Drowned in the Ohio River in a fall off his boat, the DuBrie, anchored at the foot of Poplar Street.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 26, 1910
Sad Death
A Fatal and Mournful Event
Charles Dehler Loses His Life by Drowning While Alone at Night on His Motor Boat
An Accident That Stirs the Community
Mr. Charles Dehler was drowned presumably about midnight Saturday at the docks of the Madison Motor Boat Co., foot of Poplar street. Mr. Dehler was owner of the large gasoline launch DuBrie. He was an electrician and an enthusiastic motorboat man, spending much of his time on the river. He had arranged to spend Sunday with a dozen or more friends, including Mr. Wm. Stein and another gentleman from North Vernon, with a fish fry at a point a short distance above the city, and for this purpose on Saturday he purchased a liberal supply of provisions for delivery on the DuBrie. He made several purchases at Mr. Joseph Seiwert's store on East Second street and engaged Mr. Henry Strong to haul them to the river, Saturday night at 11 o'clock he left home, telling his mother he was going down to the river and put things in good shape on, the boat preparatory to making the trip, and that he would be back soon. He never came back.
His mother and other members of the family went to sleep later, not dreaming of anything wrong. When, after Sunday morning dawned, he failed to put in his appearance, it was still thought he might be busy at his boat, but as the day advanced uneasiness arose and several friends, went down to the landing. Among these were Mr. Andrew J. Dehler, an elder brother, and Mr. John Knoebel, the senior clerk of Dehler's stores. Then it was discovered that the ill-fated young man's hat was hanging upon the staff of Mr. Louis Ernst's boat alongside of the DuBrie. Mr. Andrew J. Dehler at once suspected the worst, and Mr. Chris Eckert and Mr. Mort Vaughn began to drag for the body. The water at the foot of the boat was a little less than six feet deep. It being very dark and no one near to help him, it is supposed that when he slipped from the oval deck or side of the launch, where he had been putting ice on board and adjusting the curtains, he may have come up against the bottom and sank against the bottom and sank again to his death. With a grab hook Mr. Eckert caught him and started to pull him up, but the hold slipped and then again he reached down deep to the bottom and hooked on to his pantaloons in the back and drew him to the surface. By this time, at half past eleven o'clock, a crowd had gathered along the bank, and many expressions of sorrow were heard, for Charlie Dehler was well liked.
Mr. Knoebel, associated with him in the store for eighteen years, and Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn, who were among his closest friends, wept like children.
The rumor of possible foul play, and that there were marks of violence on the body, were untrue. There was not a scratch or bruise or wound of any kind.
Vail & Son's undertakers' wagon was sent for and the body was taken in charge by Mr. Frank Lauer of that establishment and washed and embalmed.
The news of the tragedy spread over the city and scores of citizens ealed to tender their condolence to the family and give any possible relief.
At four o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. Charles Ryker, the county coroner, and his secretary, Mr. George T. Mayfield, held a court of inquiry at Mr. Vail's and received the testimony of Mr. John Knoebel and the Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn. The testimony of these gentlemen was in substance what we have just stated, and the conclusion reached was that death was accidental and by drowning.
Upon the person of the dead man were found the following articles: A watch that had stopped at 11:20 showing the time of the drowning: four gold finger rings, tied together: two bunches of keys, thirty-one keys altogether; an electric fuse; a handkerchief; a small round hand mirror; gold collar and cuff buttons; a pocket comb; a list of 13 names that were to compose the Madison party on the pleasure trip; a note due October 1 at the People's Trust Co., and $3.85 in silver.
Mr. Dehler was in the 31st year of his age and the only one of the sons that was single. His father, Mr. Valentine Dehler, died several years ago. The other brothers are Andrew J. and Frank, of this city; John, of Seymour, and William, of Terre Haute. There is one sister, Miss Elizabeth Dehler, who has been spending the summer with Miss Anna Schreiner, at Hoboken, New Jersey, and who as notified yesterday by telegraph of her brother's death.
Mr. Dehler's friends consisted of all who knew him. he was kind and generous hearted, charitable and universally popular and never had a harsh word for anybody. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, of Saint Peter's Society, of the Knights of Columbus, of the Eagles, of the Carmel Club, a director of the People's Trust Co., and a leading member and secretary of the Madison Motor Boat Club. He carried a life insurance policy of several thousand dollars.
