Frank Neuzil 1854-1918

NEUZIL

Posted By: Melissa Mayhew Grandt (email)
Date: 5/14/2009 at 05:52:12

Iowa City Citizen, Iowa City (Johnson Co.), Iowa, 17 October 1918.

FRANK NEUZIL DROWNED WHILE OUT FISHING
Iowa City Merchant Believed to Have Fallen in River

Iowa City was shocked last evening when at the sounding of the fire alarm bell, calling for assistance, it was learned by anxious inquirers that Frank Neuzil, pioneer merchant of North Iowa City had drowned in the river while fishing.

Not Known When It Happened
It is not known when the sad accident occurred. Mr. Neuzil left his home at 415 North Van Buren street at about two o'clock, and in company with his brother Joseph went to the river just at the foot of Ronolds street and directly north of President Jessup's residence and on the same block. Here they put out a line. The two returned, Frank going to the store and Joseph about his business. Later in the afternoon Frank went to the river and did not return. Shortly before six o'clock Joseph went down to see if any fish were on the line and here he found Frank's hat floating near the bank in some weeds, further search found his cane and a place was discovered where the precipitous bank had been marked as if someone had fallen in. Joseph hastened to call the house to see if his brother had come home and finding that he had not done so, he phoned to the fire station and gave the alarm.

Found in a Few Minutes
Chief J.J. Clark took his grapping hooks and went to the scene. By the aid of a boat the rescuers were enabled to find the body in a few minutes in water about eght feet deep below where the hat and cane were found.

Coroner Murphy Called.
Coroner C.A. Murphy was called and visted the scene of the tragedy but could see no necessity for an inquest. The body was taken at once to Schneider Brothers' undertaking rooms.

Was Honored Citizen
Frank Neuzil was born in Bohemia, August 6, 1854 and came to Johnson county at an early age, 1866, living on a farm in Union township until 1891 when he came to Iowa City and started a store on the corner of Gilbert and Davenport streets, where he conducted the store until his death.

Mr. Neuzil was a leading member and indeed a charter member of Marquette council of the Knights of Columbus and was active in other Catholic and Bohemia societies.

He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Therese C. Neuzil, six sons two daughters, his mother, Mrs. Thomas Neuzil, of this city, two brothers and five sisters. The sons are: Carl E., of the Citizens Savings and Trust Company; Dr. W.J. of Cedar Rapids, Edward at Theological seminary St. Louis; Vincent in the service at Ames; Otho at home; Melvin at home; and daughters Rose and Agnes, the latter stenographer in the law office of W.J. Baldwin.

The brothers are: John W. of Union township; Jame M. of Iowa City; five sisters as follows: Mrs. John Vrchoticky and Mrs. Frank Machovec of this city and Mrs. James Dvorak of Mt. Vernon; Mrs. Joseph Pitlick of Aahe, S.D. and Mrs. James Hurt of Union township.

Mr. Neuzil was loved and respected by all. He was a splendid neighbor and a good citizen. He endeared himself to all who knew him and the little children of North Iowa City who made frequent visits to the little store yill miss him as much as the older people. A large number of people will grieve to learn of his untimely death.

Funeral services will be private at the home on North Van Buren street at 9:00 a.m. Friday.

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