Goodsell, William died 1936

GOODSELL, STENCE

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 4/29/2023 at 22:15:16

Clayton County Register, 22 July 1936.

ELKPORT: William Goodsell, a brother of Mrs. Michael Stence, was drowned in the Mississippi River near Specht's Ferry Friday. The deceased was 64 years of age and was born and raised at Elkport. His remains were brought to Elkport and burial was in St. Michael's cemetery, Rev. Wm. Goetzinger officiating.

Goodsell, who formerly worked as a telegraph operator for the Milwaukee railroad at Specht's Ferry, was believed to have fallen overboard where he was fishing from his boat. Anton Schneller, who lives in the immediate vicinity, was the first person to discover the tragedy. He said he saw Goodsell's boat floating down the river. After he pulled the boat to shore, he then towed in a trout line which was fastened to the boat. Suddenly, he said, he felt a sudden jolt on the line, similar to catching a snag. However, he was able to continue pulling in the line. When the end of the line was reached, he discovered Goodsell's body caught on a hook.

Schneller immediately notified Sheriff T. J. Ryder's office and Deputy Leo Eisbach and Coroner Dr. C. C. Coady went to the scene. At an inquest in the afternoon, a verdict that Goodsell came to his death as the result of accidental drowning was returned. The jurors were: Carl Moes, Joe Tschudi, and Schneller.