Oelke, Harold Emil 1894 - 1912
OELKE
Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/24/2023 at 09:27:48
Elkader Register, Thur., 29 Aug. 1912.
A serious automobile accident occurred on the Clayton Hill last Friday afternoon as a result of which Harold Oelke, the second son of Chris. Oelke, of Farmersburg, was instantly killed and Mike Niemeyer and his little son were bruised and shaken.
Young Oelke was taking Mr. Niemeyer and his son from Farmersburg to Clayton in the Ford car kept by his father for livery purposes and when part way down the Clayton hill discovered that the car was beyond his control, owing to the failure of the brakes. He told his passengers to jump and as Mr. Niemeyer did so the car struck a water break and capsized, catching Oelke under it as it rolled over, crushing him to death instantly. Mr. Niemeyer's boy was not clear of the car as it went over but luckily fell clear and was not seriously injured.
It was a sad accident but it should bring home to all automobilists the necessity of knowing that the brakes on their cars are ample and are at all times kept in good condition, besides which great care should be used in going down the heavy and long hills found in so many parts of this county.
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Elkader Register, Thur., 29 Aug. 1912. Garnavillo column.
The remains of Harold Oelke, of Farmersburg, who was killed in an auto accident on Clayton hill last Friday, were brought here for burial, Tuesday.
Elkader Register, Thur., 29 Aug. 1912. Farmersburg column.
(A more complete obit appeared in this column, from which is learned the following:)
Harold Emil Oelke, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris. Oelke, was born in Farmersburg township Aug. 31, 1894, was confirmed in the Lutheran faith April 04th, 1909, was graduated from the Farmersburg public school June 02nd, 1911, and met his death Friday, Aug. 23, 1912. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday by Rev. Theodore Guetzlaff at 9 o'clock at the home and 9:30 at the Lutheran church. The remains were conveyed to Garnavillo, where services were held in the Lutheran church and interment was made in the cemetery there. Besides his parents Harold leaves two brothers and five sisters.
Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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