Schaffer, Jean Ruth (child) 1911-1919

SCHAFFER, KAERNEY, SCHAFER

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Schaffer, Jean Ruth born 21 Jul 1911 died 11 Jun 1919 buried in St. Joseph’s cemetery Hull IA.

1920 census has Claud C. Schaffer age 40 born about 1880 Il lived in Garfield Lyon Co. IA Wife Mary Schaffer age 32 born about 1888 IL children Ella 10, Virginia 6 and Claud C. 4 b. 1916 IA.

Research note: Upon searching on ancestry.com for son Claude Schaffer born 30 Apr 1916 Hull IA. He was the son of Claude Alexander Schaffer 1889-1967 Omaha NE. and Mary Margaret Kearney 1887-1937. Listed as children were Alta 1909-1991, Jean Ruth Shaffer 1911-1910, Virginia 1913, Claude 1916, and Helen Patricia 1921.

Rock Valley Bee of Jun 27, 1919

Drowning at Doon - A girl about eight or nine years old by the name of Schaffer was drowned near Doon Sunday evening and the body up to Wednesday had not been recovered. She was riding with her mother and other members of the family in a buggy. As they were driving upon the approach of a bridge east of Doon, the wheels of the buggy ran into a rut or hole washed out by the high water and the girl was thrown out into the swift current and carried down the stream.

At the time the water was rising rapidly and was flowing over the road to quite a death. Boats were secured and several unsuccessful efforts made to find the body.

Later: The body of the little girl was found Wednesday after noon by her father. It had been carried for a considerable distance down the Little Rock River.

Boyden Reporter of June 26,1919

Little Girl Drowns Rock River „The little eight-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Schaffer, residing about 14 miles northwest of Boyden, was drowned in the Rock River Sunday afternoon. The accident happened during the high water on that day. The buggy turned over carrying Mrs. Schaffer and two of their children over the grade, which was covered by water from the banks of the river The mother and children were thrown into the water, and it is said that the little eight year old girl disappeared at once and drowned, while the mother and other child narrowly escaped death. Crowds of neighbors and friends came to the rescue, but it seemed impossible to find the body of the little girl. The search for the body was continued, but at this writing has not been found Mrs. Schaffer and their children had attended church in Doon, Iowa, and were returning home from church when the accident happened.