Faber, Frank 1850-1916

FABER, HINES

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 1/18/2014 at 15:04:12

July 20, 1916 Sioux Count Herald

The follow was taken from the Hawarden Independent.

While in a despondent state of mind, Frank Faber, father of John and William Faber of this city, ended his life about five o'clock Saturday morning by drowning himself in the big Sioux river just below Ensign's mill dam. He was seen to enter the water by A. G. Ensign but that gentleman did not mistrust his intentions until it was too late to save him. He stuck a stick in the bank and left his hat on top of it and then waded out. into the swift current below the dam.

When the water reached below his arms he seemed to throw himself into the swirling stream and was immediately last from sight. Mr. Ensign gave the alarm but all efforts to recover the body were unavailing. Searching parties dragged the river all day but it was not until the next morning that the body was found . Shortly after five o’clock Sunday morning. Frank Bates, a railway employee from Eagle Grove who was fishing in the river, discovered the body floating down stream near the NW railroad bridge. He notified Robert Nolan and they overtook the body a half mile further down the stream and secured it with a rope until the authorities and relative were notified. The body was taken to Sumner’s undertaking rooms and prepared for burial. Interment was made in Grace Hill cemetery Sunday afternoon the funeral services were held at the grave.

The deceased had been in poor health for a couple of years and became despondent at times. It is thought that while in this state of mind he suddenly decided to end his life. He had given no previous intimation of committing the rash act.

Frank Faber was born in Luxembourg, Sept 10, 1950. He came to America in 1870 and soon after was untied in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Hines of Dubuque