Kurz, Ben died 1901

KURZ, SCHMIDT, BLOEDEL

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:25

Elkader Register, Thur., 4 Apr. 1901. McGregor column.

A very sad case of drowning occurred here Sunday. Chas. Eno Jr. and Ben Kurz went in a boat hunting. They were about six miles below town in Johnson's slough when they got up to change places. The boat tipped and threw them out. Charlie struck near shore and succeeded in clambering up on to the bank. Ben went down and never came up. The supposition is that the water filled his high hip boots and weighted him down. Charlie ran home and gave the alarm and searching parties started out immediately. This was about five o'clock and the body was found at midnight in fifteen foot water.

Ben Kurz is the son of Chas. and Annie Schmidt Kurz, and was seventeen years old. He leaves besides his parents, two little sisters and an aged grandmother, who will especially miss him as he made his home with her. His loss will be felt too, among his schoolmates and others as he was a general favorite. The funeral will be held Thursday. His uncle, John Schmidt of Baker City, Ore.; aunt, Mrs. Tillie Bloedel, Omaha; and Mrs. Lizzie McCall, Rockford, came for the funeral.