Dennis, Elmer, 1917-1925

DENNIS, KELSO

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

From the Rock Valley Bee, September 4, 1925:

ELMER DENNIS DROWNED

Elmer Dennis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Homer E. Dennis, was drowned in the Rock river Tuesday afternoon. Rev. Bergman took the boys of his Sunday School class, of which Elmer was a member, to the river that afternoon. Rev. Bergman cautioned the boys many times to stay where the water was shallow. Elmer and others were wading in the stream when he stepped off into a deep hole. Mr. Bergman went in after him but could not find him. A call for help was sent to the Corner Drug Store, and Mr. Hansen went after Dr. Huizenga and they with Franklin Huizenga hurried to the river about three miles from town. When they arrived Franklin went into the water and found the body which had been the water about fifteen or twenty minutes. Every effort was made to revive the little fellow. Men worked over him most of the afternoon but all efforts failed.

Elmer was born in Rock Valley October 7, 1917, and was seven years, ten months and fourteen days old. He leaves his parents and one brother, Willard.

Short funeral services were held at the home Wednesday forenoon, and the remains were taken to Corydon, Iowa, for burial.
The bereaved parents have the sincere sympathy of many friends in their great sorrow.

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His death certificate has Elmer Every Dennis, born Oct. 17, 1917 in Rock Valley; parents Homer E. Dennis, born Humiston, Iowa, and Madge Kelso, born Sewal, Iowa; died in Rock Valley Sept. 1, 1925 at 2 p.m., of accidental drowning; buried at Corydon, Iowa.

FindaGrave.com has him as Elmer Dennis; parents Homer Every Dennis (1893-1936) and Madge Kelso Dennis Sinclair (1893-1978); sibling Willard Kelso Dennis (1916-1978); buried in Corydon Cemetery, Corydon, Wayne County, Iowa.