungs and knocked him unconscious. The boy is Reginald Elm. He was carried to his home, where on Saturday he died. he was eleven years of age son of John Elm, of Neopit and was part Indian. The body was shipped to Oneida, the boys old home where the funeral was held last Sunday.
Advocate
Tues 5 Jan 1915
Indian Killed On The W. & N.
On Monday Afternoon near Neopit. Was Inquest Held This Morning
An Oneida Indian.
An Oneida Indian names Wheelock, was killed by the Wisconsin & Northern train about three miles this side of Neopit about three o’clock Monday afternoon. Two Indians were walking on the track, and as the train was going about twenty-five miles an hour, going around a curve, they struck the Indian, cutting his body clean in two, seventeen cars and the engine passing over the body, before the train could be stopped. The body was taken to Neopit and placed in the depot. His companion went in the woods and was arrested in Neopit shortly after the train reached there. It is said that it was Joe Sackatuck, and he had two bottles of whiskey and a gun, and it is thought that both had been drinking. The man was killed is said to be a brother of Dennis Wheelock, the noted Oneida Indian lawyer.
Coroner Garfield was called and went to Neopit at once, and an inquest was held there this morning. This is about the first fatal accident on the Wisconsin & Northern. The train men have been very careful, but this accident was unavoidable.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 7 Jan 1915
Neopit
On Monday L Wheelock, lost his life while returning from Morgan Siding on the railroad track. He was run over by the Wisconsin & Northern train, as it came up afternoon. He was reported to have been lying on the track, directly around the curve, so that the train-men could see him until it was too late. The applied the brakes at once but to no avail. His body was terribly mangled, and how he came to be lying on the tracks is still a mystery to be solved.
He leaves a wife and three little children to mourn their loss. Sympathy of the entire community is with them in their sorrow.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 7 Jan 1915
Seventeen Cars Run Over Man
Indian On Wisconsin & Northern Trifled With Death By Remaining On Track.
Wheelock Is the Name
Jos. Sackatuck, His Companion Now In Jail and Will Undergo a Charge of Liquor Trial
An Oneida Indian, named Wheelock brother of the Oneida Indian Lawyer, was killed on the Wisconsin & Northern railroad Monday afternoon at about three o’clock. Engineer Saumur was running. As he was rounding a curve in the track he saw the man walking ahead only a short distance away. He blew the whistle frantically but the Indian seemed to be tempting death. Wheelock was struck and the engine and seventeen cars ran over him before the train could be stopped. The body was cut clean in two and one part thrown from the track. The conductor, Harry Collins sent a message to Neopit for a doctor and police. The doctor took temporary charge of the body and the police put the companion of Wheelock under arrest. He was found to be Jos. Sackatuck. On his person they found two bottles of whiskey and a gun. He was put in jail at the reservation lock-up and a liquor trial will follow. Coroner Garfield then took the body in charge. More will be found concerning this death in our correspondence from Neopit.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 14 Jan 1915 (Neopit)
To the cemetery where it was laid
The remains of L Wheelock were taken to Green Bay for interment on Tuesday.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 18 Feb 1915
Bonduel Man Killed in Mill
Working on Edger in Sawmill At Bonduel Meets Sudden Death
Was the Son of Head Sawyer
Board Caught on Tooth of Saw and is Driven Back With Terrific Force.
Arthur Krueger. A young man who lived at Bonduel was killed on Friday afternoon in the saw mill in that village. His father is head-sawyer in the mill and was the first to realize that the boy had been killed. The young man was working on the edger feeding in the boards, and in some way one of them caught on the saw tooth and was driven back with the force of a gun-shot. The board struck the victim in the abdomen piercing his bowels. He died almost instantly, one short gasp and he was gone. The victim was a man about twenty-five years of age. He was unmarried. He was strong and robust and but for his accident bid fair to live to a ripe old age. The funeral was held in the Lutheran Church in Bonduel Monday afternoon, and a long cortege followed the body to the cemetery where it was laid away.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 18 Feb 1915
Cecil News Items
Mr. and Mrs. Will Krueger were at Bonduel Monday, where they attended the funeral of the latter’s funeral, a Mr. Krueger. Age 21 who was suddenly killed in the saw mill at Bonduel last Friday
Advocate
Tues 23 Feb 1915
Terrible Accident on Thursday
On Thursday afternoon, at about four o’clock, Arthur Krueger the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. August Krueger who reside on a farm in the town of Washington, while at work in the Bonduel Feed & Light Co. Saw Mill meet with a terrible accident that caused instant death. The accident occurred while the young fellow was standing near the edger exchanging a few words with his friend Herman Froemming, having put a narrow board on the edger to be trimmed and in some manner when the board had almost run through the machine, got caught in some manner, catching in the saw which sent the board back like a shot out of a gun, hitting Arthur in the stomach, piercing a terrible wound in his intestines, and some of the pieces of the board lodging in the back bone.
The young fellow went to his knees not knowing what hit him or feeling any pain, as stated before, death was instantaneous. His father who was working in the mill as head sawer witnessed the accident, and was the first to pick the boy up, calling him by name, but to no avail; which makes the occurrence more sad and one that will be pictured in the father’s mind forever.—Bonduel Times.
Advocate
Tues 23 Feb 1915
August Krueger has resigned as head sawer at the Bonduel Mill on account of the accident and death of his son Arthur. Herman Wussow of Shawano, a former sawer at the Slab City Mill is now doing the sawing.—Bonduel Time.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 18 Mar 1915
Mrs. Stuart Ritckie was burned to death at Manawa by a fire which burned her clothes, was a cousin of Jim Smiley and an aunt of M.R. Stanley. The horrible death attracted attention of every daily newspaper in the state.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 6 May 1915
Fall Into Well Kills Little Child
Young Aniwa Boy Meets Most Terrible Death When Head Is Crushed On Curb.
Drop Of Thirty-Five Feet
Is First Accident of its Kind That has ever Happened In This County
Several neighbors were soon on the scene and George Kreger went down into the well, which was about thirty-five feet deep and brought up the little fellow. Dr. Baker of Birnamwood was summoned and did everything possible to bring back the little life to no avail. The little spirit had departed, caused by the fall as he had struck several braces which had been placed there to hold the piping.
Verle Walter Quick was born at Aniwa Aug 1912. Soon after, his parents moved north, the father being engaged by a lumber company near Ormsby. Last Thursday Mrs. Quick and children came down to visit her mother-in-law and also pick up some household goods which had been stored here. She expected to leave Saturday noon for Kempster, where they have purchased some land and will build a new home of their own.
Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church Monday at 2 P.M. conducted by Rev. M. S. Benjamin and the little form laid to rest by the side of his baby sister who died six years ago. Four boys acted as pall-bearers viz: Almon and Franklin Plisch, Jonnie Wagman and Cassius Perry. The floral tributes were many and beautiful. Besides his parents he leaves three sisters and one brother and other relatives.
Relatives from away who attended the services were: Mr. and Mrs. A. Walker (grandparents), Elmer Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Walker, and children of Polar, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Quick and Mrs. W. Quick of Mattoon, Mrs. Messerknecht, son and daughter of Kelly, Mr. and Mrs. George Quick of Rhinelander. Through the kindness of our townsmen, C. C. Vogl, G. H. Goldnick, A. W. Wincentsen and Frank Zarso, the mourners and pall-bearers were conveyed to the church and cemetery in autos.
The sympathy of all is extended Mr. and Mrs. Quick and family in their sad hour.
“I cannot say and would not say that he is dead—He is just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand He has wandered into an unknown land.
And left us dreaming however fair it needs but, he since he lingered there.
Think of him still, as the same I say: He is not dead—He is just away.”
Advocate Tues 17 Aug 1915
Albert Herms Murdered At His Home.
