RHOMBERG, Joseph 1866-1883

RHOMBERG

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/4/2021 at 15:36:31

A most unfortunate and melancholy accident occurred Friday evening of holiday week which has sadly marred the Christmas time for one family, and caused sincere sorrow in every home in town.

About 8 o'clock on that evening Joseph Rhomberg, the youngest son of Prof. Rhomberg, of this city, was coasting on Third street in company with a number of other boys of his own age. The boys were coasting from Diagonal street, in front of Capt. Bascom's residence, down North Third, across Main and down South Third to the foundry. The streets were covered with ice and smoothly packed snow, so that the hand sleds of the boys came dashing down the hill at a frightful speed, causing persons passing on Main street to stop and watch the reckless coasters, expecting to see some one killed at any moment.

It seems that Joseph started down the hill alone and came along safely until nearly in front of the Presbyterian church when he met some boys with a large sled returning, to whom he called to clear the track. This they failed to do, either because of lack of time or thoughtlessness, and Joseph's sled struck the obstruction, throwing him off, where it is supposed he was struck by another sled which was closely following him.

He was found to be badly hurt and was taken into Mr. Manger's, where he remained some time and then went home. When he reached home he was unable to speak, and gradually grew worse until the time of his death, which occurred Wednesday afternoon at 5:30 o'clock.

The poor boy suffered intense pain from the time of the accident until the time of his death. The cause of his death was peritonitis. It has been difficult to obtain a correct statement of the circumstances surrounding the accident, as many conflicting accounts of the affair have been circulated. We have attempted to give a fair and impartial account and believe it is very nearly correct.

The boys were having a gay and reckless time coasting, where there was danger at every turn. They were like all boys engaged at such sport, thoughtless and careless, but of course not intending to cause any harm to themselves or others. The only real fault in the whole matter lies in the fact that the boys were coasting at a place where they had no right or business to. In the gloom of the sorrowful result it is idle to speculate upon the cause or how it might have been avoided; we can now only tender to the bereaved family and friends our sincere sympathy, and express the hope that the ad event will be remembered by our always too reckless boys.

Joseph Rhomberg was about 17 years old. He was a bright, intelligent industrious boy of excellent habits and possessing the affection and good opinion of every one by whom he was known. He had been employed for some time at the eating house, but when injured was we believe at home having been slightly unwell for a few days. His funeral takes place this afternoon at 3 o'clock.

~Lansing Mirror, Friday, January 5, 1883; pg 3

Same paper & page:
Ed. and George Rhomberg, two of Lansing's good boys, who are carving out their fortunes in the city of Milwaukee, were home for the holidays. Their visit which should have been most bright and joyous was saddened by the terrible accident to their younger brother.

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On the evening of Dec. 29, Joe went out to coast down North Third street hill and was just making his first flying trip down the slippery track, about midway on the journey, when he came in contact with a pair of bobs that some one was hauling up and which were wantonly or willfully turned athwart his path and not removed, although he gave the warning cry.

He was thrown from his sled, and as he told it himself, it rebounded and struck him in the abdomen, inflicting internal injuries from which he died the following Wednesday, after five days of intense suffering.

He was 16 years, 2 months and 10 days old, and a bright promising boy, beloved by all who knew him. His death, happening at the time and under the circumstances that it did, is peculiarly sad and falls very heavily upon those near and dear to him.

~Allamakee Journal, Wednesday, January 10, 1883; pg 2

Note: The Woodmansee book give his burial in Oak Hill cemetery, dates 10/24/1866 - 01/03/1883