Of those who grew to manhood, this is the first death among the sons of the late Mr. Valentine Dehler, a citizen and merchant whose traits of enterprise and honesty and sons have in a large measure inherited.
For the stricken mother, brothers, and sister, the people of Madison, their home for fifty years, and the birthplace of all the children, feel a deep and genuine sympathy such as words can but poorly express.
The corpse was prepared for burial and taken to the Dehler home last night. The time of funeral has been fixed for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. The burial to be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 28, 1910
Funeral of Charles Dehler
A Multitude Pays Honor to His Memory
Impressive Ceremonies at St. Mary's
One of the most largely attended funerals that has taken place in Madison in recent years was that of Mr. Charles Dehler, who lost his life by accidental drowning in the Ohio River last Saturday night. The friends gathered at the Dehler home at 8:30 and the procession formed on Main Street, proceeding thence to Saint Mary's church, whose spacious audience room was filled with relatives, friends and citizens, assembled to witness the last religious rites and pay their final tribute of respect to the memory of the decedent, so greatly beloved and highly esteemed alike by old and young.
The procession on the way to the church was led by members of Madison Council No. 934, Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Dehler was a charter as well as a fourth degree member. Next came the Saint Peter's Society, then the Eagles, the Comet Club, the First Ward Club, and the Madison Motor Boat Club.
A large vehicle filled with flowers; another with the pall-bearers–Henry Schneider, Wm. H. Peters, Joseph Steinhardt, Leo B. Schroeder, George B. Niesse, Robert J. Henry, Nicholas Roeder, and Nicholas Hillen–came next in order. Then the long train of carriages all that could be procured in the city, containing the relatives and nearest friends of the deceased.
At the church the services were most beautiful as well as impressive. The celebrant of the mass was Rev. Father Joseph M. Bauer, priest of Saint Mary's, with Gev. Father M.L. Guthneck, of St. Michael's, serving as Deacon, and Rev. Father Charles F. Gordon, of St. Patrick's church, North Madison, as sub-Deacon.
The music, instrumental and vocal, was touchingly rendered by the chorus of St. Mary's church. The sermon for the dead was delivered by Father Guthneck, who paid fitting tribute to the worth of the departed.
In the great list of floral offerings were many pretty designs from the children, of whom he thought so much, and who took this means of manifesting the love they bore him. It was characteristic of the deceased that he preferred, the company of children rather than of the older people though for the latter he had the deepest respect. He also received a vast number of beautiful and costly floral offerings from his relatives and friends and from the different societies, clubs, and business enterprises with which he held membership.
The three celebrant priests, with acolytes, occupied the first carriage and accompanied the remains to St. Joseph's cemetery, where the Rev. Father Gerdon delivered the last blessing over the body of the deceased, before, mid tears and flowers, it was finally consigned to its last earthy resting place in hope of the resurrection.
Among the out of town relatives and friends who were present at the funeral were the following: Mr. and Mrs. William Dehler and daughter Gertrude, of Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Dehler and daughters Loretta, Marguerite and Irene, of Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Braun, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. David Zepf, Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Louis Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Frank Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Alois Knoeble, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Herman Steinkamp, Seymour, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Kreidler, Covington, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Thomas and son, Albert, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Patrick Walsch, Cincinnati, Ohio.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 26, 1910
Sad Death
A Fatal and Mournful Event
Charles Dehler Loses His Life by Drowning While Alone at Night on His Motor Boat
An Accident That Stirs the Community
Mr. Charles Dehler was drowned presumably about midnight Saturday at the docks of the Madison Motor Boat Co., foot of Poplar street. Mr. Dehler was owner of the large gasoline launch DuBrie. He was an electrician and an enthusiastic motorboat man, spending much of his time on the river. He had arranged to spend Sunday with a dozen or more friends, including Mr. Wm. Stein and another gentleman from North Vernon, with a fish fry at a point a short distance above the city, and for this purpose on Saturday he purchased a liberal supply of provisions for delivery on the DuBrie. He made several purchases at Mr. Joseph Seiwert's store on East Second street and engaged Mr. Henry Strong to haul them to the river, Saturday night at 11 o'clock he left home, telling his mother he was going down to the river and put things in good shape on, the boat preparatory to making the trip, and that he would be back soon. He never came back.
