Gustavus C. "Gus" Hausz 1876-1920

HAUSZ, FINLEY, STEWART, MOORE

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/23/2012 at 21:16:14

Geo. (Gus) C. Hausz is Victim of Fatal Accident
Falls From Fire Escape in Hot Springs Arkansas
Was on Trip to the South
Remains Brought to Estherville and Funeral Held Tuesday Afternoon
The many friends of G. C. Hausz were shocked to hear of his sudden death last Thursday at Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mr. Hausz had left on a trip of inspection to the oil fields in the south in company with a party from this section of the state. After looking the properties over, the party started north, stopping at Kansas City. From here Mr. Hausz intended to go to Excelsior Springs, Mo., to take treatments for rheumatism, but after leaving the party he must have changed his mind, as he went to Arkansas instead. His decision to make the change must have come suddenly for a ticket to Excelsior Springs was found on the body.

Mr. Hausz had been in poor health for a year or more, and it was hoped the trip and treatment at the springs would benefit him.

The cause of the sad accident is hard to determine. The reports from Hot Springs are to the effect that Mr. Hausz left his room by way of the fire escape, climbing upward to the roof of a three-story building. At the point where the escape reached the roof, he was seen by parties watching him to loose his hold and fall backwards. It is thought by his friends that Mr. Hausz was not in his right mind on account of his illness, as they can in no other way account for his change in plans in going to Hot Springs after having bought a ticket to Excelsior Springs. This would also be the possible reason for his leaving his room by the fire escape, and account for his fall. The roof of the building from which he fell is about forty-five feet from the ground, Mr. Hausz falling the entire distance.

Just prior to leaving for the south Mr. Hausz had planned to make a more extended trip to Galveston and other southern cities with C. E. Person. Mr. Person had intended to have his wife accompany him, and if so, Mr. Hausz was to telegraph his wife to join the party. Mr. Hausz was to notify Mr. Person when he could meet him at the end of the inspection trip, but the first word received was the notice of the sad accident.

Miles Erb and W. G. Gordon made the trip to Hot Springs to bring back the remains, the funeral being held Tuesday afternoon from the Christian church. Rev. H. C. Hurd of Rock Rapids, Iowa, formerly pastor of the local church, conducted the services. A large number of friends attended and paid their last respects.

Obituary
Gustavus C. Hausz, son of Michael and Pauline Hausz, was born at Wellington, Ill., May 6, 1876, and died January 8, 1920, aged 43 years, 7 months and 6 days. He was married to Mary E. Finley, September 30, 1896. To this union seven children were born, one son and one daughter dying in infancy. The others are Mrs. Ethel Stewart, Mrs. Ray Moore, Thelma, Chas. and LaVaughn. Besides his wife and children, Mr. Hausz leaves to mourn his death his aged parents, three brothers and two sisters. He united with the Christian church at the age of sixteen years, giving the best part of his life to the work of his denomination. Mr. Hausz and wife moved to Emmet county in 1897, and have always been identified with any progressive movement in the upbuilding of the community. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, January 14, 1920)