Anderson, Frank 1893-1914

ANDERSON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann (email)
Date: 12/23/2005 at 12:45:29

Akron Register newspaper
Dated August 13, 1914

DROWNS IN THE BIG SIOUX RIVER

Frank Anderson, son if Mr. and Mrs. Will Anderson, east of town, was drowned in the Big Sioux river late Sunday afternoon, under particularly sad circumstances.

With his father and the young man employed on the farm, Lawrence Moran, they went to the river at a point north of town, near the M.A. Agnes farm, and Will Farring, who works the Agnes farm, joined them. The two young men went in bathing and were having a fine time, and Mr. Anderson and Mr. Farring were in a rowboat. Frank was sitting on a log to rest, when he made a slight out cry and suddenly plunged into the water. The two men in the boat at once started to his aid, but in their anxiety to reach the spot where he had disappeared pulled off a block that held one of the oarlocks. This delayed them a few moments, but on reaching the spot Mr. Anderson went over the side of the boat and let himself down full length. He was unable to touch bottom. The young man did not reappear at the surface, and, none of the part being experience swimmers or divers, it was decided to go to nearby houses for assistance. Help was soon at hand and several took up the search. After about a half hour Will Ross, in making a dive, located the body and brought it to the surface. Dr. J. H. Kerr had been summoned in the meantime and used every possible effort to resuscitate the young man, but without avail. After all hope had been abandoned, the sorrowful return trip home was made with the remains.

Where the young man went down the water is said to be about twelve feet deep. There was every indications that he had been seized with cramps, probably while sitting on the log, causing him to fall off.

Francis Andrew Anderson was born at Merrill, Iowa, January 27, 1893, and attained the age of 21 years, 6 months and 13 days. He was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Will Anderson and had lived in Plymouth County all his life. Frank was an exceptionally fine young man in every respect. He was happier at home on the farm than in any other place and seldom left even on a vacation. He was very helpful and always obliging to his home folks and his genial nature made him popular and esteemed by all who knew him. His sad and untimely taking away is a terrible blow to his parents, his sisters, Lillian and Marie, and other near relatives, as well as a cause for profound sorrow in the community where he was so much revered. The widespread sympathy of friends can only in a measure mitigate the keen grief of the loved ones and only time can heal their deep wounds of affliction.

Funeral services were conducted by Father D.K. Hurley in the Church of St. Patrick, Tuesday forenoon at 10:30 o’clock, and were largely attended. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery.

Relatives and friends coming from a distance to attend the funeral were: Mrs. N. Nystrom, sister of Mr. Anderson, and her sons, Edwin and LeRoy, of Sioux City; Mrs. Kate Foley, aunt of Mrs. Anderson, and her grandson, of Ryan, Iowa; Mrs. Kate Moran, of Jackson, Nebr.; Mrs. Peter Arendt and Dr. M.W. Richey, of LeMars.