Two Sons Held For Crime
One of the worst cold blooded murders that has ever been in Shawano County, occurred on the Albert Herms farm in the town of Hartland, two miles from Bonduel, on Tuesday evening last, when Albert Herms lost his life, The body being thrown on the railroad tracks after he was killed. As near as we can learn the story, it is practically as follows:
Mr. Herms and son Julius had been in Cecil on Tuesday of last week to sell some hogs. They returned home at about six o’clock in the evening. After arriving home Mr. Herms Sr. and Julius got into a row in the house. Shortly after this, Mr. Herms Sr. went out to the barn and got a horse to go to town as he claimed to cause Julius arrest. Julius followed his father to the barn and in the altercation which followed Mr. Herms Sr. was killed. Julius and another son by the name of Gabert then became frightened at what had happened and went to Zachow, a distance of about five miles to consult with their brother Paul who lived near Zachow upon a farm. Julius Gabert and Paul all returned to the scene of the trouble about ten-thirty that night and loaded the body of Mr. Herms into the buggy. The buggy containing the body was then driven about two miles and a half to a bridge or viaduct crossing the railroad track of the C. & N.W. R. R. Company near Bonduel and the body dumped off from the buggy on to the railroad track below a distance of about Thirty-five feet. The buggy was left standing upon the bridge tipped up against the railing. The horse was loosened from the buggy and allowed to run at large with the harness on. The cushions of the buggy were all covered with blood.
Wednesday morning the body was found upon the track mutilated beyond recognition, and authorities here notified. District Attorney Andrews and others went to the scene where the body was found, and it was soon learned who he was, and investigations were made at the home. The officials were confident that there had been foul play, and brought Mrs. Herms and two of her sons to town and placed them in the county jail. On Thursday morning a coroner’s inquest was held at Bonduel, and it was decided to hold two of the sons, Julius and Gabert. They are now being held and their examination will be on Friday next. Atty. M G Eberlein has been retained by the defendants. Dist. Atty. Anderson has the case well in hand and is fully confident that the defendants will be held on charge of murder.
Mr. Herms was about fifty-six years of age, and leaves a large family, sixteen children, besides his widow. It is reported that his home life was not very pleasant. He had two large farms in the town of Hartland, and was well to do.
Shawano County Journal
21 Oct 1915
Dead Man Found Deep in Swamp
Body Discovered in Town of Fairbanks on Monday by Two Boys Out Hunting
Appears to be Suicide
Revolver and Empty Cartridge Found in Bones That Once Composed the Hand.
On Monday the body of a man was found in the swamp in the town of Fairbanks between Split Rock and Tigerton. Two boys were hunting for rabbits in the swamp when they ran onto his body badly decomposed and past all recognition of features. The discovery was made in that part of the swamp near Albert Hahn’s place. The boys notified Chairman Selle of the town who in turn notified the coroner, W. H Garfield, who went immediately to the place where the gruesome spectacle lay. An investigation was made of the remains upon which were found $3.86 in money and some little trinkets. In the bones which formed the hand was found a revolver and in the chamber thereof was an empty cartridge. In the pockets were found other shells, and the appearance indicated that suicide had been committed. Last April, a stranger came to Mr. Selle’s home and asked for breakfast. This was given him and he walked away toward Tigerton. Because of the sad strange look on the man’s face, Mr. Selle’s attention was drawn to him, and when that afternoon he went to town, he again noticed the man on the streets. That was the last he saw of him. The description he gave of this stranger’s clothes conformed exactly to those upon the dead man’s body and it is feared that the stranger and the man found in the swamp were one and the same person. The man was about 60 to 65 years of age and had no acquaintances in this community who can identify him. Coroner Garfield ordered the body buried and charged was taken of it by Mr. Ruppenthal, the undertaker of Tigerton.
Advocate Tues. 7 Dec. 1915
Seven Year Sentence
Julius Herms Received This Morning
Plead Guilty To Manslaughter
At the circuit court this morning, Julius Herms charged with murdering his father in the town of Washington during the past summer, pleads guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and was sentenced to Waupun for seven years. His brother was discharged. He will be taken there by Sheriff Andrews within a few days.
SCJ Thurs. 9 Dec. 1915
Gets Seven Years
Albert Herms Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter In First Degree And Is Sentenced
Julius Herms was sentenced Tuesday morning by Judge Goodland in circuit court to serve seven years in the state’s prison at Waupun. That morning he was arraigned before the judge and pleads guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and received the above sentence. Sheriff Anderson will take him to Waupun to begin his term today or tomorrow. He seemed unmoved when the sentence was imposed and the full report of it did not seem to impress him. The court adjourned until Tuesday the 28th of December.
Marion Advertiser Newspaper
25 Feb 1916
AUGUST ZIETLOW
The body of Aug. Zietlow who committed suicide at Kaukauna Monday, was brought to this village Tuesday and Wednesday interment was made in the Marion cemetery. Owing to domestic trouble, Mr. Zietlow blew his head off with dynamite. He placed a dynamite cap in his mouth with fuse attached, lit the fuse with a match. Death came quickly. Aug. Zietlow was a former resident of Split Rock and a brother of the late Wm. Zietlow of Marion. He leaves numerous relatives in this community.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 9 Mar 1916
Train Kills Another
Louis Doxtator Comes to Death by Being Struck by an Engine near Tigerton
M.C. Karth was called to Tigerton Monday to attend to a case of a man who had been killed on the railroad. Upon arriving at Tigerton, he found that Louis Doxtator, an Oneida Indian had that day been killed by a Northwestern train about a half mile out from the town. Doxtator was a great big man, who works in the woods. On that day he had evidently imbibed a little too freely and when he was walking home, down the track, he paid no attention to the whistle of the train. Just as the engine was upon him, he stepped off from the track, but as he did so he reeled, and was struck by the guardrail. His neck was broken and he died instantly. He had two daughters who are attending the Indian school in Wittenberg.
He also has a son, whose whereabouts are not known. A brother came up from Seymour, claimed the body, and took it back with him to Oneida.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 30 Mar 1916
Young Man Killed At Neopit Mill
Pile of Logs Rolls onto C. DuQuaine and Causes Immediate Death
Thrown Into Hot-Pond
When Body Is Recovered It Was Found That Seven Ribs Were Broken—Body Bruised.
Charles DuQuaine was killed yesterday morning at Neopit, by the breaking away of a log pile, upon which he was working. The logs were piled up on the bank of the hot-pond of the Neopit mill. Mr. DuQuaine had the job of regulating the supply of logs from the pile into the pond. It seems that the chain, which holds the logs, got caught, and that Mr. DuQuaine had loosened the hook in order to free the logs, but as he did so, the whole pile of logs began to roll into the pond. Mr. DuQuaine saw the logs coming and jumped but his foot slipped and he failed in his attempt to get out of the way. He was knocked into the pond, and it was full ten minutes before his body could be recovered. It was found that seven ribs were broken, and that his body was badly bruised. It is the opinion of the doctors that the man’s death was almost instant.
Mr. DuQuaine was not married. He was thirty years of age, and was active in all athletics. He was a member of the gun club and was a baseball player of considerable repute. He played for Shawano, Tigerton, Wittenberg, and Antigo at different times during his baseball career. The funeral will be held at Neopit.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 4 May 1916
Commits Suicide with a Gun
John Reif, a man Living near Galesburg, Takes Own Life by Shooting.
Despondent of Mind
Was Not Found Until Morning When the Family Got Up to Begin Work of the Day
John Reif, a man who lived in Navarino just a little ways out of Galesburg committed suicide last Monday night by shooting himself in the head with a shot gun. He and his aged wife were living with their daughter and son-in-law, August and Mrs. Haefs. He had been acting peculiarly for some time and the neighbors had considered him as non compis mentis. Monday night his wife heard him come into the room, and take the lamp out with him. A few minutes later, a bang was heard, but the people in the house thought that it was only the slamming of the door as the old man had often done in his irate moments. Next morning the son-in-law awoke to find the body with the head shot off and the clothes saturated with blood. He had evidently placed the muzzle of the gun close to the mark and pulled the trigger with his foot.
Mr. Reif was a man sixty-one years of age. He had lived in Navarino for many years and had raised the family there. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon, Rev. Mr. McGreaham preaching the sermon. Interment was made in the McCoy cemetery.