His mother and other members of the family went to sleep later, not dreaming of anything wrong. When, after Sunday morning dawned, he failed to put in his appearance, it was still thought he might be busy at his boat, but as the day advanced uneasiness arose and several friends, went down to the landing. Among these were Mr. Andrew J. Dehler, an elder brother, and Mr. John Knoebel, the senior clerk of Dehler's stores. Then it was discovered that the ill-fated young man's hat was hanging upon the staff of Mr. Louis Ernst's boat alongside of the DuBrie. Mr. Andrew J. Dehler at once suspected the worst, and Mr. Chris Eckert and Mr. Mort Vaughn began to drag for the body. The water at the foot of the boat was a little less than six feet deep. It being very dark and no one near to help him, it is supposed that when he slipped from the oval deck or side of the launch, where he had been putting ice on board and adjusting the curtains, he may have come up against the bottom and sank against the bottom and sank again to his death. With a grab hook Mr. Eckert caught him and started to pull him up, but the hold slipped and then again he reached down deep to the bottom and hooked on to his pantaloons in the back and drew him to the surface. By this time, at half past eleven o'clock, a crowd had gathered along the bank, and many expressions of sorrow were heard, for Charlie Dehler was well liked.
Mr. Knoebel, associated with him in the store for eighteen years, and Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn, who were among his closest friends, wept like children.
The rumor of possible foul play, and that there were marks of violence on the body, were untrue. There was not a scratch or bruise or wound of any kind.
Vail & Son's undertakers' wagon was sent for and the body was taken in charge by Mr. Frank Lauer of that establishment and washed and embalmed.
The news of the tragedy spread over the city and scores of citizens ealed to tender their condolence to the family and give any possible relief.
At four o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. Charles Ryker, the county coroner, and his secretary, Mr. George T. Mayfield, held a court of inquiry at Mr. Vail's and received the testimony of Mr. John Knoebel and the Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn. The testimony of these gentlemen was in substance what we have just stated, and the conclusion reached was that death was accidental and by drowning.
Upon the person of the dead man were found the following articles: A watch that had stopped at 11:20 showing the time of the drowning: four gold finger rings, tied together: two bunches of keys, thirty-one keys altogether; an electric fuse; a handkerchief; a small round hand mirror; gold collar and cuff buttons; a pocket comb; a list of 13 names that were to compose the Madison party on the pleasure trip; a note due October 1 at the People's Trust Co., and $3.85 in silver.
Mr. Dehler was in the 31st year of his age and the only one of the sons that was single. His father, Mr. Valentine Dehler, died several years ago. The other brothers are Andrew J. and Frank, of this city; John, of Seymour, and William, of Terre Haute. There is one sister, Miss Elizabeth Dehler, who has been spending the summer with Miss Anna Schreiner, at Hoboken, New Jersey, and who as notified yesterday by telegraph of her brother's death.
Mr. Dehler's friends consisted of all who knew him. he was kind and generous hearted, charitable and universally popular and never had a harsh word for anybody. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, of Saint Peter's Society, of the Knights of Columbus, of the Eagles, of the Carmel Club, a director of the People's Trust Co., and a leading member and secretary of the Madison Motor Boat Club. He carried a life insurance policy of several thousand dollars.
Of those who grew to manhood, this is the first death among the sons of the late Mr. Valentine Dehler, a citizen and merchant whose traits of enterprise and honesty and sons have in a large measure inherited.
For the stricken mother, brothers, and sister, the people of Madison, their home for fifty years, and the birthplace of all the children, feel a deep and genuine sympathy such as words can but poorly express.
The corpse was prepared for burial and taken to the Dehler home last night. The time of funeral has been fixed for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. The burial to be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 28, 1910
Funeral of Charles Dehler
A Multitude Pays Honor to His Memory
Impressive Ceremonies at St. Mary's
One of the most largely attended funerals that has taken place in Madison in recent years was that of Mr. Charles Dehler, who lost his life by accidental drowning in the Ohio River last Saturday night. The friends gathered at the Dehler home at 8:30 and the procession formed on Main Street, proceeding thence to Saint Mary's church, whose spacious audience room was filled with relatives, friends and citizens, assembled to witness the last religious rites and pay their final tribute of respect to the memory of the decedent, so greatly beloved and highly esteemed alike by old and young.
The procession on the way to the church was led by members of Madison Council No. 934, Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Dehler was a charter as well as a fourth degree member. Next came the Saint Peter's Society, then the Eagles, the Comet Club, the First Ward Club, and the Madison Motor Boat Club.
