Newspaper article, unidentified newspaper, August 14, 1919:
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OCCURS SUNDAY
Treacherous Old English River Claims Two More Victims
Last Sunday, one of the most perfect days we have had this year, came to a sad end for the entire community, when the terrible news was spread that Frank and Harvey Eckhardt, two of our best loved boys, had lost their lives in English river, just back of the Henry Eckhardt home. In an incredibly short space of time an immense crowd of people lined the banks and assisted in the search for the missing bodies, which were shortly recovered from a deep hole in the river bed near where they had entered. Harvey is said to have known of this deep hole, so just why they went down will always remain a mystery. The probable solution is that one or the other had either been seized with cramps or else gotten beyond his depth, and the other went to his rescue, only to lose his own life. Whatever the cause, the sad fact remains that these young chum-cousins, who gaily set forth full of life and the joy of living, a few hours later were brought back lifeless. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Eckhardt the blow is sad indeed, for Harvey was an only child, and in his death they lose all. And to Mr. and Mrs. Wil Eckhardt their blow is none the less keen, because it is shared by a younger son and daughter, who will sadly miss the love and care of their elder brother. The Eckhardt family has lived in this community for three generations and there are no finer people anywhere, and this sad ending of the young lives of two of its most favorably known members is deeply felt by the entire town and surrounding country.
The following obituaries which are handed to us for publication, were read at the two funerals which were held respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and were attended by immense crowds of people who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased:
"The sad tragedy of the young lives of Harvey and Frank Eckhardt is almost unbelievable. Sunday, about noon, Frank went to the home of his cousin, Harvey, as had been previously planned, to spend the afternoon together. Having finished dinner, the two boys started out together. Harvey's father saying to them, 'Now where?' and the answer was "No telling where.' As the boys were in the habit of spending their spare time together no thought of future danger occurred to the parents, but at five o'clock, however, the usual time long past for the boys to make their appearance and attend the evening chores, caused an uneasiness, and Mr. Eckhardt went to the woods and river to search, and about one-half mile from the home he found their clothing near the waters edge and footprints leading into the water. He quickly returned to the house and phoned for help, and in a short time plenty of help was at hand and the two bodies were recovered from the water about two hours later, some little distance from where they had entered, but life was extnct, proving to us that we 'know not the hour that death cometh,' but the entire community mourns with the bereaved relatives, and the parents of these boys wish to thank all their many friends for the interest shown, help given and flowers during their trying ordeal, and also the faithful workers in rescuing the bodies of their loved ones from the water.
"Harvey Louis Eckhardt, only child of Henry A. and Mary Sophia Eckhardt, was born August 30, 1902 and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 11 months and 20 days. He was a kind, obedient boy, having become a member of the Pleasant Hill M. E. church at the early age of 14 years, under the pastorate of J. A. Worrell, and took a keen interest in the Sunday School and the study of the bible. He leaves, besides his parents, many other relatives and a host of friends.
"Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of Wm. and Lizetta Gerber Eckhardt, was born June 29, 1903, and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 1 month and 27 days.
"His entire, yet short, life was spent in the Franklin neighborhood, and his devotion to his parents was noticed by everyone in the community, his highest ambitions being to please his parents.
"Frank entered the district school of Franklin at an early age, from which school he received his eighth grade diploma at the age of 12 years, with credit to himself and school. When on the playground he could play as hard as any boy, but when the school bell rang, his thoughts were on his books.
"In the fall of 1916, he entered the Wellman Public Schools, had obtained high credits and looked forward and planned with great interest his senior year, 1919-1920, and his absence during the ensuing year will be deeply felt by his school friends, especially his classmates and intimate chums.
"He was baptized at an early age, and was a regular attendant at the Franklin M. E. church and Sunday school, and upon being asked by his Sunday School teacher a few weeks ago what he thought a true Christian man was, answered, 'A man cannot be a true Christian unless he puts his entire business on a Christian basis.
"He leaves to mourn their loss his parents, one sister, Joy, aged 9, and one brother, Charles, aged 4, besides many other relatives and friends.
"Funeral services were held from the M. E. church in Wellman Wednesday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Vankirk, of South English, assisted by Rev. Worrell. Interment in the Wellman cemetery.
"Frank's classmates, the class of '20, attended his funeral in a body and followed the remains of their beloved classmate to its last resting place."
