Carr, Johnnie died 1886

CARR, HAYES

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/9/2022 at 09:09:59

Elkader Register, Thur., 13 May 1886.

Last Sunday evening the farm of Dennis Hayes, near Littleport, was the scene of a sad accident, in which Johnnie Carr, the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, lost his life. The particulars, as we learn them from Mr. Hayes, are as follows:

In the evening about 6 o'clock Johnnie saw Georgie Shere driving home his cows, and he asked Mrs. Hayes for permission to go over and play with him. In order to get to Mr. Shere's place it is necessary to cross Doe Creek which runs through the Hayes' farm, and as it was swollen from the heavy rains of Sunday, Mrs. H. told him not to go, and then went about her work, preparing to do the milking. Soon she wanted Johnnie to do some errand and called for him. Receiving no answer she went to look for him, but he was no where to be seen. Suspecting that he had gone to Mr. Shere's against her wishes she informed Mr. Hayes, and he continued the search. He was not at the neighbors, and then the sad truth dawned upon them that he must have been drowned in trying to cross the creek on a log, which was used by the family when going over the creek.

Search was at once made by the neighbors, and continued far into the night, but without success. It was renewed on Monday morning, and about ten o'clock the body was found. Coroner Cain was at once summoned and after hearing testimony the jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts.

The victim of this sad accident was a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Carr, of Highland township, and was 6 years of age in January last. He was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Hayes a little over a year ago, and they became much attached to him, and mourn his death deeply.