William H. Hornbaker d. 1867

HORNBAKER

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 10/19/2001 at 13:02:11

DEATH BY DROWNING

A sad accident occurred last Sunday afternoon at about 3:30 o'clock just above Bonaparte at the mouth of the Mud Creek.

A a number of Bonaparte boys were at that point bathing. William, David and James Hornbaker, sons of Mr. and Mrs. David Hornbaker, living about two miles southwest of Banaparte [sic] and were also there for the purpose of bathing. A short distance from shore there is an offset in the bottom of the river at this place at the water is some ten or twelve feet deep. It seems as though none of the boys were aware of the fact, and it is said that the Hornbaker Boys or not expert swimmers. The younger one, James, aged and the perhaps 10 years, was the first one to get beyond his depth, and his eldest brother, William, seeing him struggling in the water hastened to his rescue but failed in getting him out. David, the other brother aged about 14 or 15, and Charles Beck an employe of this office, seeing the dangerous would condition of the two boys, and at the risk of their own lives made an effort to save them. David was in advance of Beck and upon reaching his brothers he caught the younger one, the other one sinking to rise no more. David cought [sic] James in time to save him from the same fate, but had it not been for heroic Beck who swam to shore with both of them they would have met the sad fate of their brother.

Help was sent for immediately and in a few minutes several parties were at the scene and a number of them were soon searching for the body, which was found and brought to the surface by James Sharp. Life was extinct, the body having been under water about 45 minutes before was recovered.

WILLIAM H. HORNBAKER, eldest son of Mr. David R. and Mrs. Mary A. Hornbaker, was born where his parents now live, Dec. 22nd, 1867. At his death he was 19 years, 5 months and 27 days old. Funeral funeral services were held at house by Rev. C. L. Custer, speaking from 1st Cor. 15:22. The remains were interred in the Thompson cemetery. A large concourses people manifested their sympathy for the bereaved family.
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Source: Entler Scrapbook Vol. 1, Iowa State Historical Library, Iowa City, IA
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I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.