Frankie Finn 1904-1916

FINN, KREB, ATKINSON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:30

18 August 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

LITTLE BOY IS DROWNED IN THE SLOUGH
Twelve year old Frankie Finn, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Finn of Seventeenth avenue, met his death in the slough at the foot of Fourth street at about 10:30 o'clock this morning.

The little boy was learning to swim, in company with a group of his friends. It is believed he stepped over his head into a hole, and the current carried him out into the middle of the slough.

His older brother, Edward Finn, Tom Peterson, Herman Limbrick, and two or three other boys were bathing in the slough, but before any of the boys noticed there was anything the matter, Frankie was struggling far out in the current, and in a few seconds went down without uttering a cry.

The frightened boys hastened to give the alarm, and soon a crowd had gathered at the bank of the slough, at the rear of the Lamb engine works. Several men went into the river and swam about for hours, diving, endeavoring to locate the body, which, fortunately, was found shortly before one o'clock this afternoon, within a few feet of the spot where the drowning occurred. The remains were taken to the Clarke undertaking establishment, and prepared for burial. Funeral arrangements were not announced early this afternoon.

The little boy who met death in the Mississippi this morning was popular in his neighborhood, and in telling the story to an ADVERTISER reporter his playmates broke down and cried bitterly. Frankie is survived by his parents, one brother, and six sisters. The family home is at No. 502 Seventh avenue.

19 August 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 7

Funeral services for Frankie Finn, who lost his life Friday morning while bathing in the Mississippi river, will be held Sunday afternoon at St. Mary's church in charge of the Rev. Father O'Donnell. Burial will be made in St. Mary's cemetery.

Frank Finn was a bright little lad of 12 years. He was born in Clinton February 3, 1904, and attended the schools of Clinton. He was one of the most popular lads on the playgrounds, according to the supervisor of the South Clinton playground, who said when she heard of the drowning: "One of our best boys! Frankie was the kind of boy one likes to have around. He always helped at the playground, and was one of the brightest little fellows and always full of fun."

Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Finn, six sisters and one brother are left to mourn the loss of their little brother. They are Florence, Adelaide, Lillian and Vivian at home, Mrs. Harry Kreb, Clinton, and Mrs. Atkinson, of Peoria, Ill.

21 August 1916 - The Clinton Advertiser
page 6

The funeral of Frankie Finn, 12 years old, who was drowned in the Mississippi river Friday morning, was held at St. Mary's church Sunday afternoon in charge of the Rev. Father O'Donnell. Burial was made in St. Mary's cemetery.