Shawano County Journal
4 May 1916
Wm. Long Killed With Dynamite
Was Blasting Stumps and Went to See Why Explosion Did Not Occur
Was Horribly Mangled
Thrown Seventy Feet and Lived Only An Hour After the Accident Took Place
Willie Long was killed Tuesday afternoon by an explosion of dynamite. He was blasting stumps n the field up back of the Schwenkner residence. He had two charges in the stump with separate fuses attached. One charge went off; he waited a reasonable time for the other explosion and then went up to see what was the matter. He lay on the stump and leaning over carefully lifted up the fuse. It must be that in so doing, he gave the lighted end the air which was needed for ignition and the terrific explosion resulted. The young man was thrown full seventy-five feet. When he was picked up, his body was horribly mangled, but he was still breathing. He was taken to the Shawano hospital but died a few minutes after he was laid on the bed. The young man had been married a little less than a year. His wife’s maiden name was Rose Steffik. His mother died about a year ago. The funeral was held this morning at Sacred Heart church, Rev. Schimmer officiating. The pall-bearers were John Bohr, John Popp, J.A. Lieg, Frank Kugel, Jas. Jahanek, and Joe Kupps. The body of the young man was laid away in the Sacred Heart cemetery.
Advocate
Tuesday 9 May 1916
Wm. Long Killed by Dynamite on Tuesday Afternoon of Last Week
Last week just as the Advocate was being put in the post office a sad accident happened in which Wm. Long lost his life. He was blasting stumps on a piece of land his father gave him a short time ago, past the old depot, and was getting ready to build a residence on the same, having stone on the ground. There were a few stumps where the house was to be built, and he had two charges of dynamite under one stump. One charge went off, and he waited a short time before investigating what was the matter with the other charge. He had just got near the stump when the dynamite went off. It threw him about four rods, disfiguring him considerable. Physicians were called at once and he was put in an auto and taken to the Shawano hospital where everything possible was done to relief his sufferings. He passed away at about a quarter to six that afternoon.
The deceased was the only son of John long and was born here twenty-three years ago. His mother passed away one year ago Saturday. He was married to Miss Rose Steffek of Waukechon about ten months ago. They had their home with Mr. Long’s father since they have been married. He was well liked and a hard working young man and his sudden death was a hard blow to his wife, father and sister. He leaves his father John Long, and one sister, Mrs. Geo. Spang. The funeral was held at the Catholic Church Thursday morning, interment in the Catholic Cemetery.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday May 16, 1916
(Gresham)
A sad accident occurred at the home of Henry Salzman in the town of Red Springs, when his little daughter (Lena) drowned. The baby was playing outside and accidently fell into a jar partly filled with water and drowned before rescued. The family services were held at the Presbyterian church of Red Springs last Thursday at 1:00.
Advocate
Thurs 27 June 1916
Chas. Carlson Killed
Friday Morning While Unloading Logs for the Shawano Lumber Co.
One of the first fatal accidents that have ever happened to any of the employees of the Shawano Lumber Co. happened on Friday morning last. The company has been receiving logs on the Wisconsin & Northern for some months and the same were put on the side track opposite the E.T. Raddant Brewing Co’s. Plant and there the logs were unloaded and put into the river, being taken to the saw mill afterwards. Chas. Carlson has been working with the crew for some time past. Friday morning he was cutting the wire which holds the logs on the cars, and had cut the wire on both ends, and then started to cut in the center. The car was a short one and some of the logs went on end. When the center wire was cut it let the logs down and they rolled from the care before anyone could stop them. Mr. Carlson was on the side where the logs rolled off, and one or two logs struck him before he could get out of the way. His left side was crushed considerable. He was taken to the Shawano hospital and everything possible was done for him, but the physicians saw at once that there was no hope. While he suffered a good deal he was conscious and seemed to realize that the end was near. The accident happened about ten o’clock and he passed away at twelve.
Mrs. Carlson has been with her daughter in California since last year. Their son Harold went to LaSalle, Ill., a few months where is working on a big stock farm. He was notified at once and left for home, arriving here Saturday.
Mr. Carlson was about fifty four years of age and has lived here many years. He has worked in the woods the greater part of his life and was a hard worker and knew the lumbering business thoroughly. He had many friends in the city and those who worked in the woods who regret to learn of his sudden death.
The funeral was held Monday morning at nine o’clock from Garfield undertaking parlors a short service being held by Rev. Baldwin. The pall-bearers were Geo. Stevens, Dave Black, C.A. Mayville, Geo. and Henry Condor. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. The friends sympathize with Harold in his bereavement.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 29 June 1916
Chas. Carlson Killed by Logs
Lived Two Hours After Accident Which Caused Severe Internal Injuries
Was an Honest Man
Lived Most Of His Active Life As Woodsman In Northern Part Of The State
Chas. Carlson sustained an accident Friday morning, which two hours later resulted in his death. He was unloading logs for the Shawano Lumber Company at their landing near the Raddant Brewery. He had cut the chain which held the logs onto the car, and was not able to get away in time to save himself from the logs which came tumbling down upon him. His great physical vitality and his power of resistance are shown by the fact that he walked to the auto which came to convey him to the hospital, and that at the hospital he walked in from the street. He was conscious for the full two hours intervening between the accident and his demise. The first examination by the doctors showed clearly that he had no chance to live.
Charley Carlson will be long remembered by the people of this community, not because of position of power, for he had these in modest amount, but “an honest man in the noblest work of God,” and Mr. Carlson was regarded as the very embodiment of honesty. The annuals of his life are those of the woodsman. He was born in New Orleans fifty-five years ago the 29th of this coming October. He spent his boyhood in the south, but at the age of eleven, his parents died, and he was sent north to Pennsylvania to be brought up by relatives. At the age of twenty years he came west to Chicago. From Chicago he worked north on the lake front to Marinette. Then began his life as a lumberman which ended in the accident Friday morning. He worked in Northern Wisconsin forests and I Upper Michigan, and thus his work brought him to Shawano. Nineteen years ago, he was married to Miss Arvilla Jones, daughter of Shawano pioneers. Her parents died and are now buried back in their native state of New York. Three years ago she suffered a stroke of paralysis and is now in California with her daughter. Harold, the son was born to the union is the only immediate relative. There are more remote relatives in Pennsylvania. The funeral was held Monday morning at the Garfield Chapel. Rev. Fr. Baldwin of the St. John’s Episcopal Church conducted a short service. The pall-bearers were Geo. Stevens, C.A. Mayville, Dave Black, L Rollmann, Geo. and Henry Condor. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery. The friends sympathize with Harold in his bereavement.
VW
Thurs 6 Jul 1916, Pella
On July 4 in the afternoon around 4 p.m. a misfortune fell in the family of Herr Herman Peter which could not have been greater. Herman August Reinhold Peter had company from Milwaukee and was showing them his place, when a thunder storm occurred. He was healthy and well and full of joy over his company and was on their way to the house, when a bolt of lightning from heaven struck Herr Peter. His wife and sister were in the immediate yard and the power of the bolt turned the sister of the deceased and his wife once around. They both saw that the lightning bolt that took their husband and brother from head to foot tearing his shoes into pieces. Herr Peter was born 8 Dec 1865 in Stuckow in Pommern. He married on 13 Nov 1885 in Stardemin to his now bereaved wife. The marriage produced 1 son Paul and 2 daughters, Hulda Westphal and Klara. About 25 years ago the deceased came to America with his family. He lived for about 18 years in Pella and worked his farm until his death. The deceased was always a member of our church and celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. The survivors are his wife, 3 children, 3 grandchildren, his father, 2 sisters and one brother.
Advocate
Tues 25 July 1916
Man Dies From an Overdose of Strychnine Saturday Last
A very sad accident happened in the city on Saturday in which one party lost his life and came near resulting in the death of another. F. R. Kenyon of Rockford, Ills. and Miss Margaret Swan of Freeport, Ills., arrived in the city on Saturday from Antigo. Both were users of morphine and the gentleman endeavored to get some from some of the physicians. One physician who called to see the young lady at the Wisconsin & Northern hotel, and he gave a prescription of six one-quarter grain tablets. This did not go far with those who are in the habit of taking this deadly drug. More must be procured some way, and we are informed that the man took some strychnine from Dr. Royer’s office in his barn near his home. Dr. Royer was making a professional call, so the stranger helped himself. He thought that it would take the place of morphine, and it was injected in the body of both him and the young lady. Both soon learned their mistake and two physicians were called and the y worked hard all of the afternoon to save the drug victims. It was thought that both would recover, but at about five o’clock the man was taken with convulsions, and died a horrible death in a short time afterwards. The young lady is now recovering. It is thought that the strychnine was taken with the idea of committing suicide, but they had to have morphine and took it as a last resort.
