Martin Nowachek 1883-1954

NOWACHEK, BROWN, EATON, DESMOND, TECH, CARRINGTON

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 9/1/2022 at 09:01:04

28 June 1954 - The Anamosa Journal

CENTER JUNCTION - Martin Nowachek was killed accidently last Friday about 8:15 a.m. while working on a barn remodeling job seven miles northwest of Onslow.

Nowachek received a fractured skull when he dislodged with an axe a 4 x 6-inch timber being used as a prop against the side of the barn. Barn was being jacked up in order to replace an old foundation wall when the accident occurred.

Timber sprung out from under the frame side of the barn and struck Nowachek a fatal blow n the left side of his skull. He moved his arm just once. Entire wall fell out, but none of the limestone block masonry fell on Nowachek.

Harry Chase, Center Junction, has the contract to repair the barn from Kennedy Lumber Co., Onslow. He was employing as day labor, Nowachek, who farms 1 1/2 miles southeast of Center Junction. Andrew Davis, Center Junction, was working with Chase and Nowachek at the time the accident occurred.

Accident was on the farm owned by Mrs. Ella Scroggle, Mount Vernon, and tenanted by Acel Topping, two miles west of Canton.

Body was taken to Wallace Bros. Funeral home at Wyoming.

Martin Nowachek was born Oct. 25, 1883 at Oxford Junction, Iowa. He attended Oxford Junction school and finished in Chicago. He attended the Musical conservatory at Chicago. He studied the violin and graduated at the age of 15 with top honors.

After finishing his musical education, Nowachek formed his own 16-piece stringed orchestra. He played first chair violin with the Chicago symphony orchestra, until ill health forced him to quit and start farming near Center Junction.

Nowachek played occasionally at Farm Bureau gatherings, but farm work had taken its toll of his once adept hands and fingers.

In 1931, he married Miss Estelle Brown, Grand Marsh, Wisc. Couple have four children, Theresa, Iowa City, JoAnn, Martin, jr., and Andrew, at home. One daughter, Mary Julia, died as an infant.

Other survivors are: one brother, Frank Nowachek, Adams, Wisc.; and four sisters, Mrs. Katie Eaton, Mrs. Agnes Desmond, Adams, Wisc.; Mrs. Josie Tech and Mrs. Anana Carrington, Oxford Junction.

Funeral service was held Monday at 9 a.m. from Hayden Funeral home, Oxford Junction.