Frank Sylvester Hanna 1896-1916

HANNA, STRAIGHT, STRAIT

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/24/2010 at 18:21:58

Two Young Men Killed
Robert Levelle and Frank S. Hanna Meet Death While Digging Sewer Ditch
Ground Caves on Them
Frightful Accident Occurred on North Sixth Street This Forenoon

Two of Estherville’s young men, Robert Levelle and Frank S. Hanna, met a frightful death this forenoon about half past eleven while they were digging a sewer on North Sixth street near the home of Warren Pullen. The earth caved in on them and they were smothered to death before they could be rescued. When help reached them they were standing erect but life was extinct. Death was doubtless almost instantaneous. The ditch was about eight feet deep where they were.

The bodies were removed and taken to Warren Pullen lot where they were left until the families were notified of the awful accident.

Mr. Levelle leaves a wife and three small children and Mr. Hanna was only recently married to Miss Hattie Strait. Both victims of the accident were young men about twenty-five years of age.

The bereaved families have the sincere sympathy of the entire community in their affliction. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, November 22, 1916)

Frank Sylvester Hanna, son of Mason and Emma Hanna, was born on a farm near Humboldt, Iowa, August 21, 1896. He came to his death in Estherville, Iowa, November 22, 1916, at the age of 20 years, 3 months and 1 day. He spent most of his life in Humboldt county. He came to Estherville a few months ago to make his home. He was married to Miss Hattie Straight of this city, October 10, 1916. Besides the wife he leaves to mourn his departure a mother, five brothers and six sisters, his father and one sister having preceded him to the spirit world. The sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances is extended to the bereaved wife and other relatives in this sad hour of grief.

The funeral services were conducted at the Christian Church Saturday afternoon at two o’clock by the minister, Rev. J. S. Coffin, after which the remains were laid to rest in Oakhill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 22, 1916)