KERNDT, Charles died 1877

KERNDT

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 9/18/2022 at 12:08:16

Mysterious Death - Charles Kerndt Accidentally Drowned in the River

We chronicle another of those startling calamities which have been so prevalent in our midst for months past, bringing in each case desolation and sorrow to many hearthstones. And this, like the accidents preceding it, bears so many features of unusually sorrowful surrounding that it is as painful to record it as for the stricken friends to know that it has happened.

Last Sunday morning, attracted by a desire to gain a few hours' recreation from close attention to duties in the store, Charles Kerndt, an employee of his uncles (the Messrs. Kerndt) and son of Herman Kerndt, the older brother of that family, a well-known resident of French Creek Township, took his dog, skiff and gun and started for the islands opposite town.

He started about five o'clock, intending to return before noon, but not acquainting the family with his intention, further than merely stating that he would not be back for breakfast.

Not returning during the day or evening, much alarm was felt as to his whereabouts, and early Monday morning parties started in search. In the vicinity of the "Big Slough," the empty skiff was floating near a collection of debris, and the dog was alone on the bank near by.

That the young man had met with death from drowning seemed more than probable, and a number of parties set out in search upon the return of those having in charge of the skiff.

The body was discovered close by the place where the skiff was found, and lying in some fourteen feet of water, prone upon the back. A dead pigeon on the bank indicated that he had fired his gun while standing erect in the skiff, and that the recoil had thrown him backwards into the water, from which he probably never rose, being unable to swim, and encumbered with heavy rubber boots. The hands were fixed as if the attitude of firing the piece, and as if to grasp some object while falling backward.

The deceased was a most estimable, worthy young man, of quiet manner and habits, and beloved very generally by those who knew him. The remains were interred on Monday, on the Ridge, the Singers and Firemen escorting the funeral cortage to the city limits.

~Lansing Mirror, Friday, June 16, 1877