The body of Mr. Kenyon was taken in W.H. Garfield’s undertaking rooms, and relatives in Rockford notified. His brother arrived here Sunday night and the body was taken there last night. A relative of the young lady also arrived from Freeport, and she will be taken home as soon as she is well enough. It is a particular sad case, as one being a drug victim, is to be pitted. It is a dreadful habit and one very hard to be cured of.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 27 July 1916
Took Strychnine for Morphine
Couple from Freeport, Ill. Take Poison with Fatal and Dire Results
The Man in Case Dies
Woman Recovers And Is Taken To Her Home Buy a Friend Who Came To Get Her.
A craving for morphine which they could not satisfy because of the rigid laws against the sale of drug caused Frederick Raymond Keynon, aged thirty-three of Rockford, Ill., to substitute a hypodermic injection of Strychnine with fatal results. He died four hours after taking the poison. A young woman believed to be his wife and of about the same age also used the strychnine, but physicians were able to save her life. Her home is said to be at Freeport. Ill. The body of the man was taken to Rockford for burial.
The tragedy took place at Wisconsin & Northern hotel here, where the couple had been staying for about a week. They came here from Antigo and vicinity, it is understood. Both were called upon to make a statement as it was at first supposed to be a case of suicide pact. The statements agreed in that intention to commit suicide was denied and the pair said they were “up against it” in being unable to satisfy their appetites for morphine, with the result that they tried strychnine supposing it would act as a substitute in effect. They said they had been a day and a half without the drug and could not endure being without it. It seems that the man helped himself to the morphine out of Dr. Royer’s supply at his Veterinary office, when the doctor was on a professional call. A relative of the woman came to Shawano Monday and yesterday morning the unfortunate one was taken back to her home in Freeport.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 17 Aug 1916
Small Boy Is Shot By Chum
Alfred Bratz is Victim of Shot Fired by Harold Richard at Roosevelt
Instant Death Results
Boy Who Caused Probable Accident Is In Hiding Because of Great Scare
Alfred Bratz, a little boy about eleven years old was shot and killed Tuesday night near his home at Roosevelt by another boy, Harold Richard by name, who is about thirteen years old. In all probability the shooting was accidental. After the shooting, the older boy tried to drag his dead companion farther into the woods, it is thought because he was so scared. The boys were the best of friends and had gone into the woods together on a hunt, after taking the gun from the home secretly. Yesterday the officers and the undertaker went out to attend to matters, but the Richard boy was hid away in the field because of fright. Harold is the grandson of Mr. Collar and lives with him, and is frequently spoken of as Harold Richard Collar. Further investigation will be made into the matter.
Advocate
Tues 22 Aug 1916
Fatal Accident Last Week Tuesday
A fatal hunting accident happened in the town of Seneca on Tuesday afternoon of last week. It seems that two young boy friend’s, Alfred Bratz, aged 11, and Harold Richard, aged 14, went out in the woods hunting and picking cherries. They got some cherries and were on a log eating them. They got into a dispute as to who was to have the shot gun they had and both grabbed it, The Richard boy having hold of the stock of the gun and it accidentally went off, the contents striking the Bratz boy in the neck, the shot killing him instantly. The Richard boy became frightened and endeavored to drag his companion in the woods. The accident was soon learned of and the boy taken to his home. The Richard boy and relatives were in the city Thursday and then again of Saturday and told how the accident happened to the district attorney. It was seen that it was purely accidental, and the boy was sent home.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 24 Aug 1916
Man is killed by breaking neck
Joe Ready, Prominent Farmer near Lyndhurst Meets Fatal Accident
Fell From Barn Floor
Was About Thirty Three Years Old—Biggest Funeral Ever In That Town
Joe Ready, a man who lived near Lyndhurst, between Gresham and Lyndhurst, was killed last Thursday when he fell from the barn floor-level to the ground. His barn door was open and he had gone up to close it. It seems that the barn was built on a high foundation and the side on which was the open door, was several feet from the ground. In reaching out for the door, Mr. Ready’s foot slipped, and he fell headlong to the ground. His neck was broken, but death was not immediate. The injured man was taken to Green Bay where an operation was made in an attempt to save his life, but there was no help for him. He died Saturday evening. The funeral was held Tuesday and was one of the largest ever held in this county.
The deceased leaves a wife and three children. He was thirty-two years of age.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Sept. 19, 1916
Christ Spieth Missing,
Wandered Away From Home Friday and Has Not Been Seen Since
Christ Spieth, aged 66 years, resident of Germania, wandered from his home Friday, Sept. 15, and has not been seen since. His height is about 5 ft 6 inches, wore a black coat striped, brown trousers, black felt hat, wore overshoes; short mustache, thin gray hair, light complexion. Liberal reward for information which proves true and in case he is found. Notify, phone or telegraph, Emil Spieth, Tigerton, Wis., R.R. 2. Mr. Spieth has been on the county board for several years and in well and favorably know throughout the county. His sudden disappearance is a mystery to his family, who are doing everything possible to have him found. His friends hope he will be found within a short time.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 1916
Chris Spieth Not Found
A phone message to Tigerton this morning gave as the information that no word had been received from Chris Spieth who disappeared from home about 10 days ago. It is thought that a trace of him had been found in Waupaca County, but this was followed, and it was found that he was not the man wanted. It is a very strange case and his many friends hope that some trace of him can be found in the near future.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 9 Nov 1916
Poison Sausage Causes Death
George Brown, Who Used To Live at Belle Plaine Dead From Ptomaine Poison.
Died Out in Minnesota
Lost An Arm And a Leg Last Winter When Thrown Under a Train In Texas.
George Brown, who used to live at Belle Plaine, died last week at a Minnesota hospital after a short illness with ptomaine poisoning contracted from easting sausage at a Minnesota restaurant. The deceased will be remembered here as the young man who last winter has an arm and leg amputated at Fort Worth, Texas, following injuries received under the car wheels of a moving train, from which it is claimed he was thrown by the conductor. At the time of his death, the young man was at Minneapolis for the purpose of having fitted an artificial leg and arm. He has borne up wonderfully under his misfortune and his fortitude and good cheer has made him many friends. The funeral was held at Marshfield where the young man’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Brown live.
SCJ Thurs. 18 Jan. 1917
Edward E Breed Takes Own Life
Out In Prescott, Arizona, Where He Was Interested In Some Paying Mines
Held County Offices
Body Will Be Brought to Embarrass and Will Be Buried By the Masonic Lodge
Edward Everett Breed, a former resident of the city came to death by his own hand last week in Prescott, Arizona, according to telegram received here by Miss Florence Breed. At the time Mr. Breed was quite a prominent citizen of this city and county. He was county superintendent of schools in the early eighties and for more than one term was chairman of the county board. He also was mayor of the city for some years. He was in the abstract business for a while with Ed Sommers under the firm name of Breed & Sommers. He was a member of the school board at the time Mr. Hickok was principle of the high school and some of the older pupils to this day remember how he used to come in and teach classes occasionally. He also was a teacher in the county schools for a while. He was a member of the Shawano F. and A. M.
He was born in Sackett’s Harbor, Jefferson County, New York. His father was a druggist and a doctor, and came west and settled first in Oshkosh where he had a drug store and practiced medicine. From there the family moved to New London where the father again had a drug store and practiced medicine. Their next move was to Embarrass and from there Edward come to Shawano. He built the house now owned and occupied by Marion Wescott. When the house was built, there were woods from the Upham residence to the river. The barn which he built was afterwards remodeled into the splendid home now occupied by E D Rinehard.