A large vehicle filled with flowers; another with the pall-bearers–Henry Schneider, Wm. H. Peters, Joseph Steinhardt, Leo B. Schroeder, George B. Niesse, Robert J. Henry, Nicholas Roeder, and Nicholas Hillen–came next in order. Then the long train of carriages all that could be procured in the city, containing the relatives and nearest friends of the deceased.
At the church the services were most beautiful as well as impressive. The celebrant of the mass was Rev. Father Joseph M. Bauer, priest of Saint Mary's, with Gev. Father M.L. Guthneck, of St. Michael's, serving as Deacon, and Rev. Father Charles F. Gordon, of St. Patrick's church, North Madison, as sub-Deacon.
The music, instrumental and vocal, was touchingly rendered by the chorus of St. Mary's church. The sermon for the dead was delivered by Father Guthneck, who paid fitting tribute to the worth of the departed.
In the great list of floral offerings were many pretty designs from the children, of whom he thought so much, and who took this means of manifesting the love they bore him. It was characteristic of the deceased that he preferred, the company of children rather than of the older people though for the latter he had the deepest respect. He also received a vast number of beautiful and costly floral offerings from his relatives and friends and from the different societies, clubs, and business enterprises with which he held membership.
The three celebrant priests, with acolytes, occupied the first carriage and accompanied the remains to St. Joseph's cemetery, where the Rev. Father Gerdon delivered the last blessing over the body of the deceased, before, mid tears and flowers, it was finally consigned to its last earthy resting place in hope of the resurrection.
Among the out of town relatives and friends who were present at the funeral were the following: Mr. and Mrs. William Dehler and daughter Gertrude, of Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Dehler and daughters Loretta, Marguerite and Irene, of Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Braun, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. David Zepf, Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Louis Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Frank Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Alois Knoeble, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Herman Steinkamp, Seymour, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Kreidler, Covington, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Thomas and son, Albert, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Patrick Walsch, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Drowned in the Ohio River in a fall off his boat, the DuBrie, anchored at the foot of Poplar Street.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 26, 1910
Sad Death
A Fatal and Mournful Event
Charles Dehler Loses His Life by Drowning While Alone at Night on His Motor Boat
An Accident That Stirs the Community
Mr. Charles Dehler was drowned presumably about midnight Saturday at the docks of the Madison Motor Boat Co., foot of Poplar street. Mr. Dehler was owner of the large gasoline launch DuBrie. He was an electrician and an enthusiastic motorboat man, spending much of his time on the river. He had arranged to spend Sunday with a dozen or more friends, including Mr. Wm. Stein and another gentleman from North Vernon, with a fish fry at a point a short distance above the city, and for this purpose on Saturday he purchased a liberal supply of provisions for delivery on the DuBrie. He made several purchases at Mr. Joseph Seiwert's store on East Second street and engaged Mr. Henry Strong to haul them to the river, Saturday night at 11 o'clock he left home, telling his mother he was going down to the river and put things in good shape on, the boat preparatory to making the trip, and that he would be back soon. He never came back.
His mother and other members of the family went to sleep later, not dreaming of anything wrong. When, after Sunday morning dawned, he failed to put in his appearance, it was still thought he might be busy at his boat, but as the day advanced uneasiness arose and several friends, went down to the landing. Among these were Mr. Andrew J. Dehler, an elder brother, and Mr. John Knoebel, the senior clerk of Dehler's stores. Then it was discovered that the ill-fated young man's hat was hanging upon the staff of Mr. Louis Ernst's boat alongside of the DuBrie. Mr. Andrew J. Dehler at once suspected the worst, and Mr. Chris Eckert and Mr. Mort Vaughn began to drag for the body. The water at the foot of the boat was a little less than six feet deep. It being very dark and no one near to help him, it is supposed that when he slipped from the oval deck or side of the launch, where he had been putting ice on board and adjusting the curtains, he may have come up against the bottom and sank against the bottom and sank again to his death. With a grab hook Mr. Eckert caught him and started to pull him up, but the hold slipped and then again he reached down deep to the bottom and hooked on to his pantaloons in the back and drew him to the surface. By this time, at half past eleven o'clock, a crowd had gathered along the bank, and many expressions of sorrow were heard, for Charlie Dehler was well liked.
Mr. Knoebel, associated with him in the store for eighteen years, and Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn, who were among his closest friends, wept like children.