**************
The Iowa City Citizen (Newspaper) - August 14, 1919, Iowa City, Iowa
Subscription - Iowa City Citizen - NewspaperArchive - Aug 14, 1919
IOWA CITY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15.1919. PAGE NINH A dassiffed ad win sell ... Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of William and Lizetta Gerber was born June 23, ...
**************Iowa City Daily Citizen, Monday, August 11, 1919, page 1, column 6:
HARRY AND FRANK ECKHARDT DROWN IN ENGLISH RIVER
Two Cousins Drown Near Wellman Yesterday Afternoon While Alone
That Harry Eckhardt lost his life in the English river Sunday afternoon while attempting to rescue his cousin, Frank, at a point near his father's farm, four miles north of Wellman, is the belief of friends who removed the bodies of the two young men from the water late last evening.
The two young men went into the water shortly after noon and their parents noting their continued absence, began search for them late in the afternoon. They found their clothing and a rifle which they carried on the bank of the river and were convinced that the boys were both drowned. Search for the bodies revealed the truth of the surmise and sometime later the bodies were both recovered. Indications were that Frank had been taken suddenly with cramps and that Harry had attempted to rescue him, with the result that both were drowned.
After two hours' search J. J. Clark of the Iowa City Fire Department was notified and arrived on the scene just at the time the bodies were found.
Boys were Cousins
The boys were each 16 years of age; they were cousins and fast friends. Harry was the only son of Henry Eckhardt and Frank was the eldest son of William Eckhardt, and is survived by a small sister and brother. The older men, Will and Henry are brothers, living north of Wellman. Henry, near whose place the tragedy occurred, lives four miles north of Wellman and within one-half mile of the river bend where the boys were drowned. William lives two miles from his brother.
Twelve Feet of Water
Where the bodies were taken from the water is twelve feet deep and not at all swift, but it believed the boys drowned further up stream.
Undertaker H. C. Sample of this city was notified and went to the scene, preparing one of the bodies. Undertake Loren Bidwell of Wellman prepared the other body.
Funerals Later
The funerals of the two boys will probably be held together. Arrangements at this time are not completed but will not be until Tuesday or Wednesday.
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OCCURS SUNDAY
Treacherous Old English River Claims Two More Victims
Last Sunday, one of the most perfect days we have had this year, came to a sad end for the entire community, when the terrible news was spread that Frank and Harvey Eckhardt, two of our best loved boys, had lost their lives in English river, just back of the Henry Eckhardt home. In an incredibly short space of time an immense crowd of people lined the banks and assisted in the search for the missing bodies, which were shortly recovered from a deep hole in the river bed near where they had entered. Harvey is said to have known of this deep hole, so just why they went down will always remain a mystery. The probable solution is that one or the other had either been seized with cramps or else gotten beyond his depth, and the other went to his rescue, only to lose his own life. Whatever the cause, the sad fact remains that these young chum-cousins, who gaily set forth full of life and the joy of living, a few hours later were brought back lifeless. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Eckhardt the blow is sad indeed, for Harvey was an only child, and in his death they lose all. And to Mr. and Mrs. Wil Eckhardt their blow is none the less keen, because it is shared by a younger son and daughter, who will sadly miss the love and care of their elder brother. The Eckhardt family has lived in this community for three generations and there are no finer people anywhere, and this sad ending of the young lives of two of its most favorably known members is deeply felt by the entire town and surrounding country.
The following obituaries which are handed to us for publication, were read at the two funerals which were held respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and were attended by immense crowds of people who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased:
"The sad tragedy of the young lives of Harvey and Frank Eckhardt is almost unbelievable. Sunday, about noon, Frank went to the home of his cousin, Harvey, as had been previously planned, to spend the afternoon together. Having finished dinner, the two boys started out together. Harvey's father saying to them, 'Now where?' and the answer was "No telling where.' As the boys were in the habit of spending their spare time together no thought of future danger occurred to the parents, but at five o'clock, however, the usual time long past for the boys to make their appearance and attend the evening chores, caused an uneasiness, and Mr. Eckhardt went to the woods and river to search, and about one-half mile from the home he found their clothing near the waters edge and footprints leading into the water. He quickly returned to the house and phoned for help, and in a short time plenty of help was at hand and the two bodies were recovered from the water about two hours later, some little distance from where they had entered, but life was extnct, proving to us that we 'know not the hour that death cometh,' but the entire community mourns with the bereaved relatives, and the parents of these boys wish to thank all their many friends for the interest shown, help given and flowers during their trying ordeal, and also the faithful workers in rescuing the bodies of their loved ones from the water.
