Schellhamer, Bertie 1890 - 1896

SCHELLHAMER, SCHELLHAMMER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 12/25/2014 at 22:18:53

Postville Review, Sat., 22 Aug. 1896.

A peculiarly sad and fatal accident occurred at the home of Fred Schellhamer, near Castalia, on Tuesday afternoon. His little son, six or seven years old, climbed the ladder to the oiling platform on the windmill, and in attempting to come down fell some 40 or 50 feet to the ground, mashing him up badly, and he died two or three hours later. We can appreciate the feelings of the parents, and extend to them the most heartfelt sympathy.

(NOTE: An apparent reference to Bertie Schellhamer, whose gravestone photo appears on the IGPP in Pleasant View Cemetery.)

Added by Joy Moore Feb. 14, 2021

Source: Decorah Republican Aug. 20, 1896 P 8 C 1

A most shocking accident happened about one mile east of here last evening about five o'clock. One of Mr. Schellhammer’s little boys, aged six years, clim{b}ed to the top of a 60 foot windmill tower. In attempting to descend he lost his balance in some manner and fell a distance of about fifty feet, striking on the roof of a building surrounding the tower. From the roof he was thrown upon a wood pile about fifteen feet distant, striking on his head, fracturing the skull and knocking out his teeth. One leg was also broken in two places. The little fellow lived about two and one half hours, when death relieved him of his sufferings. Dr. Jewell was called and responded promptly, but medical aid was of no avail. There are many children who are allowed to climb upon such towers, but this should be a lesson, admonishing parents to see to it that their towers are arranged so that they will not be accessable to children. In this particular case the tower ladder had been removed, but the little fellow climbed a tree and in that manner reached the roof of the building. The parents have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in this, their sad bereavement. The funeral will occur to-morrow from the U. B. church.

Transcriber's Note: Find a Grave shows he was born Sept. 13, 1890 and died Aug. 18, 1896. He is buried in Pleasant View Cemetery.

Pleasant View Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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