MARTELL, Michael 1846 - 1903

MARTELL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 11/15/2019 at 09:31:56

Source: Decorah Republican Aug. 12, 1903 Page 4 Col 4

Struck by Lightning or Drowned.
Prairie du Chien, Aug 7.—The remains of Michael Martell, who was drowned near Harper’s Ferry, Iowa, some time Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, were brought to this city and prepared for burial. Martell was in this city visiting relatives and friends Tuesday afternoon and it is thought he started home at a late hour in a row boat and was overtaken by a heavy storm of early Wednesday morning. He failed to put in his appearance at his cabin boat near Harper's Ferry Wednesday and a search was instituted which resulted in the finding of his body in his own row boat drifted to the island. He was in a stooped position with his head hanging in the water. The coroner’s inquest was held and upon examination a long red mark was seen across his breast which might indicate he was struck by lightning during the storm. However, no one knows the cause of his death and the verdict of the coroner’s jury was “Death by accidental drowning.”

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he was born January 18, 1846 and died August 4, 1903.