"Harvey Louis Eckhardt, only child of Henry A. and Mary Sophia Eckhardt, was born August 30, 1902 and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 11 months and 20 days. He was a kind, obedient boy, having become a member of the Pleasant Hill M. E. church at the early age of 14 years, under the pastorate of J. A. Worrell, and took a keen interest in the Sunday School and the study of the bible. He leaves, besides his parents, many other relatives and a host of friends.
"Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of Wm. and Lizetta Gerber Eckhardt, was born June 29, 1903, and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 1 month and 27 days.
"His entire, yet short, life was spent in the Franklin neighborhood, and his devotion to his parents was noticed by everyone in the community, his highest ambitions being to please his parents.
"Frank entered the district school of Franklin at an early age, from which school he received his eighth grade diploma at the age of 12 years, with credit to himself and school. When on the playground he could play as hard as any boy, but when the school bell rang, his thoughts were on his books.
"In the fall of 1916, he entered the Wellman Public Schools, had obtained high credits and looked forward and planned with great interest his senior year, 1919-1920, and his absence during the ensuing year will be deeply felt by his school friends, especially his classmates and intimate chums.
"He was baptized at an early age, and was a regular attendant at the Franklin M. E. church and Sunday school, and upon being asked by his Sunday School teacher a few weeks ago what he thought a true Christian man was, answered, 'A man cannot be a true Christian unless he puts his entire business on a Christian basis.
"He leaves to mourn their loss his parents, one sister, Joy, aged 9, and one brother, Charles, aged 4, besides many other relatives and friends.
"Funeral services were held from the M. E. church in Wellman Wednesday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Vankirk, of South English, assisted by Rev. Worrell. Interment in the Wellman cemetery.
"Frank's classmates, the class of '20, attended his funeral in a body and followed the remains of their beloved classmate to its last resting place."
**************
The Iowa City Citizen (Newspaper) - August 14, 1919, Iowa City, Iowa
Subscription - Iowa City Citizen - NewspaperArchive - Aug 14, 1919
IOWA CITY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15.1919. PAGE NINH A dassiffed ad win sell ... Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of William and Lizetta Gerber was born June 23, ...
**************Iowa City Daily Citizen, Monday, August 11, 1919, page 1, column 6:
HARRY AND FRANK ECKHARDT DROWN IN ENGLISH RIVER
Two Cousins Drown Near Wellman Yesterday Afternoon While Alone
That Harry Eckhardt lost his life in the English river Sunday afternoon while attempting to rescue his cousin, Frank, at a point near his father's farm, four miles north of Wellman, is the belief of friends who removed the bodies of the two young men from the water late last evening.
The two young men went into the water shortly after noon and their parents noting their continued absence, began search for them late in the afternoon. They found their clothing and a rifle which they carried on the bank of the river and were convinced that the boys were both drowned. Search for the bodies revealed the truth of the surmise and sometime later the bodies were both recovered. Indications were that Frank had been taken suddenly with cramps and that Harry had attempted to rescue him, with the result that both were drowned.
After two hours' search J. J. Clark of the Iowa City Fire Department was notified and arrived on the scene just at the time the bodies were found.
Boys were Cousins
The boys were each 16 years of age; they were cousins and fast friends. Harry was the only son of Henry Eckhardt and Frank was the eldest son of William Eckhardt, and is survived by a small sister and brother. The older men, Will and Henry are brothers, living north of Wellman. Henry, near whose place the tragedy occurred, lives four miles north of Wellman and within one-half mile of the river bend where the boys were drowned. William lives two miles from his brother.
Twelve Feet of Water
Where the bodies were taken from the water is twelve feet deep and not at all swift, but it believed the boys drowned further up stream.
Undertaker H. C. Sample of this city was notified and went to the scene, preparing one of the bodies. Undertake Loren Bidwell of Wellman prepared the other body.
Funerals Later
The funerals of the two boys will probably be held together. Arrangements at this time are not completed but will not be until Tuesday or Wednesday.
