Iowa
Old Press
Maquoketa Excelsior
Maquoketa, Jackson co. Iowa
June 11, 1887
FRIGHTFUL CALAMITY
Two homes made desolate by the drowning of five boys in the
Maquoketa River last Sunday:
The scene of this horrible accident is a point on the Maquoketa
River about seven miles below this city. Last Sunday afternoon
six boys met here to take a bath. Although these boys could swim,
it was not an unusual thing for them to go into the river for a
bath, but this time they got beyond their depth and into a sort
of whirlpool. The four younger boys went in first and had been in
but a short time before their frantic cries for help brought
their other two to their assistance. But their efforts were
unavailing. One of these two lost his own life trying to save the
others; the other succeeded in only saving himself. He was
careful not to get to
where he could not touch bottom, but went as far as he could and
then as he could accomplish nothing he screamed with all his
might for help. But no help was near, and he was obliged to
witness the drowning struggles of his two brothers and their
three companions without being able to render them the least
assistance. The parents, honest German families, living near the
east line of Maquoketa township, were nearly crazed with grief
when they heard of the sad catastrophe.
Three of the boys were named Jacob, Conrad and Chris Beck, and
were aged 11, 14 and 16 respectively. The other two lost boys
were Geo. and Paul Handel and were aged 10 and 12 years
respectively. The eldest Handel boy escaped. Three of the bodies
were recovered Monday, the other two not until Tuesday.
All were buried Thursday afternoon in the cemetery at Union
Center. Rev. Schmidt of the German church in this city preached
the funeral sermon. The attendance at the funeral was very large.
No such frightful event has taken place in this county for many
years.
[transcribed by L.Z., November 2006]