Hieke, Henry 1888 - 1920

HIEKE

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/3/2011 at 15:35:37

IS FOUND DROWNED
BODY OF HENRY HIEKE DISCOVERED IN FLOYD RIVER

PROBABLY DEAD FOR MANY WEEKS

Young Stanton Township Farmer Is Thought to Have Been Despondent Alive by Relatives on February 23.

The body of Henry Hieke, aged about 35 years, a farmer in Stanton Township was found in the Floyd River late on Sunday afternoon. The gruesome discovery was made by Albert Adden, the owner of the farm generally known as the old Nicholson place. Mr. Alden was out on his land near the river rounding up some cattle when his eye caught the inanimate object lying half out and half in the water, at a point eighty rods north of the railroad bridge on the Illinois Central railroad. The body was in mid-stream caught by a branch of a large tree lying prone across the bough with the head and feet submerged in the water.

Corner A. B. Barnett who resides in Merrill was notified and drove out and took charge of the remains and J.S. Emgelken of Le Mars was also notified.

The coroner established identity by papers in the pockets of the dead man. A considerable sum of money was also found in his clothing indicating that no foul play in connected with the circumstances surrounding his death.

The body was dressed in winter clothing, with heavy underwear and a mackinaw coat. From appearances the body had been in the water for a long time.

The coroner yesterday, in answer to a telephone call stated that he did not think an inquest would be necessary. From information obtained by the coroner, it stated that Hieke was last seen alive on February 23. He talked with his sister-in-law Mrs. Albert Hieke on that dater it is learned.

Hieke’s wife obtained a divorce from him a few months ago and this fact it is believed preyed on his mind.

His mother, who resides in this city, stated yesterday that she had not seen him since January. At that time he told her he was going to his farm. She was prostrated with grief on hearing of his sad end on Sunday evening and was seriously ill yesterday.

Hieke had acted in a peculiar manner for some time, being morose and despondent since his wife had been granted a divorce.

The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at Melbourne, Rev. J. J. DeWall of Le Mars officiating.

Henry Hieke was born in Plymouth County, and lived here all his life.

He leaves three little children, two of whom are with his mother in Le Mars.

His death is also mourned by his brother and sisters who are Albert Hieke, Mrs. Nick Wilhelm, Mrs. Fred Schultz, Mrs. Val Sitzman and Miss Theresa Hieke, all of this vicinity.

Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Tuesday, June 1, 1920
Le Mars, Iowa