John Utterback (ca. 1854-1884)

UTTERBACK

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 1/9/2011 at 11:33:27

From Story County Watchman May 23, 1884

Colo

Some two weeks since W. W. Utterback's family and friends were grieved to receive a telegram from Sioux Falls, Dakota, that John Utterback was drowned at the falls of the river. After receiving the telegram they received a letter from Joseph Utterback. He stated that John Utterback and his partner, Mr. Thompson, were engaged in sketching a moonlight scene of Sioux Falls, when John slipped, fell in the river and has not been seen since. Mr. Thompson reported to the sheriff who immediately gathered a possee of men and made a diligent search for the body. There are some whisperings of murder or foul play. It seems as though Mr. Thompson telegraphed for Joe to meet him at Sioux Falls City and that his brother was drowned, and when Joe got to the city Mr. Thompson was gone. John was supposed to have from $250 to $300 of money with him. He and Thompson had been partners for about three years. Mr. W. W. Utterback has lately received a letter of sympathy from Mr. Thompson in Kansas. Mr. John Utterback was well and favorably known in this vicinity from infancy to manhood and his parents and friends have the true sympathy of the entire community in the sorrow of their sad bereavement.