Soll, Fred H. 1859 - 1931

SOLL, SCHMIDT, ROEHLK, FRAME

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 11/8/2022 at 13:39:45

Clayton County Register, Thur., 25 June 1931.

This community was shocked early Monday morning when word was passed about town that Fred H. Soll, 72, drowned after he had jumped into the river near the Central States power dam, sometime between eleven o'clock and midnight.

Mr. Soll had retired at about his usual hour Sunday night, but unknown to his family, had again arisen, dressed and had gone down to the river. W. H. O'Brien, who was attendant at the power house Sunday evening, heard a splash shortly before midnight, but thought it was nearer the gates on the east bank of the river.

When George Katschkowsky came at midnight to relieve Mr. O'Brien, the latter told him of the splash and together they went out to the forebay walls. In the forebay they saw a hat floating on top of the water. Investigating further they found a pair of slippers and a coat on the northeast corner of the forebay. Looking into the coat they found Mr. Soll's fishing license pinned to the inside pocket. After ascertaining that Mr. Soll was not in his bed an effort was made to locate the body.

A boat was taken below the dam and while some searched there others were at work about the forebay walls. Both water wheels in the power house were opened wide in an effort to suck the body into the forebay against the grating, where it could be better located. At about three o'clock in the morning the workers determined to wait until daybreak and so search was resumed shortly before five o'clock and at five the body was found in a growth of willows just north of the forebay walls.

For the past two months Mr. Soll's health has been failing and he has been given to brooding so that his act can be attributed to this condition. He was well and favorably known in all sections of the county. Coming to Elkader from Elkport, Mr. Soll served for six years - from 1891 to 1897 - as county recorder. During the last two terms of the late Sheriff Martin Dittmer's office he served as deputy sheriff and then continued for two more terms under Mr. Bergemeyer, serving in all eight years from 1907 to 1914, both dates inclusive.

During the first Wilson administration Mr. Soll was commissioned as postmaster of Elkader, but this commission he resigned when ill health overtook him. After a thorough rest at that time he recovered and up until two months ago apparently was enjoying his usual good health.

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(On pg. 04 of the same paper and date appears his obit, but it is very blurred. In addition to the above info the following is extracted from the obit as best it can be made out.)

F. H. Soll was born in Garber, Iowa, on the 18th day of March, 1859, and died at Elkader, Iowa, on the 21st day of June, 1931. On the 28th day of November, 1894, he was united in marriage with Amelia Schmidt of Elkader, and to this union were born three children, Pauline Soll Roehlk, of St. Louis, Mo., Bessie Soll Frame, of Dayton, Oh., and John Soll of Tulsa, Okla. In addition to the immediate family Mr. Soll is also survived by his grandchildren, Verna and Tom Soll, Robert Roehlk, Jimmy and Billy Frame; his brother, Sigmund Soll of Elkport.