Clarence J. Maiers 1904-1930

MAIERS, LYNCH, PLATT

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 9/24/2016 at 23:15:58

Dyersville Commercial: August 27, 1930
YOUNG HOLY CROSS RESIDENT DROWNED MISSISSIPPI RIVER
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CLARENCE J MAIERS SEIZED WITH CRAMPS WHILE SWIMMING
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Accident Occurred Mile South of North Buena Vista, Iowa

Holy Cross, Ia., Aug.27-- Clarence J. Maiers, 25 lost his life in the Mississippi River at a point about a mile south of North Buena Vista last Sunday afternoon about one o'clock. While bathing he sank into a hole 14 feet deep, having been seized with cramps. His body was recovered in the eveniing at about 7:30.

Young Maiers, in company with Art and Howard Lynch and Harold Platt, left home Saturday to enjoy several days fishing on the river. He had planned to return home Sunday afternoon and before leaving the river, the boys concluded to go swimming. Maiers had complained of not feeling well after the first swim, but later stated he was alright and he returned to the water, Art Lynch having him by the hand. Again assuring the comrades he was alright he walked out a few steps and fell over backwards and disappeared beneath the surface. Lynch made a grab for his hands as he went down and becoming overbalanced, also got into the hole and he was rescued by his brother and young Platt. Maiers however failed to come up and efforts were made to save him, but he could not be located. After hours of searching his body was recovered by John Saylor, not far from the spot he went down.

The news of the young mans death came as a shock to all for he was well known over the north county, where he was born and where he had spent most of his young life.

Coroner Beerman, of Clayton county was called, who held an inquest Monday afternoon and the verdict was death by accidental drowning.
Mr. Maiers was born on the Maiers homestead here and received his education in the local school. On January 14, 1925 he was married to Miss Leona Grawe, of Dyersville, and the widow and a daughter, Mary Joyce survive. His mother died suddenly last April and his father was struck by lightning and killed many years ago. He leaves two sisters Hilda and Leona and two brothers Alphonse and Louis and his stepfather Nicholas Ries of Holy Cross.

The deceased was engaged in the implement business in Holy Cross and some years ago operated a gas tank line at Dyersville. He was an ambitious young man of excellent traits and during the years he lived here, became popular with all who knew him.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning from the family home at Holy Cross to St. Francis Church at Dyersville, where requiem mass was sung for the repose of his soul by Rev. Father Entinger and interment was made at St. Francis cemetery, Very Rev. Father Warning officiating at the services graveside. The funeral was one of the largest ever seen here, the cortege having been fully a mile and a half long.