Schiefen, John Theodore, 1882-1920

SCHIEFEN, JACOBE

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/18/2012 at 09:01:33

FATAL AUTO MISHAP
Theodore Schiefen Met Death Last Friday
Accident Occurred Near Home in Washington Township.--J. C. McNally Also Injured

An automobile catastrophe, in which J. T. Schiefen received injuries from which he died within an hour, and J. C. McNally was painfully bruised and miraculously escaped death, occurred about seven o'clock last Friday evening near the center school house in Washington township, seven miles southeast of Hawarden. Both men were prominent and well known farmers of Washington township.

They had been to Ireton in Mr. Schiefen's car and were on their way home when the accident occurred. As they crossed the highway intersection near the center school house a rough place caused Mr. Schiefen to lose control of the car and it left the road. He evidently set the brakes which caused the car to skid and turn over. Both men were thrown out. Schiefen's back was broken, his arm fractured and his face was badly cut and lacerated. He was rendered insensible and did not regain consciousness. He was brought to the McAllister-Meyer hospital in Hawarden, but expired just before reaching there. Mr. McNally was badly bruised about the hips and body, but no bones were broken, and he was able to walk to a nearby farm house and summon assistance. Mr. McNally has been confined to the house since the accident, but is recovering from his injuries.

The automobile, a new Stephens, was badly wrecked. The steering wheel was ripped off as Schiefen's body was thrown against it, both wheels on one side were broken off and the fenders were badly bent, while the front of the car was twisted out of shape.

An extremely sad feature of the catastrophe is the leaving of the broken-hearted wife and six small children, the eldest of whom is only twelve and the youngest three years of age.

John Theodore Schiefen was born in Perkinsville, N.Y., August 14, 1882. He came to Sioux county with his parents in 1884 and grew up on their fine farm in Eagle township. He has since made his home in this vicinity. On Sept. 30, 1908, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Jacobe. Six children were born to this union, Paul, Philip, Dorothy, Frank, Vincent and Helen. After their marriage they followed farming and for the past few years have resided on a farm in Washington township. He was a hard worker and took pride in his farm work.

Besides his wife and children he leaves his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Schiefen of this city, and six brothers, Joseph of Goodland, Kan., William, Louis, George, Julius and Chris of Hawarden, and one sister, Sister Catherine, of Louisville, Ky.

Funeral services were held at 9:30 Monday morning at the Catholic church in this city, Rev. Fr. Bradley conducting the services. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery here. The condolences of a wide circle of friends is extended to the bereaved wife and children, the sorrowing father and mother and brothers and sister in their hour of sadness.

Among the out of town relatives and friends in attendance at the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pollock of Merrill, Iowa; Mrs. Fred Hansman and William Young of Sioux City; Joseph Rudder of LeMars; Mr. and Mrs. Adam Roeder and Fred and Miss Dora Haefner of Arthur, Iowa; and Joseph Schiefen of Goodland, Kan.

Source: Hawarden Independent, September 16, 1920.