Twenty years or so ago, Mr. Breed went out west and dickered in mining. He struck a lucky vein, and it is said that at his death he was worth considerable money. The former Mrs. Breed now lives in Wabeno where she owns a store. The death of Mr. Breed is the first in the family of five boys. The brothers are Montgomery, of Embarrass; George, of Long Lake; Fred, of Embarrass; and Arthur of Breed.
Advocate Tues. 23 Jan. 1917
Former Resident Dead
E. E. Breed Died in Phoenix, Arizona, to be Buried in Embarrass
Miss Florence Breed, one of the teachers in the Lincoln school, received a telegram last week that her uncle, E E Breed had taken his own life at Phoenix, Arizona. No particulars have been learned. It is expected that the body will reach Embarrass in a day or so and the Masons of this city will have charge of the funeral, he being a member of the Shawano Lodge.
E E Breed was born in Sackett’s Harbor, New York about seventy-two years ago. He came to Wisconsin when a young boy, with his parents, who settled in Oshkosh, and then moved to New London where they lived for a time. They then moved to Embarrass where two of his brothers now live. Mr. Breed came to Shawano and was one of the early settlers of this city. In early eighties he was county superintendent of schools and was a member of the county. He was also a partner of Ed Sommers and helped organize that abstract firm. When here, he lived in the house now occupied by Mr. Wescott and he owned considerable property here when he left, which was about twenty years ago. He went to Arizona where he was interested in mining. His former wife lives in Wabeno, where she has resided for some years. He leaves four brothers, Montgomery of Embarrass, George of Long Lake, Fred of Embarrass, and Arthur of Breed. There are also a number of nieces and nephews. The remains have been shipped to Embarrass by express and it is thought that they will be here by Wednesday or Thursday.
Advocate
Tues 27 Feb 1917
Meets Terrible Death
Alice Nadler, the little one and a half year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Nadler died at their home on Monday morning. The little child died from convulsions caused by terrible burns the little one received from boiling water which she fell into Saturday morning.
The right side of the little tots body and right leg was badly scaled.
The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Evangelical Church.—Bonduel Times.
SCJ
Thurs 1 Mar 1917
Alice the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Nadler, of Bonduel, who was seriously burned by falling into a pail of boiling water, died last Monday. The Funeral was held last Thursday, Rev. Rabe officiating.
Shawano County Advocate
Tuesday, April 17, 1917
Spieth Body Found In the Woods Sunday
Disappeared Friday, Sept. 15th.
On Friday, Sept. 15th of last year, Chris Spieth, one of the prominent farmers and member of the county board for the town of Germania, disappeared from home, and while diligent search has been made, his whereabouts was not known until last Sunday, when the body was found about a mile and half from his home in a swamp. Two of the neighboring farmers were searching for him, and discovered his body near a tree and his head was 12 feet up in the tree. The district attorney and coroner were at once notified, and Mr. Andrews and Mr. Garfield, accompanied by Joseph Popp, left at once for the place. The remains were viewed and a jury was paneled and the inquest will be held sometime this week. It is thought that Mr. Spieth climbed in a nearby tree and then tied the rope to a limb of another tree and jumped. Some are inclined to believe that he was murdered and hung in the tree to cover up the crime. It is hard to tell at this time how it happened, but the supposition is that he committed suicide. The body was in a thick swamp and if one was not looking for the body it would not have been discovered. Mr. Spieth was very well known by a large number in this county, having been a member of the county board for many years and always a hard worker. His relatives are no doubt glad that the mystery has been solved as ever since he has disappeared they did not know as he was dead or alive.
Shawano County Journal
Tuesday, May 8, 1917
Killed At Lyndhurst
Charles Lindow Killed by Early Morning Passenger Train Monday
The passenger train which passes through here Monday morning at 2:20 killed Chas. Lindow a short distance from Lyndhurst. It is not known exactly how the accident happened, but it is reported that the engineer saw a man at a distance but not quick enough to stop the train. The body was mutilated considerable, one arm and one leg was severed from the body and it was otherwise mutilated. The body was found by the section crew Monday morning and taken to the depot at Lyndhurst where an inquest was held by Coroner Garfield Monday. It is said that the deceased was about 43 years of age and a farmer living about 2 miles for Lyndhurst. He leaves a wife and 4 children, the oldest being a son about 14 years of age. He drank considerable at times and had been drinking Sunday night, it is said. It is a very sad accident and the friends of the family sympathize with them in this sad hour.
SCJ
Thurs 10 May 1917
Man Killed by Limited
Train Runs Over Man Named Luendo at Lyndhurst on Sunday Morning
Leave Family of Five
Left Home the Evening Before Said to have Been in Intoxicated Condition
Last Sunday morning, a man named Chas. Luendo (pronounced Lindow) was killed by the limited train which gets into Shawano at 2:35. The engineer saw the man and shut off the engine and jammed the airbrakes, but the train was under such momentum that it could not stop in time. The body was horribly mutilated. It was taken care of by the section men in the morning. Coroner Garfield was called and an inquest held. It seems that the night before the man had come home for supper in an intoxicated condition. The wife made all attempts to keep him from going out again, even hiding his coat, but he took an old jacket and went out in spite of her pleading. The mother is left with four children, the oldest a boy of fourteen years.
SCJ
Thurs 14 Jun 1917
Killed by Horse
Young Elmdale Man Meets Untimely Death When His Mount Runs Into Fence
Life’s uncertainty was plainly verified when a young man, happy and full of life at sundown, before morning lies still and cold.
Clarence Johnson, the youngest son of John N. Johnson, mounted his horse after his days’ work was over and road down to the mail box, then a brief call on a neighbor, Clifford Olson, who was just putting up a fence around the yard which the horse nor rider saw until too late. Clifford tried to stop him but he was coming to fast. The young man was thrown off and the horse stumbled on him. Medical aid was called and rushed to the hospital. But their skill could not stop the grim reaper, as he passed away in the morning. He was brought home and the funeral was held on Tuesday.
He was a young man of sterling qualities and was the last one at the registration booth last Tuesday, being number 98. But the first to answer the call for Eternity.
Our sympathy is with the bereaved family.
SCJ
Thurs 21 Jun 1917
Youth Drowned at Grand Rapids
Morris Kleberg, Who Lived on Kuckuk Farm in Wescott, Loses Life in River
Sand Bank Caved in
Search Was Made For a Day and a Half Before the Body Was Recovered
Mrs. Selle, wife of Rev. Selle, went to Grand Rapids at the end of the week to attend the funeral of Morris Kleberg, who drowned in that city on Monday. He was the son of Albert Kleberg, who used to run the Kuckuk farm. The boy was about 12 years old when the family left here. At the time of his death, he was 16 years of age, and a student in the second year of high school. Morris and his chum, Rupert Hougen, went to the island in the afternoon to swim and had been in the water not more than ten minutes when the dreadful accident occurred.
The boys walked out on the sand bar, southwest of the Island, the water being about waist deep. The current was so strong it took young Kleberg off his feet and carried him beyond his depth. Both boys were battling manfully against the current in an effort to again reach the bar. Kleberg complained of getting tired and his companion saw he was frightened. The boys were nearly 2 rods apart at the time and Hougen started to go to the aid of his chum. Before he could reach him, the boy cried for help twice and sank.
Hundreds of people soon congregated, and as the news of the dreadful affair swept over the city many hundreds more lined the river bank and the railroad bridge, and the work of trying to recover the body was commenced. A large number of boats filled with volunteers were dragging the river for the body in less than 40 minutes after the boy sank. The body laid in the river a day and a half before it was found.
Advocate
Tues 3 Jul 1917
Another Lake Victim
Gus Steinword Went Fishing. Boat Found in Lake Sunday
Sunday afternoon it was reported that a man had been drowned in Shawano Lake. It was hard to get any information concerning the same and it was not definitely known until Monday noon whether anyone had lost their life by drowning. Gus Steinword, a man about 45 years of age and who boarded at the Wisconsin & Northern Hotel, left that place Saturday evening, taking a lunch with him. He had a place where he stayed overnight and got up early in the morning to fish. He had done this several times before and returned to his boarding place at about 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon. Sunday morning a boat was found on the lake and no one was in the same and it is reported that other fisherman on the lake had seen the man tip out, but this cannot be confirmed. There were all kinds of stories about the accident.
