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PETERS, Matt c1870-1899

BROWN, HATCHIES, PETERS, RIES, ROSAUER, SCHNURR

Posted By: Bruce Kuennen (email)
Date: 9/17/2006 at 04:57:44

New Hampton Gazette, July 20, 1899

DROWNED IN A POND

MATT PETERS MEETS DEATH WHILE FISHING

Got Beyond His Depth in a Pond Near the Big Wapsie West of Town and Sank Before Help Could Reach Him.

Early Sunday morning the people of New Hampton and vicinity were statled and painfully shocked to hear that Matt Peters had met death by drowning in a pond near the Big Wapsie west of town, between half-past two and three o'clock that morning.

A party of young men consisting of Matt and Mike Peters, two of the Ries boys, Johnny Rosauer and others were on a fishing trip and Matt Peters, in company with his brother Mike and Johnny Rosauer, had crossed to the opposite side of the river to fish in a pond. Matt Peters took one side of the pond and companions the other. They were all wading in the water, Matt being in the water up to his neck. His brother heard him make a noise as of taking in water and again expelling it, a not unusual action for him. This sound was followed by a couple of splashes which alarmed Mike, and called to his brother, receiving no answer. He called again and again all was silent. He and Rosauer then ran around the pond, at the same time calling to the rest of the party across the river. The distance around the pond to where Matt was last seen was perhaps fifteen rods and when they reached the spot no trace of his was to be found. They began diving for the body but their efforts proved fruitless. Some of the party then started to notify the parents of the drowned man, while others remained on the scene. Relatives and friends in this city were also notified and hurriedly left after preparing themselves with a grappling outfit. The pond was dragged with a long barbed wire which finally caught in the unfortunate man's clothing and the body was thus brought to shore. The body lay some thirty feet from the place where Mr. Peters was last seen and out in deep water. He had on a shirt, overalls and a pair of rubber boots. The body was taken to the home of his parents five miles southwest of town where later an inquest was held and a verdict rendered in accordance with the above facts.

The funeral was held at St. Mary's church in this city Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock and interment was in the church cemetery.

Matt Peters was 29 years and 1 month old. He was born in Dubuque county and came to this county with his parents when a child. He was unmarried and when not engaged in work as a hired man, made his home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nick Peters, Sr. He was an active and stirring young man and was always interested in sports, especially hunting and fishing. His untimely death is a cruel blow to his aged and fond parents and a large circle of relative and friends will long mourn his tragic end.

**********
New Hampton Tribune, July 18, 1899

A SHOCKING DEATH

A sad and tragic termination to what was intended as a jolly fishing spree, was the accidental drowning of Matt Peters Saturday night.

As near as we can ascertain the facts in the case, and rumor is rife in regard to it, there were about eight young men in the party only two of which could swim. They were evidently not aware that the Wapsie was higher than usual on account of the recent rains and ventured in farther than they could wade. The party was separated some little distance, Matt Peters and brother, Mike, Will Hatchies and John Brown remaining in one crowd, the brothers on one side of the creek and the other two young men on the opposite side. When Matt lost his footing and called for help, Will Hatchies started to his assistance but being overcome by cramps he had to be helped ashore by his companion. By the time Mr. Brown got to Mr. Peter's assistance he had sunk out of sight and failed to rise again. After vainly searching for the body of their companion, the young men sent to town for help, and the body was recovered a few hours later by Charles Schnurr.

The deceased was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Peters living south of town. He was a young man just verging his 30th year, and was known among his friends and companions as a jolly, big-hearted fellow, generous to a fault and ever-willing to serve a friend. He was industrious and barring the one fault of intemperance which seemed to take possession of his later life, he was a young man of good habits. His tragic death brings bitter grief to his family and deep sorrow to his friends. His companions in his last hour are particularly crushed and grief stricken. The funeral occurred today from St. Mary's church, and was held under the auspices of the young men's society.

Source: Decorah Republican July 20, 1899 P 8 C 3

Drowned in the Wapsie.

Near Hampton, July 17 — On Sunday morning about 3 o’clock Matt Peters was drowned in in the Wapsie. A gang started out in the night to sein or fish. Matt Peters took the brail and started across the river and went down in a deep hole in the middle. In a few minutes his companions missed him, but it being very dark they could not see him. They took a barbed wire off the fence and dragged the river and catching with a barb drew him out.


 

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