Robert J. Levelle 1889-1916

LEVELLE, LEVELL, LYNCH, CUSHING, PETERS, BAHNE, BURK, COX

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 10/24/2010 at 18:23:13

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)

R. J. Levell was born April 29, 1889, in Benton county, Iowa. He came to his death in Estherville, Iowa, Nov. 22, 1916, at the age of 27 years, 6 months and 23 days. He came to Emmet County eleven years ago, and for the last five years has resided in Estherville. On April 10, 1910 he was united in marriage to Miss Ella Lynch of this city. To this union three children were born, the youngest being less than three weeks old at the present time.

Besides his wife and family, he leaves to mourn his untimely death a father, four brothers and five sisters. Three of the brothers, Charles, Fred and Frank, reside at Wallingford. The fourth, Shirley, lives at Fort Bliss, Texas. One sister, Mrs. Stella Cushing, also lives at Wallingford. Two sisters, Mrs. K. S. Peters and Mrs. William Bahne, live at Spokane, Washington. Another, Mrs. Fred Burk, resides at Brownsville, Oregon and still another, Mrs. Will Cox, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The family and relatives have the sympathy of the entire community in this dark hour.

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