The rumor of possible foul play, and that there were marks of violence on the body, were untrue. There was not a scratch or bruise or wound of any kind.
Vail & Son's undertakers' wagon was sent for and the body was taken in charge by Mr. Frank Lauer of that establishment and washed and embalmed.
The news of the tragedy spread over the city and scores of citizens ealed to tender their condolence to the family and give any possible relief.
At four o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. Charles Ryker, the county coroner, and his secretary, Mr. George T. Mayfield, held a court of inquiry at Mr. Vail's and received the testimony of Mr. John Knoebel and the Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn. The testimony of these gentlemen was in substance what we have just stated, and the conclusion reached was that death was accidental and by drowning.
Upon the person of the dead man were found the following articles: A watch that had stopped at 11:20 showing the time of the drowning: four gold finger rings, tied together: two bunches of keys, thirty-one keys altogether; an electric fuse; a handkerchief; a small round hand mirror; gold collar and cuff buttons; a pocket comb; a list of 13 names that were to compose the Madison party on the pleasure trip; a note due October 1 at the People's Trust Co., and $3.85 in silver.
Mr. Dehler was in the 31st year of his age and the only one of the sons that was single. His father, Mr. Valentine Dehler, died several years ago. The other brothers are Andrew J. and Frank, of this city; John, of Seymour, and William, of Terre Haute. There is one sister, Miss Elizabeth Dehler, who has been spending the summer with Miss Anna Schreiner, at Hoboken, New Jersey, and who as notified yesterday by telegraph of her brother's death.
Mr. Dehler's friends consisted of all who knew him. he was kind and generous hearted, charitable and universally popular and never had a harsh word for anybody. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, of Saint Peter's Society, of the Knights of Columbus, of the Eagles, of the Carmel Club, a director of the People's Trust Co., and a leading member and secretary of the Madison Motor Boat Club. He carried a life insurance policy of several thousand dollars.
Of those who grew to manhood, this is the first death among the sons of the late Mr. Valentine Dehler, a citizen and merchant whose traits of enterprise and honesty and sons have in a large measure inherited.
For the stricken mother, brothers, and sister, the people of Madison, their home for fifty years, and the birthplace of all the children, feel a deep and genuine sympathy such as words can but poorly express.
The corpse was prepared for burial and taken to the Dehler home last night. The time of funeral has been fixed for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. The burial to be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 28, 1910
Funeral of Charles Dehler
A Multitude Pays Honor to His Memory
Impressive Ceremonies at St. Mary's
One of the most largely attended funerals that has taken place in Madison in recent years was that of Mr. Charles Dehler, who lost his life by accidental drowning in the Ohio River last Saturday night. The friends gathered at the Dehler home at 8:30 and the procession formed on Main Street, proceeding thence to Saint Mary's church, whose spacious audience room was filled with relatives, friends and citizens, assembled to witness the last religious rites and pay their final tribute of respect to the memory of the decedent, so greatly beloved and highly esteemed alike by old and young.
The procession on the way to the church was led by members of Madison Council No. 934, Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Dehler was a charter as well as a fourth degree member. Next came the Saint Peter's Society, then the Eagles, the Comet Club, the First Ward Club, and the Madison Motor Boat Club.
A large vehicle filled with flowers; another with the pall-bearers–Henry Schneider, Wm. H. Peters, Joseph Steinhardt, Leo B. Schroeder, George B. Niesse, Robert J. Henry, Nicholas Roeder, and Nicholas Hillen–came next in order. Then the long train of carriages all that could be procured in the city, containing the relatives and nearest friends of the deceased.
At the church the services were most beautiful as well as impressive. The celebrant of the mass was Rev. Father Joseph M. Bauer, priest of Saint Mary's, with Gev. Father M.L. Guthneck, of St. Michael's, serving as Deacon, and Rev. Father Charles F. Gordon, of St. Patrick's church, North Madison, as sub-Deacon.
The music, instrumental and vocal, was touchingly rendered by the chorus of St. Mary's church. The sermon for the dead was delivered by Father Guthneck, who paid fitting tribute to the worth of the departed.
In the great list of floral offerings were many pretty designs from the children, of whom he thought so much, and who took this means of manifesting the love they bore him. It was characteristic of the deceased that he preferred, the company of children rather than of the older people though for the latter he had the deepest respect. He also received a vast number of beautiful and costly floral offerings from his relatives and friends and from the different societies, clubs, and business enterprises with which he held membership.