It is believed that he drowned, as he has not been seen since he went fishing. Some men went to the lake yesterday, but it was so windy that nothing could be done. They will go there again soon and see if his body cannot be located. Not much has been learned about him, he had worked at the box factory, but had quit there some time ago. Searching parties will no doubt be organized within a short time and his body recovered if possible.
SCJ
Thurs 5 Jul 1917
Drowned in Lake
Gust Steinword Unable to Control Boat During the High Winds, Sunday
Gust Steinword, a man about town, was drowned last Sunday in Shawano Lake. It was the day of the high wind. Mr. Steinword was a man without family, who boarded at the Wisconsin-Northern Hotel. It was his habit to go alone to the lake fishing, and on Sunday he started out early. Along in the afternoon, his boat, his hat, and his fishing outfit were found drifting on the surface, which gave evidence that the man drowned.
Accordingly, search was made for his body, but it was not found until four days afterwards, on the fourth. When it was found, It was floating on the surface not far from where the boat was first discovered. The body was brought to the city and taken to the Bauerfeind undertaking rooms. The funeral was held yesterday.
Advocate Tues. 21 Aug. 1917
Fred Cronce Commits Rash Act in Oconto Saturday Noon
Word was received Saturday afternoon that Fred Cronce, a former resident of this city, had committed suicide at the Shettler House in Oconto by cutting his throat, the deed being done while temporary insane. The deceased was twenty-six years old and was born in the town of Richmond, being the son of A M Cronce of Clover Leaf Lakes. He leaves a wife and has resided at Townsend for the past year. He had been in Oconto for the last few weeks working for the Oconto Lumber Co. During the past two years his three children had died. Two of them the past year, and it is thought that he worried a great deal and had not been well for several weeks. He was in Shawano about five weeks consulting a physician. His many friends in Shawano will regret to learn of his death. His father went to Oconto Sunday to make arrangements for the funeral and the body was taken to Townsend for burial.
SCJ
Thurs 23 Aug 1917
Fred Cronce Commits Suicide in Hotel at Oconto—Cut Throat with Razor
Fred Cronce, son of Elmer Cronce, committed suicide in the Shedler House in Oconto last Saturday. He first mutilated his body and then cut his throat but before he died he gave the alarm by calling out of the window to a passer-by. The young man has within the last year lost two children, following closely upon the death of another child less than two years ago. These bereavements have worked upon his mind and caused a melancholy which prompted the taking of his own life. While he was himself, he had a splendid reputation among the people who knew him. He was a hard worker and devoid of bad habits.
SCJ
Thurs 30 Aug 1917
Ray Van Boven, of Stiles, was the first Wisconsin soldier boy to die at Camp Douglas. He was with Company M of Oconto.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 25 Nov 1917
Henry William Keffner, a single man of Twenty-seven years of age, was killed at the Four Wheel Drive factory in Clintonville Monday, When he backed a truck from the repair department, into a box car, in an attempt to straighten a spring. Immediately after the accident he was rushed toward Appleton to be put in a hospital, but he died en route.
Shawano County Journal
Thurs 27 Nov 1917
An Aniwa Man Takes Own Life
William Thomas Commits Suicide by Shooting Self Through Temple
Suffered From Injury
Was a Man Prominent in Church Work and Was Highly Respected Citizen
All hearts were turned to sadness and gloom cast over the little village of Aniwa, when early Friday morning about 6 o’clock, Nov. 23rd the news was quickly spread that Wm. Thomas had shot himself through the temple causing instant death. No cause for the act can be accounted for. He arose that morning the same as usual, ate his breakfast, while his wife prepared his lunch pail, he was helping a neighbor in the woods. Arising from the table hr placed his chair, walked into the sleeping room and a moment later the shot was heard.
Mr. Thomas came to Aniwa from Reedsburg, Wis. about fourteen years ago. He was an upright, hard working man and every one’s friend; also a great favorite among the children. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church and always ready to lend a helping hand in time of need. He was about sixty-four years of age and is survived by an aged widow and one daughter, besides several grandchildren. The remains were taken to Reedsburg on Monday morning where services were held and interment took place in the cemetery in that place. The son-in-law and grandson came to Aniwa to accompany the remains.
About a year ago Mr. Thomas suffered an injury and since then has not been able to do very heavy work. This with the coming of winter is thought by some to have discouraged him, although he never complained, always content and sociable at all times. The sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved ones.
Advocate
Thurs 27 Nov 1917
Killed in Woods Friday
Ole Thorson, aged nineteen, was killed on Friday last while working in the woods in the Wolf River camp of the Wallrich Land Co. It seems that some men were measuring off some logs from a tree and a branch fell from another tree, striking the young man on the head, killing him instantly. His brother was standing near and felt something strike his arm and then looked around to see if it struck his brother. To his great surprise his brother was on the ground dead. The deceased was brought to Shawano and taken to Garfield’s undertaking parlors and the funeral was held there this afternoon. The young man’s parents live in the town of Navarino and the remains were taken there for burial.
Shawano County Journal
29 Nov 1917
Killed in Woods
Ole Thorson, a Young Man from Navarino, Meets Death from a Falling Limb.
Ole Thorson, a young man whose home was on a farm in Navarino, was killed in the woods near one of Wallrich’s camp near Hollister, last Friday, when a limb fell from a tree and struck him in the head. Death was almost instant, and was attended by no suffering. His comrades of the woods took him into the camp and summoned a train. The body was brought to Shawano and was put in the care of Walter
Garfield at the Garfield undertaking rooms.The young man was nineteen years of age, and was unmarried. He leaves both his parents and some brothers and sisters. The funeral was held on Tuesday evening at Garfield’s Chapel when Rev. Bugge conducted the services. The pall-bearers were friends of the deceased who came from Navarino. The burial took place in the Navarino Cemetery.
Shawano County Journal
28 March 1918
Body of Suicide Found In a Well
Joseph Herb, Father Of A Highly Respected Family Takes Own Life.
Mind Was Probably Effected
Two Children Serving Country—One Son Is a Priest at Stockbridge Parish.
Joseph Herb, a prosperous and highly respected farmer of Town of Lesser near Briarton, ended his life on Saturday morning, March 23rd. He was found in an old abandoned well, having first cut his throat. He had been very despondent and melancholy of late and seldom spoke to anyone. So in a moment when his mind was weak, he thought best to end his misery. He leaves a heartbroken wife and nine children. The eldest, Lawrence, enlisted in the Infantry last fall, and is in Arizona. Helen, Training to be a nurse in Buffalo; Frances in High School in Oshkosh, and Daniel, Johnnie, Elizabeth, Paulie, Raymond and Alfred, the youngest eight years old. A brother of Mr. Herb is Catholic Priest at Stockbridge. The whole community extends their sympathy to the stricken family. Mr. Herb was a kind neighbor, good citizen, a staunch member of Catholic Church, The funeral took place Tuesday morning and interment was at the Hofa park cemetery
Advocate
Tue, 6 Aug 1918
Frank Foth (son of)
The 6 year old son of Mr and Mrs Frank Foth, residents of the Town of Germania, was killed by a cave in on Wed afternoon of last week. The accident happened near their home and the father suffered a broken leg, when he went to help his son there was a further cave-in and he was caught. It was a very sad accident.
Advocate Tues. 27 Aug. 1918
Committed Suicide at Cecil
Our correspondent at Cecil sends the following account of a suicide in that village. Labutzke, who so mysteriously disappeared from here three months ago, was found late Thursday evening by Julius Kregel and R H Schmidt. He was taken to Henry Koeppen’s residence where questions were asked him concerning his actions. After consultation of those present he was moved to a room in the village hall. On Friday morning when Christ Hinkel, Village Marshal went to the hall, he was shocked to find that Mr. labutzke had taken his own life by hanging himself. District Atty. Andrews was called and the required inquest was held, and the remains taken to the undertaker’s room. The funeral was held Sunday afternoon, Rev. Kollath of Shawano officiating.
