Hugh Meier

MEIER, GERST, LILGA

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/22/2018 at 22:56:58

Oakville Sentinel, July 25, 1935, page 1

Two brothers, Hugh and Adolph Meier, of Peoria, were drowned in the Flint Creek north of Burlington Sunday morning. They were visiting at the home of their uncle, Julius Gerst, having arrived there from Peoria the evening before.

After breakfast Adolph decided to take a swim and with his sister, Ethel, went to a place about a quarter of a mile above the Gerst home. Other members of the family followed and when they arrived Adolph was already in the water. He was told that the water was deep, but evidently he did not hear, as he suddenly sank from sight. His brother Hugo went to his assistance, but was not successful, as he too soon sank from sight. It is believed that he either suffered cramps, or was pulled under by his brother that he was attempting to save. Police and members of the fire department hurried to the scene in response to the call for help. Both bodies were soon recovered, and for over an hour the firemen worked over them with the city's inhalator, but were unable to save them.

The bodies were removed to the Unterkircher funeral home to be prepared for their removal to Peoria.

This sad tragedy was a great shock to many of this community who were acquainted with the family. The boys mother is a sister to Henry Gerst of Oakville, Julius Gerst, of Burlington, and Eugene Gerst, of Wapello. Their father, Jacob Meier had been working near Oakville this month.

This was to have been a reunion of the Meier and Gerst family, a reunion that was turned into one of sadness for all by the death of these two young men.

Saturday evening, Mrs. Meier and children, including the two sons, Hugh and Adolph and the latter's wife and baby arrived at the Gerst home and it was a pleasant gathering and plans had been made for other members of the two families to join in the reunion. They came, but to a gathering of sadness instead of happiness.

Hugo Meier was born in Peoria June 1, 1911, and was aged 21 years, 1 month and 20 days. He was united in marriage to Ida May Lilga, December 24, 1933, who with an infant daughter survives.

Adolph Meier was born in Peoria May 21, 1916, and was aged 19 years and two months.

Both are survived by their parents, four sisters and two brothers.

The remains were taken to Peoria Monday and the funeral services were held Tuesday. A number of relatives from here attended the funeral services.