Bertram, Dorothy (Mrs. Lorenz) 1908-1934

BERTRAM, NICHOLSON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 5/29/2016 at 08:21:29

Source: Alton Democrat (8-17-1934)

Born: January 4, 1908
Died: 1934

IRETON MOTHER OF FIVE IS LAID TO REST

Dr. A.C. Jongewaard, Sioux county coroner, told The Democrat that there was not the slightest doubt but what Mrs. Bertram met her death by accidental electrocution. “The whole house was filled with electricity,” he said. “Several others received severe shocks, one of the men actually being knocked down.”

Dr. Bendixsen of Ireton, Dr. Nolan of Hawarden and Dr. Jongewaard were all agreed that
that death was due to electrocution and not to heart shock. Examination showed Mrs. Bertram had been in good physical condition, the coroner said. It was first reported that heart shock was what caused her death.

Funeral services were held here on Monday from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for Mrs. Lorenz Bertram who met death last Friday morning from electric shock. Reverend W. Krieger officiated. A large group of relatives and friends filled the church auditorium and gallery, as well as the lawn on the north side of the building where loud speakers were arranged.

Beautiful floral tributes were arranged about the Chapel and the remains were viewed by hundreds of sorrowing friends. Beautiful music was provided by the choir of the church and the pastor spoke words of comfort. The remains were laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery in the family burial plot.

Dorothy Nicholson Bertram was born near Struble, Iowa, and spent her early life in this vicinity, attending school at Struble and Le Mars.

Source: Hawarden Independent (8-16-1934)

Communities everywhere sooner or later get shocks which sadden every home in it and this came to ours when early last Friday morning the word swiftly passed from home to home that Mrs. Lorenz Bertram had suddenly been taken in death. This shock, so unexpected, only grew when a little later in the day it was announced that death came so sudden from electrocution. This fine wife and mother of five children in her fine young womanhood was taken from life in an instant. No one was near her at the time, which makes it harder for the loved one to bear.

Early Friday morning while Mr. Bertram and the hired help were down stairs getting ready to do chores, they were suddenly startled by what seemed to them a scream, followed by a fall upstairs. They rushed up and found Mrs. Bertram lying in the bathroom where she had gone after rising and in making her toilet had reached to light the electric bulb. For a time it was thought that a heart stroke was the cause. She still showed some signs of life and a physician was called at once but she was beyond help when medical aid arrived. However, it was evident by examination that it was not a heart trouble that had caused her death. Burns on her clothes and body sere soon discovered. This coupled with other happenings to other members of the family soon pointed to the electric lighting systems. Mrs. Charles Bertram when she turned on the light in her home nearby, also received severe shock and burns on her hand. Dr. F.F. Null of Hawarden was called and he declared that death was caused by electricity. Dr. A.C. Jongewaard, Sioux County Corner, also agreed that the death came by electrocution. At this time C.C. Cooper, local manager of the Iowa Public Services Company, was called and thinking that some of the fuses were burned out by the storm that had raged during the night and not knowing of the dangerous conditions some of the fixtures when she reached for the bulb to put on the light, causing a complete circuit, and the electricity went through her body, causing almost instant death. The cause of her death makes it doubly sad and everyone who knew her is deeply grieved and sympathy goes out to the bereaved husband and motherless children.

Dorothy Nicholson was born January 4, 1908, on a farm near Struble, so was but 26 years, 7 months and 6 days of age. She attended the Struble public schools in Le Mars. She was united in marriage with Lorenz Bertram in Ireton September 9, 1924. She was baptized and confirmed by Reverend J.E. Rich. Schmidt of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in June, 1927. Five children came to bless the home, Jean, aged 9; Charles 7; Joyce 5; Lawrence 3 ½ ; and Allen 2. Besides the husband and children ho are left to mourn her death are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Nicholson of Struble; six sisters, Mrs. Jennie Becker, Ireton; Mrs. Nellie Risburg, Hinton; Mrs. Mollie Keough, Le Mars; Mrs. Mable Mueller, Mrs. Edith McDougal and Miss Evelyn Nicholson, Struble; and four brothers, Ben and Richard Nicholson, Le Mars, and William and Donald Nicholson, Struble.

Funeral services were held from the home Monday afternoon at 1:30 and at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 2 o’clock. Loud speakers were placed so that the large numbers, who could not get inside of the church, could hear the sermon delivered by Reverend H.W. Krieger, which was taken from Isaiah 40: 6-8, and comforting as well as uplifting to all. The floral offerings were extremely beautiful and many. The choir sang “Rock of Ages.“ Burial was made in the Lutheran Cemetery. Words of sympathy can only partly express what is in the hearts of everyone. May He who gave and He who has taken away give the husband and children grace and strength needed in these hours.