SCJ Thurs. 29 Aug, 1918
Commits Suicide in Jail at Cecil
August Labutzke Unmarried Man Of About Fifty Years Takes Own Life
He Had Been Twice In Hiding
Hung Himself With Handkerchief on One of the Iron Bars in His Jail Cell.
The village of Cecil experienced the committing of suicide by one of their citizens. August Labutzke, last Thursday evening. Mr. Labutzke was a single man, always had been, and was of a morose mind. Twice within the last year he had run away and hidden from sight and has kept out of the way of people for weeks at a time. He was a painter by trade but up to three months ago he had worked on his section instead of plying his trade. One day he quit his job and disappeared and no one saw him for several weeks, although searching parties had been out, and everybody unwittingly was ever on the alert to find him. He was found in an old vacant building and was brought home where he seemed t be contented, but he did not remain for long, for in a few days he was gone.
Search was begun again, and upon the occasion of his second finding, he was discovered in a corn patch, where he had been for some time living, it appears on the raw ears of corn. He was put into the Cecil jail for retention and it was there that he took his life. Before committing him, the authorities took everything away from him except his handkerchief, but the handkerchief was just enough to serve his purpose for he used it as a rope and hung himself in the jail.
He was a man of peculiar disposition, despondent and morose. He talked very little and toward the last would not say a word. His parents live near Tracey Corners, where he has half-brothers and half-sisters. His full brothers and sisters live in Rockford, Illinois, and these came up and gave him a Christian burial. The deceased was fifty years old. The Funeral was held at the Bocher undertaking rooms at Cecil last Sunday. Rev. Kolalth of the Shawano Peace Church preached the sermon. The remains were laid away in the Cecil Village lot in the cemetery.
SCJ Thurs. 29 Aug. 1918
Cecil
Last Friday morning the lifeless body of August Labutzke, was found hanging in the village hall. Mr. Labutzke has been sort of a wanderer for the last three months and it was feared that he was insane. Thursday evening quite late he was discovered hiding in the corn batch of William Schmidt’s. He was taken to the village hall by the village constable, with the intension of taking him to Shawano Friday morning, where he was to have been examined as to his insanity, and the results was that he committed suicide by hanging himself during the night. An inquest was held and the body was taken to the undertaking rooms of H Bocher and Sons Co. and from there the funeral was held Sunday. It was largely attended and a fine sermon was delivered by Rev. Kollath of Shawano. Sympathy is extended to the bereaved relatives.
SCJ
Thur, 12 Dec 1918
John Pevonka, Jr
Louis Klebesadel is in New York having just arrived from France. He writes his parents that he will be home by Christmas. John Pevonka, a great friend of Louie’s died Saturday night at his home in Leopolis. These 2 young men were formerly employed by the Weinberg Construction Company, and had worked together in many towns and cities on many different jobs. Louis is now a Sergeant.
Advocate
Tue, 17 Dec 1918
As noted in last week’s issue, John Pevonka, Jr, succumbed to the insidious disease, influenza, on Sat, Dec 7. To say that deceased will be missed is putting it mildly for he was what one can conscientiously acclaim a model young man who hadn’t an enemy in the world. He was born in Oconto 30 years ago. His parents, Mr and Mrs John Pevonka, moved into their present homestead about 20 years ago, where we made his home until his trade (carpentering) took him to different cities. He was proficient as his work, earning promotions repeatedly until at the time of the serious accident at Superior by the fall of an elevator, which practically incapacitated him from work, he was superintendent foreman in the construction of various high schools and churches, etc. in various parts of the state. He accompanied the writer on a trip to Milwaukee and Delafield some 6 months ago which was most delightful in his estimation and thoroughly appreciated by him and he seemed to be pleased to refer to the trip when occasion offered. He was also fondly anticipating the return of his brother, Joe, from the battle fields of France, but alas it was not to be. It may not be out of place to mention the fact that his brother Joe was on the Tusciana when that boat was torpedoed and besides was wounded but had improved and he was counting the days when he should meet him once more face to face. When It was at first reported that he was stricken his many friends hoped for the best, but his somewhat enfeebled condition of his health could not combat the disease. He is survived by his grief stricken parents, 2 married sisters, Mrs tony Wastel of Superior, Wis, and Mrs Herman Rescke of Leopolis; also 5 brothers at home and 1 brother, Joseph, who is serving his country in France, and 4 sisters at home. The funeral services were conducted by Rev Father Scheller. Owing to the nature of the disease the same was private.
Advocate
7 October 1919
Sam Jones of Navarino Killed His Wife Then Killed Himself
A murder and suicide occurs in the town of Navarino on Saturday afternoon, but was not known until Sunday afternoon. Sam Jones, a farmer of that town, had not been in good health for some time. He was in Shawano Friday and consulted a physician, we are told. He returned home, and on Saturday was in bed most of the day, as he was not feeling well. Saturday afternoon his youngest son who is working for a neighbor, went and dug some potatoes. After the boy had returned to where he was working. Mrs. Jones went out to the field to pick up the potatoes. It is believed that Mr. Jones who was upstairs, must have been watching them, as he went out to the field shortly afterwards and shot his wife in the back of the head, killing her instantly. He then placed the muzzle of the gun in his mouth, pulled the trigger, and his troubles were over on this earth. Neighbors took some milk over to the house Saturday evening and placed it on the kitchen table. They took some more in the morning and then saw that the milk delivered the night before had not been touched and no one was around so it was thought that something bad happened. Searching parties were organized and about four o’clock in the afternoon both bodies were found in the field where they had fallen. Undertaker Karth was called and he went there at once, then relatives were notified.
Both of the parties were well known in Shawano. Mr. Jones has lived in this county all his life and was about forty-five years old. At one time his parents lived in the town of Waukechon and he attended school here. He had not been in good health for some time and called on numerous physicians in this vicinity and they all told him about the same. It is believed that he worried a great deal over his health. Mrs. Jones was formerly Miss Inez Cole and they were married about eight years ago. His first wife died some years previous. He leaves six children by his first wife, two of whom are married.
It is not known when the funeral of Mr. Jones will be held but the body of Mrs. Jones was brought to Shawano yesterday and the funeral was held this afternoon. It is thought that he contemplated this rash deed, as some notes were found in his pocket telling people what to do with certain personal property of his.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday 9 October 1919
Suicide Follow Shameful Murder
Sam Jones, Navarino Farmer Murders His Wife and Then Shoots Self
Mental Condition Unbalanced
Bodies Found In Potato Field by Neighbors Who Went Out In Search
The quiet little town of Navarino was shocked and greatly aroused over a murder and suicide which took place Saturday afternoon. Samuel Jones, a farmer killed his wife by shooting her in the head with a shot gun and then turned the second barrel upon himself and blew out his brains. The reason for the act attributed by neighbors is despondency on the part of Mr. Jones. For several weeks he has thought himself sick, and although the doctors assured him that it was simply imagination, He had persisted in the belief.
This is the story of the tragedy. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were on Saturday digging potatoes in their field. Mr. Jones has a son about twelve years old, born to him and his first wife. This boy is employed by a neighbor who lived a mile or so down the road. On this Saturday, the boy came home to help his parents because of the rush of potato digging. About three o’clock the work had progressed so far that it was thought the parents could finish alone and the boy left to go to the farm where he is employed. When he had gone eighty rods or so down the road he heard two shots fired, but thought nothing of it, and went on to his work.
A neighbor family is in the habit of carrying milk to the Jones home. Saturday evening the children from the neighbor’s house came as usual with the milk, and finding no one at home they left the milk on the table and returned to their home. The next evening they came again, and found the milk from the night before right where they had left it. Then they heard the horses pawing the floor in the barn and they went but found the mangers empty and the horses neighing for food and water. They went home and reported to their parents who immediately came over, went out to the field and found the bodies.
The marks showed that the wife had been shot just as she stooped over to empty her pail of potatoes into the crate and that she was shot from behind. There was a shallow furrow along her shoulders where the shot had glazed the flesh and her head was shot partly away. The man had shot himself in the mouth and had taken off his head.
