Frank J. Bakey 1868-1903

BAKEY, RAPPE

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 11/25/2021 at 15:22:49

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, IA
Wednesday, November 18, 1903
Page 4

Frank J. Bakey was helping his father-in-law, Geo. Rappe, living a mile and a half east of town, to thresh. One siting had just been completed and the machine was about to be moved to another setting a few rods away. With two or three others, Bakey had climbed to the top of a small stack, better to observe the construction train in the valley below, when a request came that the men come down and assist moving the separator. All slid off the stack, the others without injury, but poor Frank Bakey slid full on to a stake about six feet long which was resting against the stack. The stick entered his leg about three inches below the groin, tearing the fleshy part, and penetrated his stomach full fourteen inches. He was literally impaled and as he fell forward the cruel stick forced its way toward his backbone. Assistance quickly reached him, but it was with difficulty that the instrument of death could be removed, so firmly was it imbedded in the stomach and muscles. The unfortunate man was carried to Mr. Rappe's house nearby and Dr. Love hurriedly sent for.

It took but a glance and a cursory examination to satisfy the doctor that death must come in a few hours at most, but he remained at the bedside and alleviated the terrible sufferings of the wounded man by the administering of anesthetics, until the end came at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon. It was one of the saddest accidents that has ever shocked this community. Deceased was merely assisting Mr. Rappe as a act of accommodation and because of the scarcity of help. On the morning of the fatal day, as though he felt a premonition of impending danger, he remarked to his brother Will, that he would rather not go that day. The brother volunteered to take his place, but Frank refused and went to his doom. His shocking death cases a shadow over the entire community.

Frank J. Bakey was born in Cedar county, Iowa, August 17, 1868, and has been a resident of Preston for many years. In 1803 he was married to Miss Mary C. Rappe, by whom he is survived together with a young son four years old; also an aged mother, two sisters and two brothers. Funeral services were held at the home of Geo. Rappe yesterday afternoon, Revs. Burkhardt and Orth officiating. The fire company, of which deceased was a member, escorted the remains to Crown Hill cemetery, preceded by the entire band, some thirty pieces, playing a beautiful dirge. The funeral procession was one of the largest ever seen in Preston, covering about four blocks.