Martsfeld, John 1889-1920

MARTSFELD, JENSEN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/28/2019 at 06:53:30

DROWNED IN BRULE CREEK

John Martsfeld was drowned in Brule creek, a few miles west of Akron, at about 10 o'clock this (Thursday) forenoon. With him in a lumber wagon drawn by four horses, was Del. Harkness and they were driving to the Amundson farm, six and a half miles southwest of here, which Mr. Martsfeld had rented for the coming year.

As they drove upon the steel bridge over Brule creek, it suddenly collapsed and both men, wagon and teams were thrown into the stream. Struggling in the swift and icy waater, Martsfeld and Harkness held onto one another for a few moments but finally Martsfeld let go his hold, and, impeded by a heavy coat, was carried downstream and disappeared from view.

Harkness, by desperate efforts, managed to reach the bank and safety. His team and one of Martfeld's horses were drowned.

George Farrin, who has been working for Mr. Martsfeld, was driving a short distance behind them in another rig, but did not get onto the bridge. Searchers working until dark did not locate the missing man.

Mr. Martsfeld has been farming southeast of Akron the past few years. He was industrious and well thought of.

He is survived by a wife and three children. Mrs. Andrew Jurgenson, east of town, is a sister. His parents live at Ottumwa, S.D. Many friends join in deep sympathy with the sadly bereaved relatives.

The Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, March 11, 1920
Akron, Iowa
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J. MARTSFELD'S BODY FOUND

Recovered from Brule Creek Nearly a Week After Drowning--Funeral in Akron Friday Afternoon.

After searching parties had worked incessantly for nearly a week along the course of Brule creek, the body of John Martsfeld, who was drowned below the bridge near the S. S. Eldem place, about six miles southwest of here, last Thursday forenoon, March 11, was found yesterday afternoon at 4 o'clock, a half mile below the place of the fatal accident.

The finding relieved the great suspense under which his relatives had been held. The remains were conveyed to Elk Point and placed in charge of an undertaker.

The facts relating to the falling of the bridge over which Mr. Martsfeld was driving and his drowning were practically correct as given in these columns last week.

The parents of the deceased, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Martsfeld of Ottumwa, S. D., and a brother Henry Martsfeld, of Redfield, S. D., arrived here soon after the accident.

The remains will be brought to Akron from Elk Point tomorrow (Friday) forenoon, and funeral services will be conducted by Rev. M. E. Spahr in the Akron M. E. church at 1:00 p.m.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, March 18, 1920
Akron, Iowa
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OBITUARY

The tragic death of John Martsfeld through accident and drowning in Brule creek, southwest of here in Union county, S. D., on March 11, 1920, has been previously mentioned in these columns, also the finding of his body nearly a week later about a half mile below the point where the bridge collapsed and drew him into the swollen creek. He died at the age of 30 years, 6 months and 59 days.

John Fred Martsfeld was born in Germany, September 12, 1889, and came to America with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Martsfeld, when three years of age, locating near, Akron, Ia. He was united in marriage with Miss Sadie Jensen on the 12th of September, 1913, and this union was blessed with three daughters.

Mr. Martsfeld had engaged in farming southeast of here for several years, but had moved to the A. Amundson farm, southwest of town, in Union county, S.D., for the coming year, just previous to his death. He was an honest, upright, hard working young man and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

Left to mourn his untimely departure are his wife and three daughters; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Martsfeld, of Ottumwa, So. Dakota, three brothers and five sisters--Henry, of Redfield, S. D.; Chris, of Alpena, S.D.; Newton of Ottumwa, S. D.; Mrs. Andrew Jurgenson, of Akron, Ia.; Mrs. J. Louison, of Elbon, S.D.; Lena, Marie and Lizzie Martsfeld, of Ottumwa, S.D.

The remains were brought here from Elk Point last Friday and funeral services held that afternoon in the Akron M. E. church, conducted by Rev. M. E. Spahr. The church was well filled by friends who attended the services and there were many beautiful floral offerings. Interment was in Riverside cemetery.

Relatives present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Martsfeld, of Ottumwa, S. D., and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martsfeld, of Redfield, S. D.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, March 25, 1920
Akron, Iowa
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