The three celebrant priests, with acolytes, occupied the first carriage and accompanied the remains to St. Joseph's cemetery, where the Rev. Father Gerdon delivered the last blessing over the body of the deceased, before, mid tears and flowers, it was finally consigned to its last earthy resting place in hope of the resurrection.
Among the out of town relatives and friends who were present at the funeral were the following: Mr. and Mrs. William Dehler and daughter Gertrude, of Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Dehler and daughters Loretta, Marguerite and Irene, of Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Braun, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. David Zepf, Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Louis Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Frank Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Alois Knoeble, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Herman Steinkamp, Seymour, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Kreidler, Covington, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Thomas and son, Albert, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Patrick Walsch, Cincinnati, Ohio.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 26, 1910
Sad Death
A Fatal and Mournful Event
Charles Dehler Loses His Life by Drowning While Alone at Night on His Motor Boat
An Accident That Stirs the Community
Mr. Charles Dehler was drowned presumably about midnight Saturday at the docks of the Madison Motor Boat Co., foot of Poplar street. Mr. Dehler was owner of the large gasoline launch DuBrie. He was an electrician and an enthusiastic motorboat man, spending much of his time on the river. He had arranged to spend Sunday with a dozen or more friends, including Mr. Wm. Stein and another gentleman from North Vernon, with a fish fry at a point a short distance above the city, and for this purpose on Saturday he purchased a liberal supply of provisions for delivery on the DuBrie. He made several purchases at Mr. Joseph Seiwert's store on East Second street and engaged Mr. Henry Strong to haul them to the river, Saturday night at 11 o'clock he left home, telling his mother he was going down to the river and put things in good shape on, the boat preparatory to making the trip, and that he would be back soon. He never came back.
His mother and other members of the family went to sleep later, not dreaming of anything wrong. When, after Sunday morning dawned, he failed to put in his appearance, it was still thought he might be busy at his boat, but as the day advanced uneasiness arose and several friends, went down to the landing. Among these were Mr. Andrew J. Dehler, an elder brother, and Mr. John Knoebel, the senior clerk of Dehler's stores. Then it was discovered that the ill-fated young man's hat was hanging upon the staff of Mr. Louis Ernst's boat alongside of the DuBrie. Mr. Andrew J. Dehler at once suspected the worst, and Mr. Chris Eckert and Mr. Mort Vaughn began to drag for the body. The water at the foot of the boat was a little less than six feet deep. It being very dark and no one near to help him, it is supposed that when he slipped from the oval deck or side of the launch, where he had been putting ice on board and adjusting the curtains, he may have come up against the bottom and sank against the bottom and sank again to his death. With a grab hook Mr. Eckert caught him and started to pull him up, but the hold slipped and then again he reached down deep to the bottom and hooked on to his pantaloons in the back and drew him to the surface. By this time, at half past eleven o'clock, a crowd had gathered along the bank, and many expressions of sorrow were heard, for Charlie Dehler was well liked.
Mr. Knoebel, associated with him in the store for eighteen years, and Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn, who were among his closest friends, wept like children.
The rumor of possible foul play, and that there were marks of violence on the body, were untrue. There was not a scratch or bruise or wound of any kind.
Vail & Son's undertakers' wagon was sent for and the body was taken in charge by Mr. Frank Lauer of that establishment and washed and embalmed.
The news of the tragedy spread over the city and scores of citizens ealed to tender their condolence to the family and give any possible relief.
At four o'clock Sunday afternoon, Dr. Charles Ryker, the county coroner, and his secretary, Mr. George T. Mayfield, held a court of inquiry at Mr. Vail's and received the testimony of Mr. John Knoebel and the Messrs. Eckert and Vaughn. The testimony of these gentlemen was in substance what we have just stated, and the conclusion reached was that death was accidental and by drowning.
Upon the person of the dead man were found the following articles: A watch that had stopped at 11:20 showing the time of the drowning: four gold finger rings, tied together: two bunches of keys, thirty-one keys altogether; an electric fuse; a handkerchief; a small round hand mirror; gold collar and cuff buttons; a pocket comb; a list of 13 names that were to compose the Madison party on the pleasure trip; a note due October 1 at the People's Trust Co., and $3.85 in silver.
