Gusta Landeau d. 1887-1899

LANDEAU

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 7/28/2014 at 09:27:16

Lost in the River.

One of the saddest occurrences it has ever been our lot to mention took place here last Sunday evening. It was the drowning of a fine little girl, Gusta Landeau, aged twelve years. She was skiff-riding with her father when the boat accidentally went over the dam thus precipitating both into the raging waves below. The father struggled desperately to save his child; but she soon sank from view, and he narrowly escaped with his life.

Many willing hands were soon at the scene of the disaster and did all in their power to find the body of the unfortunate child. The next morning, and all day Tuesday and yesterday most heroic efforts were put forth by many of the men and boys of the town, whose names are well worthy of mention – and would be mentioned did we know all of them – to recover the body, but they failed in their noble work.

The entire town was extremely shocked at this sad and violent taking off of this sweet little child, and all deeply sympathize with the stricken family. -LATER- the body was found by J. M. Sweeney and Charles Grimm, about 2 miles below Farmington, and brought to Bonaparte where it will be prepared for burial and sent to Chicago for interment.

[Note: Handwritten on clipping "6-4-99"]

Obituary.

Augusta Landeau was born in New York city October 26, 1887, and died at Bonaparte, Iowa June 4, 1899, aged 11 years, 7 months and 8 days. she came with her parents from New York to Chicago when 3 years of age and they lived there till several months ago, when they came to Bonaparte

She was a bright and cheerful little girl, and her sudden taking away cast a deep sorrow over the parents and her two little sisters and brother, and also all the townspeople.

Source: Entler Scrapbook Collection, vol 4, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA