Bock, Hans 1851-1906

BOCK

Posted By: Linda Mohning (email)
Date: 9/5/2011 at 21:24:53

MAN FROZEN TO DEATH. Hans Bock Found Dead in Straw Stack Near Remsen.
The Remsen Bell-Enterprise gives the following particulars of the finding of Hans Bock who was frozen to death near Remsen on Wednesday.
“While out hunting rabbits Wednesday, February 14, at 5 p.m., the two sons of Rudolph Lang discovered the body of a man lying near a straw stack on the Lindemann farm, three miles southeast of Remsen, where Adolph Yaacks is the tenant. The boys notified Mr. Yaacks at once and he accompanied by George Schroeder, went to the place and there found Hans Bock frozen to death. Bock had been in Remsen all day Monday and indulged freely in his favorite fluid, whiskey. At 10 p.m. he started for home, carrying a supply of fire water in two jugs. It was raining at the time but the rain soon turned into snow. It is supposed that Bock wanted to hide his jugs in the straw stack, knowing that Mr. Yaacks, his employer, would object to have him bring it to the house, that he fell asleep in his attempt and so perished.”
Coroner Heely went to Remsen on Thursday and held an inquest. The jury composed of Rudolph Long [Lang], H. Lindemann and Henry Ricker, returned a verdict to the effect that the man came to his death through excessive use of intoxicants and exposure.
Deceased was not married and had a wealthy brother living at Gladbrook. The funeral was held from the Lutheran church on Saturday and the remains were buried there. – Le Mars Globe Post, Feb. 17, 1906, page 1.

Also –
FOUND DEAD IN STRAW STACK. Hans Bock Meets an Untimely Fate in Snowstorm.
Hans Bock, of Remsen, was found frozen to death in a straw stack on Wednesday evening on the Jaacks farm near that place by the Cooke boys who were out hunting rabbits. The man’s body was covered with snow and he had evidently crawled under the edge of the stack for shelter.
Bock was last seen alive in Remsen on Tuesday where he had been drinking heavily during the afternoon. It is presumed he started to walk to the Jaacks farm, where he was working, distance of four miles and lost his way. The straw stack in which he found is a half mile from the Jaacks house.
Coroner John Beely went to Remsen yesterday and held an inquest. The jury composed of Rudolph Long, Henry Lindemann and Henry Rieker, returned a verdict to the effect that the man came to his death through excessive use of intoxicants and exposure.
A brother of the deceased came from Leadbrooke, Iowa, last night to take charge of the remains. – Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Feb. 16, 1906, page 4.