Mr. Dehler was in the 31st year of his age and the only one of the sons that was single. His father, Mr. Valentine Dehler, died several years ago. The other brothers are Andrew J. and Frank, of this city; John, of Seymour, and William, of Terre Haute. There is one sister, Miss Elizabeth Dehler, who has been spending the summer with Miss Anna Schreiner, at Hoboken, New Jersey, and who as notified yesterday by telegraph of her brother's death.
Mr. Dehler's friends consisted of all who knew him. he was kind and generous hearted, charitable and universally popular and never had a harsh word for anybody. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic church, of Saint Peter's Society, of the Knights of Columbus, of the Eagles, of the Carmel Club, a director of the People's Trust Co., and a leading member and secretary of the Madison Motor Boat Club. He carried a life insurance policy of several thousand dollars.
Of those who grew to manhood, this is the first death among the sons of the late Mr. Valentine Dehler, a citizen and merchant whose traits of enterprise and honesty and sons have in a large measure inherited.
For the stricken mother, brothers, and sister, the people of Madison, their home for fifty years, and the birthplace of all the children, feel a deep and genuine sympathy such as words can but poorly express.
The corpse was prepared for burial and taken to the Dehler home last night. The time of funeral has been fixed for Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock from St. Mary's church. The burial to be in St. Joseph's cemetery.
* * *
Madison Courier
September 28, 1910
Funeral of Charles Dehler
A Multitude Pays Honor to His Memory
Impressive Ceremonies at St. Mary's
One of the most largely attended funerals that has taken place in Madison in recent years was that of Mr. Charles Dehler, who lost his life by accidental drowning in the Ohio River last Saturday night. The friends gathered at the Dehler home at 8:30 and the procession formed on Main Street, proceeding thence to Saint Mary's church, whose spacious audience room was filled with relatives, friends and citizens, assembled to witness the last religious rites and pay their final tribute of respect to the memory of the decedent, so greatly beloved and highly esteemed alike by old and young.
The procession on the way to the church was led by members of Madison Council No. 934, Knights of Columbus, of which Mr. Dehler was a charter as well as a fourth degree member. Next came the Saint Peter's Society, then the Eagles, the Comet Club, the First Ward Club, and the Madison Motor Boat Club.
A large vehicle filled with flowers; another with the pall-bearers–Henry Schneider, Wm. H. Peters, Joseph Steinhardt, Leo B. Schroeder, George B. Niesse, Robert J. Henry, Nicholas Roeder, and Nicholas Hillen–came next in order. Then the long train of carriages all that could be procured in the city, containing the relatives and nearest friends of the deceased.
At the church the services were most beautiful as well as impressive. The celebrant of the mass was Rev. Father Joseph M. Bauer, priest of Saint Mary's, with Gev. Father M.L. Guthneck, of St. Michael's, serving as Deacon, and Rev. Father Charles F. Gordon, of St. Patrick's church, North Madison, as sub-Deacon.
The music, instrumental and vocal, was touchingly rendered by the chorus of St. Mary's church. The sermon for the dead was delivered by Father Guthneck, who paid fitting tribute to the worth of the departed.
In the great list of floral offerings were many pretty designs from the children, of whom he thought so much, and who took this means of manifesting the love they bore him. It was characteristic of the deceased that he preferred, the company of children rather than of the older people though for the latter he had the deepest respect. He also received a vast number of beautiful and costly floral offerings from his relatives and friends and from the different societies, clubs, and business enterprises with which he held membership.
The three celebrant priests, with acolytes, occupied the first carriage and accompanied the remains to St. Joseph's cemetery, where the Rev. Father Gerdon delivered the last blessing over the body of the deceased, before, mid tears and flowers, it was finally consigned to its last earthy resting place in hope of the resurrection.
Among the out of town relatives and friends who were present at the funeral were the following: Mr. and Mrs. William Dehler and daughter Gertrude, of Terre Haute, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Dehler and daughters Loretta, Marguerite and Irene, of Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Braun, Indianapolis, Indiana. Mrs. David Zepf, Indianapolis, Ind. Mrs. Louis Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Frank Richart, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Alois Knoeble, Seymour, Ind. Mr. Herman Steinkamp, Seymour, Ind. Mr. and Mrs. John Stewart, Seymour, Ind. Mrs. Mary Kreidler, Covington, Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Thomas and son, Albert, of Indianapolis. Mrs. Patrick Walsch, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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