Charlesworth, Owen 1916 - 1934

CHARLESWORTH, EBERHARD

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

Clayton County Register, Thur., 07 Jun. 1934

GUTTENBERG: This entire community was shocked when the sad report was circulated that Owen Charlesworth, an athlete and an expert swimmer, met with tragic death when he drowned in the Mississippi river at 5 o'clock Saturday afternoon while bathing. The body was recovered 45 minutes after it went down.

Dr. Ray Harris and Jim Donlin, members of the Dubuque fire department, rushed from Dubuque with a lungmotor, worked over the youth for some time. Physicians believe the youth had a heart attack as soon as he struck the water, as there was little or no water in his lungs.

Previous to the arrival of Dr. Harris of Dubuque, Dr. A. E. Beyer, assisted by others, worked over the body for almost 2 hours, making efforts to restore life.

Raymond Radabaugh and Charlesworth had taken some cattle to an island about one mile north of Guttenberg to graze. Charlesworth suggested that while they were there "it would be fine to take a swim." Radabaugh agreed with him.

Both walked out a short ways from the shore. Charlesworth went down and didn't come up. The spot where he went down was about twelve feet of water. Radabaugh had to struggle somewhat himself to get out. He called for help.

Clarence Krisler, a fisherman, snagged the body on a grappling bar, but was unable to bring it to the surface. ______ ___ _____ down and brought the body to shore. A number of men worked in turns, employing artificial respiration, but all efforts proved futile.

Sometime after the body had been recovered from the river, same was taken to Dr. Beyer's office here, but all efforts to restore life failed.

Owen Charlesworth, one of this community's highly regarded young men, was born at Guttenberg, Ia., on November 29, 1916, and therefore was 17 years, 6 months and 3 days of age at the time of his death. He was an ambitious young man with a pleasing personality, liked by all in this community. Owen was a splendid athlete and an excellent swimmer.

He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Charlesworth, one sister, Mary Jane; one brother Robert of Guttenberg; his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ed. P. Eberhard, of Guttenberg, and Mr. and Mrs. L. E. Charlesworth, of Osage, and many other relatives and friends by whom this good and true young man will be sadly missed, especially in his home.

He graduated from the Guttenberg High School in May, 1933, and since that time has been successfully employed by Ed. P. Eberhard Lumber Co., and Eugene Eberhard, contractor in Guttenberg. Although a young man, his motto in life was equal rights for all and special privileges for none, always fair in life's battles and willing to co-operate with his fellow citizens for righteousness and justice. To know this young man was to respect him. His kind disposition won him many warm friends during life by whom his will be forever cherished.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Dale D. Welch at the home of his parents in Guttenberg on Tuesday afternoon, with interment in the City cemetery. The funeral was very largely attended by relatives and friends from far and near. The family has the sympathy of all in this community.