Newspaper article, unidentified newspaper, August 14, 1919:
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OCCURS SUNDAY
Treacherous Old English River Claims Two More Victims
Last Sunday, one of the most perfect days we have had this year, came to a sad end for the entire community, when the terrible news was spread that Frank and Harvey Eckhardt, two of our best loved boys, had lost their lives in English river, just back of the Henry Eckhardt home. In an incredibly short space of time an immense crowd of people lined the banks and assisted in the search for the missing bodies, which were shortly recovered from a deep hole in the river bed near where they had entered. Harvey is said to have known of this deep hole, so just why they went down will always remain a mystery. The probable solution is that one or the other had either been seized with cramps or else gotten beyond his depth, and the other went to his rescue, only to lose his own life. Whatever the cause, the sad fact remains that these young chum-cousins, who gaily set forth full of life and the joy of living, a few hours later were brought back lifeless. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Eckhardt the blow is sad indeed, for Harvey was an only child, and in his death they lose all. And to Mr. and Mrs. Wil Eckhardt their blow is none the less keen, because it is shared by a younger son and daughter, who will sadly miss the love and care of their elder brother. The Eckhardt family has lived in this community for three generations and there are no finer people anywhere, and this sad ending of the young lives of two of its most favorably known members is deeply felt by the entire town and surrounding country.
The following obituaries which are handed to us for publication, were read at the two funerals which were held respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and were attended by immense crowds of people who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased:
"The sad tragedy of the young lives of Harvey and Frank Eckhardt is almost unbelievable. Sunday, about noon, Frank went to the home of his cousin, Harvey, as had been previously planned, to spend the afternoon together. Having finished dinner, the two boys started out together. Harvey's father saying to them, 'Now where?' and the answer was "No telling where.' As the boys were in the habit of spending their spare time together no thought of future danger occurred to the parents, but at five o'clock, however, the usual time long past for the boys to make their appearance and attend the evening chores, caused an uneasiness, and Mr. Eckhardt went to the woods and river to search, and about one-half mile from the home he found their clothing near the waters edge and footprints leading into the water. He quickly returned to the house and phoned for help, and in a short time plenty of help was at hand and the two bodies were recovered from the water about two hours later, some little distance from where they had entered, but life was extnct, proving to us that we 'know not the hour that death cometh,' but the entire community mourns with the bereaved relatives, and the parents of these boys wish to thank all their many friends for the interest shown, help given and flowers during their trying ordeal, and also the faithful workers in rescuing the bodies of their loved ones from the water.
"Harvey Louis Eckhardt, only child of Henry A. and Mary Sophia Eckhardt, was born August 30, 1902 and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 11 months and 20 days. He was a kind, obedient boy, having become a member of the Pleasant Hill M. E. church at the early age of 14 years, under the pastorate of J. A. Worrell, and took a keen interest in the Sunday School and the study of the bible. He leaves, besides his parents, many other relatives and a host of friends.
"Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of Wm. and Lizetta Gerber Eckhardt, was born June 29, 1903, and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 1 month and 27 days.
"His entire, yet short, life was spent in the Franklin neighborhood, and his devotion to his parents was noticed by everyone in the community, his highest ambitions being to please his parents.
"Frank entered the district school of Franklin at an early age, from which school he received his eighth grade diploma at the age of 12 years, with credit to himself and school. When on the playground he could play as hard as any boy, but when the school bell rang, his thoughts were on his books.
"In the fall of 1916, he entered the Wellman Public Schools, had obtained high credits and looked forward and planned with great interest his senior year, 1919-1920, and his absence during the ensuing year will be deeply felt by his school friends, especially his classmates and intimate chums.
"He was baptized at an early age, and was a regular attendant at the Franklin M. E. church and Sunday school, and upon being asked by his Sunday School teacher a few weeks ago what he thought a true Christian man was, answered, 'A man cannot be a true Christian unless he puts his entire business on a Christian basis.
"He leaves to mourn their loss his parents, one sister, Joy, aged 9, and one brother, Charles, aged 4, besides many other relatives and friends.
"Funeral services were held from the M. E. church in Wellman Wednesday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Vankirk, of South English, assisted by Rev. Worrell. Interment in the Wellman cemetery.
"Frank's classmates, the class of '20, attended his funeral in a body and followed the remains of their beloved classmate to its last resting place."
