Joseph Pluth 1893-1930

PLUTH, SKEDEL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 5/3/2012 at 22:52:41

Wallingford Sailor Drowns in Europe in Saving Woman’s Life
Wallingford, July 25 – Joe Pluth, an enlisted man in the United States navy, was given a 27-day furlough to visit his mother in Jugo Slavia, whom he had not seen since 1907. For three days he enjoyed a visit with the 80 year old woman. Then, while at a beach, he attempted to rescue a drowning woman, and altho Pluth was an excellent swimmer, he was drowned. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, Mason City, IA, July 26, 1930)

Details of Pluth Drowning Sent by His Mother
Joe Pluth, who made his home on a farm south of Estherville, joined the navy in 1918 and sailed on the U.S.S. Arkansas. While on a cruise he stopped in – Slavia to visit his mother and other relatives and while there drowned July 4. Details were lacking at the time the Enterprise mentioned the fact soon afterwards. Recently, John Pluth, received a letter from his mother. The letter was written in English for her by a former American as follows:

My dear son, John:
Your letter received. I was often wondering why you didn’t write and Martin also forgot me.

I can hardly write the cruel truth that happened, as I am overwhelmed with grief.

The happiness, when Joseph came home I can not describe. The beautiful hours I had with him. He always was good to me, but specially now, while on his vacation at home. He almost carried me in his arms.

One day we went all together to “Wall Fahrt” Marijg Pomagaj, Brerje, then to Blad, Veldes. On our way home we stopped in Ljubijand and had our pictures taken. I suppose you will know me and your cousin, Mary Skedel. The girls and the boy are your sister’s children – and of course, you will know our beloved Joe.

The weather was very hot, when Joe was home, so he decided one day to go to Metlika to visit some distant relatives at their invitation – and also went bathing in the river Kulpa. Trying to save a drowning woman, he lost his own life. Everybody was surprised how that could happen to a seaman. A doctor was there immediately and said it was a hemorrhage of the brain. The place where he drowned was only about 3 yards for the shore. The doctor tried hard to save him, but nothing could be done, that would save his life.

This happened at 2 o’clock in the afternoon July 4th.

The body was brought home in an auto a few hours later. You can just about imagine my feeling, when they brought home my dead son. O, it was terrible. If I would not have my daughter’s children with me, I don’t know how I could bring this through.

I have notified the Commander of vessel Arkansas, where Joseph was employed. The Commander answered me within a few days, that he notified Martin by wire and also expressed his sympathy to me, mentioning that Joseph had the best record that any man could have.

Among his papers I found the paper of his leave, so I thought I had better notify the Commander at once. I have not found your address, neither of my son, Martin. So, I could not write till I heard from you first. From Martin I have not received any letter yet. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, September 24, 1930)

Note: per 1915 census, Joe Pluth was born in 1893