Austin Apple Blakey 1891-1893

BLAKEY, APPLE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 7/2/2010 at 22:18:51

Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Blakey were deeply bereaved last Saturday by a very peculiar accident. Their little Austin, a little over two years old, climbed up the side of a water tank supposed to be out of his range. A tub in the tank containing about six inches of water, was just before him. It is supposed that the child lost his balance and the little hands clutched the sides of the tub and the face went into the water between them. The position was so strained that he was helpless, and the little fellow drowned without wetting his clothing or even his hair. Only a few moments out of his mother’s sight, when a little brother sent to learn what he was doing found him in this pitiable plight. The doctor was sent for, and vigorous efforts made for resuscitation were made, but no sign of life appeared. Mr. and Mrs. Blakey are exceedingly fond parents. Their children are their chief care, and a knowledge of the facts in this case suggests no blame, but in their devotion and grief they have doubtless tortured themselves with speculation as to how the accident might have been averted. This makes the case peculiarly distressing. The family have the sympathy of the community in large measure. The funeral at the M.E. church on Sunday was largely attended. (Spirit Lake Beacon, Spirit Lake, IA, June 2, 1893) Note: Mother was Ella Apple Blakey