MARGRETZ, Vinton J. 1899-1925

MARGRETZ

Posted By: Melissa Mayhew Grandt (email)
Date: 6/11/2009 at 21:43:11

Waterloo Evening Courier, Waterloo (Black Hawk Co.), Iowa, 8 June 1925.

Motorcycle Officer Fatally Hurt When Exploding Tire Hurls Him From Machine
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Vinton J. Margretz Victim of Unusual Accident When Answering Call.
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Vinton J. Margretz, 26, motorcycle policeman and world war veteran, was hurled to his death shortly before 6 p.m. Sunday on Reber avenue near Marsh street when the front tire of his motorcycle blew out, throwing the officer headlong onto the curbing.

Margretz died an hour later at the Presbyterian hospital without regainingconsciousness. His skull was fractured.

The motorcycle fell in the middle of the street, indicating Margretz was thrown a distance of 15 feet to the curb. Acceleration of the engine after the accident shot the registering needle on the speedometer to 72 miles. This gave rise to a report that the policeman was driving at this speed. Witnesses estimated the speed at 35 to 40 miles.

Shortly after 5 p.m. the desk sergeant received a call complaining of boys swimming in Black Hawk creek without bathing suits and running about nude. Margretz and William Wilson, another mounted policeman were detailed to patrol the creek and to disperse the boys.

Explosion on Quick Turn.
Wilson, going a different route, arrived at the swimming hole and was unaware of the fatal accident that befell his companion until he returned to the station.

According to Charles W. Eby, 512 Eleventh street west, who witnessed the accident, Margretz was going west on Reber avenue at a fairly high rate of speed.

In the 300 block a car, driving by a woman, started to back out of a driveway ahead of the police motorcycle.

Margretz turned out around this car to the opposite side of the narrow street when another car coming from the opposite direction caused him to give his machine a sharp turn back to his own pathway to avoid a collision.

Hurtles Thru Air.
There was a sharp explosion and the motorcycle made another turn, dashing across Marsh street, when the driver was seen hurtling thru the air, landing on his head at the curb.

Eby and several other witnesses hurried to the assistance of the injured policeman. He was unconscious, with a gaping wound over the right forehead. The police department was notified and the city ambulance soon arrived with members of the department, who took Margretz to the hospital and summoned his wife and other relatives.

The motorcycle driven by Margretz is a high-powered special police model and had been in use only a few weeks.

Was Youngest Policeman.
Aside from the exploded tire, the machine was only slightly damaged.

The victim was a veteran of the marines of the world war. Being too young for the draft, he enlisted here early in 1918 and served until mustered out at Marine barracks, Paris Island, S.C.

Margretz was the youngest policeman of the Waterloo department in years and in service. He was appointed by Chief E.A. Leighton as a mounted officer last April. He had, however, been on the force for a short time a few years ago, resigning to go into other work.

He is survived by the widow, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. G.C. Margretz, and a brother, Glenn, all of Waterloo.

Native of Butler County.
Vinton J. Margretz was born April 18, 1899, in Butler county on a farm near Kesley. About seven years ago he came to Waterloo with his parents and was employed here until the war inspired him to enroll in the service of the marines.

Upon returning from the war he engaged in farming in his native county for a few years. On Sept. 21, 1920, he was married in Waterloo to Miss Harriet Fick, of Bristow. Returning to Waterloo, he joined the police force March 8, 1923, and served as patrolman until Dec. 29, 1924, when he resigned.

April 6, 1925, he again joined the police department and was assigned to a motorcycle. He was of splendid physique, with a quiet and genial nature, yet rated by his superiors as an efficient and fearless officer.

During his first enrollment as a policeman in 1924, he had a gun battle with a desperate negro and got his man.

Dr. S.D. Smith, county coroner, after inquiring into the circumstances of the fatality, stated today there will be no inquest, unless requested by relatives.

Memorial for Victim.
Margretz was a member of Black Hawk lodge, I.O.O.F., members of which had gathered last evening at First Baptist church for the annual memorial service. During the services Rev. R.E. Williamson was informed of the tragedy. After announcing the death a short memorial service was held for the victim.

Pending arrangements for the funeral, which probably will be Wednesday, the body will be at Kistner's funeral home.