Homer Edison Kaley d. 1893

KALEY

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 20:28:59

Sorrowful Death.

One of the most mournful affairs we have been called upon to chronicle is the death by drowning, of Homer Edison Kaley, aged 14 years, 7 mons. and 21 days, which occurred at Vernon, Friday evening, July 14, at 8 o'clock p. m. He returned from the country where he had been at work, and after eating supper went to chat with Mr. Hillis and while there a companion came along and wanted him to go swimming. He said he was too warm and didn't want to go. The other boy taunted him with being a coward and he finally consented. On the way to the river he played croquet at two different places. At the river he went in the water at the locks of the old dam, where he had never gone before, and as soon as he discovered that the water was very deep (being a poor swimmer), he lost courage, and called for help. Harry Robinson went to his aid and got him near the bank but was pulled back by Homer.

Homer then got his arms around Harry's neck and pulled him down under water three times, each time they came up they called for help. Harry was compelled to loosen his arms to save himself, and Homer went down twice more before he gave up the struggle. There were two other boys present, one in the water who got out, and one on land., who ran up town to give the alarm. In a few moments the bank was lined with people, and men set to work to search the river until eleven o'clock, when they were compelled to stop on account of an approaching storm. Saturday morning the search was renewed and about eleven o'clock Bert Jack and Al. Murphy saw his hand on top of the water on the Vernon side opposite the depot. He was tenderly carried home to his grief stricken mother. The funeral took place at the M. E. church which was beautifully decorated, at ten o'clock Sunday morning, Rev. C. W. Wilson of Ottumwa, assisted by Rev. R. Breeden, conducted a very solemn service. A select choir sang appropriate pieces. Six of his companions acted as pall bearers. The final last earthly look upon the dear face, was a sad scene never to be forgotten. The floral tributes presented by Bentonsport friends were beautiful. Homer was laid to rest in the Vernon cemetery.

Words fail us to describe the awfulness of the affliction that has been sent upon the widowed mother and beloved sister, in the sad taking away of their darling one. And oh, how they will miss his cheery laughter and bright ways as they go through life. What a warning it should be to boys. They will go in bathing, but they should be cautious, especially if not adept in swimming.

[date not stated but position in scrapbook suggests July 1893]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA

I am NOT related and am posting this obit for those who may find this person in their family history.