SMOLA, FRANK

SMOLA, GURIUS, INGALLS, BRADY

Posted By: bj denahey (email)
Date: 5/25/2007 at 16:11:30

Jackson Sentinel, Maquoketa, Iowa
Thursday, October 5, 1893
Over a Precipice
Fatal Fall of Frank Smola, a Farmer

Frank Smola, aged 27 years and the only son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Smola, who reside on a farm north of Maquoketa in Perry township, met with an accident Sunday evening which resulted in his death Tuesday morning. It seems that a bee tree had been found some two miles from Mr. Smola's place and near the farm of Scott Brady, and on Sunday night together with several other young people Frank concluded to go and secure the honey. The night was dark and the tree stood near the edge of a bluff. Before he was aware of it and without the slightest warning Frank made a misstep and down he went sixteen feet below, alighting upon a stump on his back and fracturing his spinal column near the third rib. Two others of the party narrowly escaped following him over the bluff. They at once went to his rescue and picking him up carried him to Scott Brady's house but a short distance away. Drs. Littlefield of Andrew and Loose of Maquoketa were at once called, but could do nothing more than give temporary relief until death would end his sufferings. The injury paralyzed the whole body and he seemed to realize at once that his end was near and in his last hours did all he could to comfort and assauge the grief of his friends. His parents were at Cedar Rapids at the time visiting friends and did not arrive home until after his death Tuesday morning. They were completely prostrated with grief over their terrible affliction, for Frank was an intelligent, industrious, honorable young man and the pride and hope of his father and mother who had entrusted their entire responsibilities to his excellent judgment. The funeral will occur at the home to-day and the remains will be buried in Mt. Hope cemetery, this city. There were but three children in the family, Frank and two married sisters---Mrs. Fred Gurius and Mrs. Walter Ingalls