Hinzman, George 1923 - 1938

HINZMAN, WELCH

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 7/13/2023 at 21:18:20

Clayton County Register, 17 Aug. 1938.

GUTTENBERG: George Hinzman, 15-year-old lad, who drowned in the Turkey river at Turkey River Sunday afternoon, was buried in the city cemetery here yesterday afternoon. Funeral services were held in the Gospel Mission at 2:30.

The tragedy happened at 2:00 p.m. when the youth with a group of friends went swimming in the river near the railroad bridge that spans the stream at Turkey River. The boy, wading in the water got out too far and was swept away by the current, which forms several curves and whirlpools at that point.

Neighbors and fishermen dragged the riverbottom with hooks and lines for 21 hours without finding the body. At eleven o'clock Monday morning a charge of dynamite was tossed into the river near where the boy went down. The resultant explosion brought the body to the surface and Fred Schrunk of Millville brought it to shore.

George was the son of Richard Hinzman of Clermont with whom he was making his home. He was at Turkey River for a visit with his mother, Mrs. Charles Welch, when his death occurred. He was born on June 26, 1923, at Hawkeye.

Surviving in addition to his parents are: three sisters, Dorothy of Clermont, Ester of Elkton, S.D., and Mrs. Ellis Welch of Turkey River. He also leaves two half-brothers, Earl of McGregor and Ray of Garnavillo.