Steen, William J.

STEEN, LEEPER

Posted By: Carla Hillgren (email)
Date: 3/17/2019 at 19:56:26

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa
Thursday, July 4, 1901
A very sad affair occurred June 30, about three miles northwest of Van Wert. WILL STEEN had bored a well for George Green. At the depth of forty feet he struck a rock that had to be removed by hand. Next morning STEEN was being lowered by the boring machine and when about ten feet down, called to them to take him out, but before the windlass could be reversed, STEEN fell from the rod to which he was holding, falling about 30 feet, dying instantly. No one could go to him on account of the foul air. Light was reflected down the well, a rope with running noose was lowered and made fast to his foot, and in this way he was drawn up.
WM. J. STEEN was born in Decatur County nearly thirty years ago; has lived in Iowa all his life, except about six years in Missouri. He was married to MISS EMMA LEEPER in Platte City, Mo., on the lst day of December, 1891. To them was born one daughter, now about 6 years of age.
Funeral services were held in the Christian Church at Van Wert, assisted by Rev. J.W. Caldwell and James Blair. The remains were interred in Van Wert Cemetery. A deep gloom has fallen on the community on account of this sad affair. The widow and this fatherless little girl have the sympathy of all.
~ S. SAMSON.
Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
Thursday, July 12, 2001