Toben, Carl died age 32 in 1921

TOBEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/30/2010 at 13:51:48

CARL TOBEN, YOUNG FARMER, VICTIM OF FATALITY

A drowning fatality took place in the Big Sioux River on Sunday afternoon in which Carl Toben, a farm hand, aged 32, was the victim.

Toben in company with half a dozen other young men went bathing in the river about a mile south of Crill's mill, Toben could not swim. One of the party placed a stake in the water where a shallow place suddenly deepened and it is said Toben was warned not to go beyond this point. While the members of the party were swimming and disporting themselves, Toben suddenly disappeared in the water slipping into a deep hole and was carried downstream by an undercurrent before any of his companions realized what had happened or make an attempt at a rescue. A large number attracted by the news of the drowning gathered on the bank of the river and a number of swimmers dived at different points in the river in an effort to locate the body, without avail. The search was conducted until after dark and several charges of dynamite were thrown into the river to bring the body to the surface. The body was recovered. at eight o'clock yesterday morning about half a mile from the place at which he was last seen. Sheriff Maxwell was called over on Sunday night by the news of the drowning and returned there again yesterday. Coroner A. B. Barnett was called out from Merrill yesterday but his services were not needed as the drowning was purely an accident.

Toben worked on a farm near Westfield and had lived in that vicinity for the past ten years. His parents live in Germany. An uncle, Carl Toben, lives near Westfield and another uncle Antone Toben in South Dakota. The remains were taken in charge by an undertaker from Akron.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, June 14, 1921
Le Mars, Iowa