Mrs. John Riley

RILEY, ZOOK

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 11/15/2020 at 12:21:46

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa Friday, June 17, 1892 page 5

Mrs. John Riley and grandchild, infant daughter of John Zook and wife were drowned, Monday evening, in a slough near Crawfordsville. John Zook, wife and child; his mother, Catherine Zook; Mrs. John Riley, Mrs. Zook's mother; and Jessie Riley were all in a wagon returning home from Windfield after the heavy floods of Monday. In attempting to cross a slough, usually dry, within a half mile of their home found themselves beyond their depth and afloat. Mrs. Zook was caught in a wire fence and had her hand and arm terribly lacerated. Mrs. Catherine Zook, the old lady, floated over the fence and fortunately got hold of a floating panel of fence by the help of which she saved herself and the boy Jessie. Mr. Zook became entangled with the wagon and team and was unable to do anything toward saving his family. The funeral of the two unfortunate ones occurred Wednesday. Services were conducted at the residence. A great crowd of people came out to witness the solemn services, which were conducted by Rev. U. B. Smith, Ft Madison; Rev. Baker, Crawfordsville, and Rev. Clapp. John Riley is a brother of G. W. Riley of this place. The latter with his wife attended the funeral.