Riehle, Frank J. 1863 - 1893
RIEHLE, REHLIE
Posted By: Allison Lawrence (email)
Date: 7/3/2021 at 17:10:44
Source: The Decorah Republican October 19, 1893 P 4 C 2
BROKE THROUGH A BRIDGE
A serious Steam Threshing Machine Accident at Spillville, Iowa. – Frank Rehlie so badly Scalded he may die.
Monday evening, as Rehlie brothers were going home from Calmar, with their steam thresher outfit, they passed through Spillville about nine o’clock. As they were crossing the creek near Mr. Nockles’ old brewery the bridge gave way, and the two brothers, Anton and Frank Rehlie, with the engine and water-tank, were hurled down into the creek, 16 feet below.
Frank Rehlie fell between the engine and tank, and besides being severely bruised, was scalded all over his body by escaping steam and boiling water. – Anton escaped with the fracture of one big toe. Dr. Hefflin was summoned from Calmar, and found Frank Rehlie suffering severely and in a very critical condition. His recovery is doubtful.
The broken bridge is a county structure, combination, build some ten years ago, and was never considered strong. Lately, it has been deemed dangerous. We do not learn whether the brothers were complying with the law requiring the use of plank stringers in crossing bridges and culverts.
Later – Supervisors Giesing, Holton, Hoyt and Allen visited the scene of the accident and found that the owners of the thresher did not comply with the state law regarding the carrying and use of planks.
Source: The Decorah Republican October 26, 1893 P 4 C 1
Died from the Burns.
Monday evening after just a week’s suffering from the scalds and burns received in the accident at Spillville on the 16th, Frank Rehlie died, leaving a wife and four small children to mourn his loss. The case is a very sad one in which the sympathy of a large number is extended to the stricken ones.
Transcriber’s Note:
Correct spelling of deceased last name is Riehle. Find a grave shows deceased was born May 13, 1863 and is buried at St. Clement Cemetery.
Saint Clement Cemetery
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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