**************
The Iowa City Citizen (Newspaper) - August 14, 1919, Iowa City, Iowa
Subscription - Iowa City Citizen - NewspaperArchive - Aug 14, 1919
IOWA CITY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15.1919. PAGE NINH A dassiffed ad win sell ... Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of William and Lizetta Gerber was born June 23, ...
**************Iowa City Daily Citizen, Monday, August 11, 1919, page 1, column 6:
HARRY AND FRANK ECKHARDT DROWN IN ENGLISH RIVER
Two Cousins Drown Near Wellman Yesterday Afternoon While Alone
That Harry Eckhardt lost his life in the English river Sunday afternoon while attempting to rescue his cousin, Frank, at a point near his father's farm, four miles north of Wellman, is the belief of friends who removed the bodies of the two young men from the water late last evening.
The two young men went into the water shortly after noon and their parents noting their continued absence, began search for them late in the afternoon. They found their clothing and a rifle which they carried on the bank of the river and were convinced that the boys were both drowned. Search for the bodies revealed the truth of the surmise and sometime later the bodies were both recovered. Indications were that Frank had been taken suddenly with cramps and that Harry had attempted to rescue him, with the result that both were drowned.
After two hours' search J. J. Clark of the Iowa City Fire Department was notified and arrived on the scene just at the time the bodies were found.
Boys were Cousins
The boys were each 16 years of age; they were cousins and fast friends. Harry was the only son of Henry Eckhardt and Frank was the eldest son of William Eckhardt, and is survived by a small sister and brother. The older men, Will and Henry are brothers, living north of Wellman. Henry, near whose place the tragedy occurred, lives four miles north of Wellman and within one-half mile of the river bend where the boys were drowned. William lives two miles from his brother.
Twelve Feet of Water
Where the bodies were taken from the water is twelve feet deep and not at all swift, but it believed the boys drowned further up stream.
Undertaker H. C. Sample of this city was notified and went to the scene, preparing one of the bodies. Undertake Loren Bidwell of Wellman prepared the other body.
Funerals Later
The funerals of the two boys will probably be held together. Arrangements at this time are not completed but will not be until Tuesday or Wednesday.
TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OCCURS SUNDAY
Treacherous Old English River Claims Two More Victims
Last Sunday, one of the most perfect days we have had this year, came to a sad end for the entire community, when the terrible news was spread that Frank and Harvey Eckhardt, two of our best loved boys, had lost their lives in English river, just back of the Henry Eckhardt home. In an incredibly short space of time an immense crowd of people lined the banks and assisted in the search for the missing bodies, which were shortly recovered from a deep hole in the river bed near where they had entered. Harvey is said to have known of this deep hole, so just why they went down will always remain a mystery. The probable solution is that one or the other had either been seized with cramps or else gotten beyond his depth, and the other went to his rescue, only to lose his own life. Whatever the cause, the sad fact remains that these young chum-cousins, who gaily set forth full of life and the joy of living, a few hours later were brought back lifeless. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Eckhardt the blow is sad indeed, for Harvey was an only child, and in his death they lose all. And to Mr. and Mrs. Wil Eckhardt their blow is none the less keen, because it is shared by a younger son and daughter, who will sadly miss the love and care of their elder brother. The Eckhardt family has lived in this community for three generations and there are no finer people anywhere, and this sad ending of the young lives of two of its most favorably known members is deeply felt by the entire town and surrounding country.
The following obituaries which are handed to us for publication, were read at the two funerals which were held respectively on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, and were attended by immense crowds of people who gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased:
"The sad tragedy of the young lives of Harvey and Frank Eckhardt is almost unbelievable. Sunday, about noon, Frank went to the home of his cousin, Harvey, as had been previously planned, to spend the afternoon together. Having finished dinner, the two boys started out together. Harvey's father saying to them, 'Now where?' and the answer was "No telling where.' As the boys were in the habit of spending their spare time together no thought of future danger occurred to the parents, but at five o'clock, however, the usual time long past for the boys to make their appearance and attend the evening chores, caused an uneasiness, and Mr. Eckhardt went to the woods and river to search, and about one-half mile from the home he found their clothing near the waters edge and footprints leading into the water. He quickly returned to the house and phoned for help, and in a short time plenty of help was at hand and the two bodies were recovered from the water about two hours later, some little distance from where they had entered, but life was extnct, proving to us that we 'know not the hour that death cometh,' but the entire community mourns with the bereaved relatives, and the parents of these boys wish to thank all their many friends for the interest shown, help given and flowers during their trying ordeal, and also the faithful workers in rescuing the bodies of their loved ones from the water.
