O'Donnell, Hugh 1885-1943

ODONNELL, SULLIVAN, RYAN, MURPHY, METILLE, WATERS, BOYDEN, HOWE, SHORTT, OTOOLE, WELCH, MCGHAN, WHALEN

Posted By: Patrick J. Utecht (email)
Date: 2/3/2009 at 03:17:48

French Creek Man Meets Tragic Death

The many friends of Hugh O’Donnell of French Creek township, were grieved to hear of his tragic death which occurred Saturday afternoon at the nearby Daniel Sullivan farm home.

He resided with his brother Anton on the old homestead about 19 miles northeast of Waukon, and the past week had been confined to his home with the prevailing flu. Mr. and Mrs. Anton O’Donnell, and oldest daughter, Miss Laverne, were in Waukon and their youngest daughter, Virginia, and their uncle were at home.

About 1;30 (Dec. 4, 1943) he told Virginia that he would go for a walk, and it was only a short time later that she discovered a straw stack on the nearby Sullivan farm all ablaze. It being close to the farm buildings she ran almost a mile to a neighbor’s to summon the Pioneer Fire Co. from Waukon.

The first to reach the scene of the fire were Frank Ryan of Lansing, and his brother-in-law, John Murphy of Camp Barkeley, Texas, and their nephew, Don Metille, who were visiting at the home of the latter’s mother, Mrs. George Metille. They pulled Mr. O’Donnell from the mysterious blaze but he was burned almost beyond recognition. Deputy Sheriff Robert Waters and County Coroner C.C. Boyden were summoned but deemed an inquest unnecessary due to the lack of evidence. Deceased could have sat down to rest in the sun and while smoking the straw became ignited or another theory is that he might have suffered a heart attack, but what ever it was will always remain a mystery,

He was born October 18, 1885, on the O’Donnell homestead, a son of Mr. and Mrs. John O’Donnell. He attended the rural schools and has since been engaged in farming. Mr. O’Donnell was of a sunny and jovial disposition and was well liked by his many friends. His tragic death is keenly felt by his brother Anton with whom he lived, and his family, Another brother, James W. O’Donnell resides at Churchtown and there are two sisters, Mrs. Edward Howe and Mrs. Anna Shortt, both of Waukon.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Lycurgus. A Requiem Mass was celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Thomas O’Toole, who also preached a consoling sermon to the bereaved relatives. Burial was made in the nearby cemetery. Casket bearers were Thos. Lyons, George Metille, P.H. Welch, William McGhan, Joe Welsh and Charles Whalen.

The bereaved relatives are assured the sympathy of their many friends, the Journal included.

Note: Please note that the transcriber was not related to Mr. O’Donnell, and has no further information.

Note: Newspaper source unknown.