George Walker

WALKER

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/16/2021 at 14:06:30

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Wednesday, September 23, 1896
page 1

Word was received here pm Wednesday, morning of last week, that Mr. George Walker had been missing from his home since the previous day. He was last seen alive by his son, Hugh, on Tuesday morning between 7 and 8 o'clock, at which time he want to the barn with the intention of driving to this place to procure medicine for a violent pain in his head. Soon after he went to the barn it began to rain, and the family became alarmed at his protracted absence. His son went in search of him but failed to find any trace, except for that he had made preparations for his trip to town. He alarmed the neighbors and the whole community joined in the search, which was kept up all day and throughout the night. All day Wednesday the people continued in their ? to find the missing man, but without avail, and it was afternoon on Thursday when a party found the body in a pond of water about a fourth of a mile from the house. He had evidently waded into the water and sat down even then being compelled to bend forward in order to submerge his face, as the top of the shoulders and back of the head were above the surface when found. He had removed his coat, vest, hat and necktie before entering the water. He told his son but a short time before his disappearance that he had had trouble with his head for a year or more and this is believed to be responsible for his rash act. Deceased was seventy-two years old and had been a resident of the community where he died, since 1852, and was much respected by all who knew him. Mrs. Walker died about two years ago and he made his home with his son, Hugh Walker. The funeral was held on Friday conducted by Rev. M. J. Pusey. Interment at Indian Creek cemetery.