On the body of the man was found a note which made the request that both he and his wife be buried in Navarino. This fact shows that the act was premeditated. Sunday evening County Corner Garfield went to the scene of the tragedy but the evidence of murder and suicide was so indisputable that is was considered not necessary to hold an inquest, Jones was a farmer on a small scale and practiced veterinary surgery as a side line.
Mrs. Jones was a Shawano girl and before marriage was Miss Inez Cole, sister of Alvin Cole, the plumber. She was a dress maker by profession and worked for some time with Mrs. Doran. She came up to Shawano over a week ago to see her mother, and at that time she said she was getting afraid of her husband, and feared that he would do something violent. There were no children born to this union, although Mr. Jones had four boys and two girls by his former marriage. Both of the girls are married.
The funeral of Mr. Jones was held Tuesday afternoon at Navarino and his body was buried there. Mrs. Jones funeral was held at the home of her mother in this city yesterday afternoon, and her remains were laid away in Woodlawn.
Shawano County Journal
Thursday, Feb. 5, 1920
Pella Man Dies By Kick Of Horse
Edward Dey Killed By Accident On Main Street In The Village Of Marion
Lived Two Days After Accident
Was A Man Who Held Office Of Town Trust
Respected Friend And Neighbor
On Jan. 28th Edward Dey drove into Marion with a load of calves to deliver at the stockyard in that village. His team was standing on Main St., after the calves were delivered, and Mr. Dey made the rounds of stores to do some trading. When he came out to get his team, one horse not knowing of his approach, and being startled, as horses are, kicked Mr. Dey and injured him. He went to a doctor but the appearance was that he was not badly hurt and the doctor so stated the case and Mr. Dey started for home. He had not gone far when it was evident that he was hurt very seriously. It was with difficulty that he reached home. Once there, He was put directly to bed and a physician was summoned. The injured man lived only two days and died after a great deal of suffering.
Mr. Dey was born in Germany on the tenth of October in 1859. He came to America in 1882 at the age of 23. He came first to the town of Richmond in this county and shortly after moved over into Pella and bought some land. In 1887 he was married to Miss Martha Gresch. To this union was born 5 sons and 4 daughters, all of whom survive. The funeral was held at the Pella Lutheran church last Sunday afternoon. Mr. Dey will be ever remembered by his friends as a man of integrity and one in whom they were glad to entrust official duties for their town.
The Wittenberg Enterprise
Thursday, July 22, 1920
Three Killed By Gas Explosion
Mrs. Fred Lentz and 2 children are dead, Fred Lentz, the husband was terribly burned and may die, and another child, 6, was badly injured from an explosion of acetylene gas at the farmhouse near Split Rock. The light in the house went out and Mr. Lentz started for the cellar with a lantern to make an examination. He had not proceeded far when a terrific explosion occurred. Mrs. Lentz was almost instantly killed and the 2 children died Tuesday.
The Wittenberg Enterprise
Thursday, Aug. 5, 1920
Recover From Burns
The conditions of Fred Lentz and daughter, Emma, who was severely burned in the explosion of gas at the Lentz house last week, are slowly recovering and hopes are being entertained for their recovery. The terrible burns which they received were at first thought to be fatal and little hope were held out for their recovery. But up to the present time they have gradually been regaining strength and their conditions have steadily improved to such an extent that it is now believe by their attendants that they will soon be able to announce that all danger is past. Fred Lentz, the father of the ill fated family, has at time been able to hold conversations with his friends and attendants. Fears entertained in regard to his eyesight have to a great measure been relieved as he has been able to use his sight when the bandages have been removed. The daughter, who was severely burned about the back and head, has also shown some slight improvement and it is thought that she will fully recover without any serious defects, mentally and physically. The funeral of the 3 who lost their lives in this terrible explosion was to have taken place Thursday afternoon was held as planned with the exceptions of the interment which was withheld until the following morning in order to allow a son, Arthur Lentz, to view the remains of his departed mother, sister and brother. He returned home from Indiana the day on which the interment was to have taken place. The services at the church were attended by the largest gathering of people who ever attended services of the same nature in this locality, and according to reports received in this village the number of automobiles counted at the church numbered 254, while 48 horse drawn vehicles were also counted. The large number attending in cars and rigs was greatly augmented by those who came via train or on foot. According to reports received here from those that attended the funeral the sight of the 3 caskets in the little church was a heartrending scene and the expressions of sympathy for the departed victims were forthcoming from all in attendance.—Tigerton Chronicle.
SCJ
Thur 7 Oct 1920
JOHN WILT SCALED TO DEATH IN VAT
ENTIRE BODY SUBMERGED AND DEATH FOLLOWS WITHIN VERY FEW HOURS
John W Wilt met a most tragic death at quarter to twelve Mon noon when he fell into the hot pond at the Iwen Box factory and was so badly scalded that he died within a few hours.
The factory has a tank of hot water kept boiling hot at all time, and in this they soak the timbers before they are run through the veneer machine. On this day, John had finished his work in the veneer room and was passing by the vat on his way into another room when he noticed that some logs were jammed in the intake. Pushing aside the guards, he took a pike pole and undertook to push the logs aside, when he fell bodily into the hot water. His body was scalded over the entire skin surface with the exception of a spot on his hands and on his head. Martin Miller saw the accident and summoned help. The mill was hurriedly shut down, and the terribly afflicted man was takin out of the hot-water vat and over to the office for first aid. He then was taken to the home of his brother, Antone Wilt, where he died at 5:30.
He was conscious up to the very last minutes and told his brother and those around his bedside that he was not suffering at all. He knew that he had to go and with great collectiveness of mind he gave full instructions as to what he wanted done.
He was 35. He leaves 2 children, George and Louis who live with their mother at Marshfield. Both is parents are living and reside in Clintonville. Antone was his only brother. There are 3 sisters, Anna, Mrs Michael Bobb, Therea, and Frances, all of Milwaukee.
The funeral is to be held at the Sacred Heart church tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock, when Fr Kuhl will officiate. The Iwen factory is to remain inactive up to noon tomorrow and the men will attend the funeral in a body.
SCJ
Thur, 14 Oct 1920
The funeral for John Wilt was held at the home of Mr and Mrs Antone Wilt, and later at the Sacred Heart church. There was an unusually big number in attendance. The relatives who came from other towns are; Mr and Mrs George Wilt of Clintonville; Mr and Mrs Mike Boobson, Miss Theresa and Frances Wilt of Milwaukee, John Wilt and Family of Herman, Fred Rasch of Herman, L Bowman, Jos. Bowman of Marshfield, George Denk, Mrs Mick Frachlich, of Sayna, Mr and Mrs Frank Kroll, Mrs George Weller, of Marshfield, Frank and George Bowman, of Tigerton, Mrs John Winkie, Menominee Falls, Mr and Mrs Mike Burdel and family of Gresham. The pall-bearers were: Peter Daniel, Henry Daniel, Willie Dahms, Antone Daniel of Waukechon, Antone Herman of Gresham, and John Fransway, of Shawano. Five of the cars were donated by the Iwen Box factory and were driven by Iwen employees.
Advocate
Oct 1920
Last week we failed to make note of the funeral of John Wilt who was scalded to death. The funeral was held on Fri, Oct 8, at the Sacred Heart Catholic church, and was largely attended by his many friends. The deceased was the son of Mr and Mrs Geo. Wilt, and was born in the town of Herman in 1885. He was married to Miss Margaret Roble of Marshfield in 1914, and he leaves 2 sons, George, 3 ½ years old, and Louie, 2 ½ years old. He worked in the Iwen plant about 13 months. Those from out of town to attend the funeral were:
Mr and Mrs George Wilt of Clintonville; Mr and Mrs Mike Bobson, Miss Theresa and Francis Wilt of Milwaukee. John Wilt and family of Herman, Fred Rasch of Herman, L Bowman, Jos. Bowman of Marshfield, George Denk, Mrs Mick Frachlich, of Sayna, Mr and Mrs Frank Kroll, Mrs George Weller, of Marshfield, Frank and George Bowman, of Tigerton, Mrs John Winkle, Menominee Falls, Mr and Mrs Mike Burdel and family of Gresham.