"Harvey Louis Eckhardt, only child of Henry A. and Mary Sophia Eckhardt, was born August 30, 1902 and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 11 months and 20 days. He was a kind, obedient boy, having become a member of the Pleasant Hill M. E. church at the early age of 14 years, under the pastorate of J. A. Worrell, and took a keen interest in the Sunday School and the study of the bible. He leaves, besides his parents, many other relatives and a host of friends.
"Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of Wm. and Lizetta Gerber Eckhardt, was born June 29, 1903, and died August 10, 1919, aged 16 years, 1 month and 27 days.
"His entire, yet short, life was spent in the Franklin neighborhood, and his devotion to his parents was noticed by everyone in the community, his highest ambitions being to please his parents.
"Frank entered the district school of Franklin at an early age, from which school he received his eighth grade diploma at the age of 12 years, with credit to himself and school. When on the playground he could play as hard as any boy, but when the school bell rang, his thoughts were on his books.
"In the fall of 1916, he entered the Wellman Public Schools, had obtained high credits and looked forward and planned with great interest his senior year, 1919-1920, and his absence during the ensuing year will be deeply felt by his school friends, especially his classmates and intimate chums.
"He was baptized at an early age, and was a regular attendant at the Franklin M. E. church and Sunday school, and upon being asked by his Sunday School teacher a few weeks ago what he thought a true Christian man was, answered, 'A man cannot be a true Christian unless he puts his entire business on a Christian basis.
"He leaves to mourn their loss his parents, one sister, Joy, aged 9, and one brother, Charles, aged 4, besides many other relatives and friends.
"Funeral services were held from the M. E. church in Wellman Wednesday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Vankirk, of South English, assisted by Rev. Worrell. Interment in the Wellman cemetery.
"Frank's classmates, the class of '20, attended his funeral in a body and followed the remains of their beloved classmate to its last resting place."
**************
The Iowa City Citizen (Newspaper) - August 14, 1919, Iowa City, Iowa
Subscription - Iowa City Citizen - NewspaperArchive - Aug 14, 1919
IOWA CITY FRIDAY, AUGUST 15.1919. PAGE NINH A dassiffed ad win sell ... Frank Henry Eckhardt, eldest son of William and Lizetta Gerber was born June 23, ...
**************Iowa City Daily Citizen, Monday, August 11, 1919, page 1, column 6:
HARRY AND FRANK ECKHARDT DROWN IN ENGLISH RIVER
Two Cousins Drown Near Wellman Yesterday Afternoon While Alone
That Harry Eckhardt lost his life in the English river Sunday afternoon while attempting to rescue his cousin, Frank, at a point near his father's farm, four miles north of Wellman, is the belief of friends who removed the bodies of the two young men from the water late last evening.
The two young men went into the water shortly after noon and their parents noting their continued absence, began search for them late in the afternoon. They found their clothing and a rifle which they carried on the bank of the river and were convinced that the boys were both drowned. Search for the bodies revealed the truth of the surmise and sometime later the bodies were both recovered. Indications were that Frank had been taken suddenly with cramps and that Harry had attempted to rescue him, with the result that both were drowned.
After two hours' search J. J. Clark of the Iowa City Fire Department was notified and arrived on the scene just at the time the bodies were found.
Boys were Cousins
The boys were each 16 years of age; they were cousins and fast friends. Harry was the only son of Henry Eckhardt and Frank was the eldest son of William Eckhardt, and is survived by a small sister and brother. The older men, Will and Henry are brothers, living north of Wellman. Henry, near whose place the tragedy occurred, lives four miles north of Wellman and within one-half mile of the river bend where the boys were drowned. William lives two miles from his brother.
Twelve Feet of Water
Where the bodies were taken from the water is twelve feet deep and not at all swift, but it believed the boys drowned further up stream.
Undertaker H. C. Sample of this city was notified and went to the scene, preparing one of the bodies. Undertake Loren Bidwell of Wellman prepared the other body.
Funerals Later
The funerals of the two boys will probably be held together. Arrangements at this time are not completed but will not be until Tuesday or Wednesday.
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