Jeppe H. CALLESEN

CALLESEN, TANCK

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 4/11/2010 at 13:23:00

4 September 1872 -- 24 January 1897

The Renwick Times, Renwick, Iowa
January 29, 1897

Death of Jep H Callesen

The community was shocked on last Sunday evening to learn that by the accidental discharge of a double-barreled shot gun, Jep Callesen was then down at the Tanck Stock Farm, near here, in a dying condition. The report proved only too true, because the spirit took its flight about eight o’clock the same evening. It appears about 4 p.m. that Jep, who was aged about 25 years, in company with a hired man, Chris Thompson, were crossing the C. & NW railroad bridge, near the Tanck place. The unfortunate young man had his double-barreled shot gun along with him, and set it down between the ties of the approach way of the bridge, to wait for his companion who was still crossing the same. In pulling the gun from its place between the ties, in some manner the hammers were both pulled back, and the two barrels discharged. They took direct effect on the side and top of the head. The wound was a terrible one – too much so to describe in print. It was a bitter cold day at that hour, probably 15 degrees below zero and by the time help could be secured, the body was in a bad, half frozen condition. He was taken to the Tanck farm, where he lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Calle Callesen. Drs. Cunningham of this place and Bliss of Lu Verne, were speedily summoned, but all to no purpose, for he expired a few hours later.

This is indeed a sad blow to the aged parents and numerous relatives, including the Tanck family. Death is ever an unwelcome visitor, but worse still does it appear when brought about by such a terrible accident and in such a violent, shocking manner. Then again for one in the prime of his young manhood, to be suddenly stricken down seems even worse than a lingering illness.

The deceased was born in Germany, Sept. 4, 1872. When four years of age a disease settled in one of his limbs and after six years of confinement to his bed the physicians advised the parents to remove to America and in 1882 they crossed the ocean and located at Wilton, Muscatine county, Ia. The change of climate cured him, except he was somewhat lame. In 1891 the family moved to this county. He leaves a father, mother, a brother, John Callesen and one sister, Mrs. Henry Tanck. The funeral took place at 10 a.m. Wednesday, at the Tanck farm home and the burial took place at the Goldfield cemetery. The pall bearers were Will Rice, Ralph Moran, W.F. Bixby, Otto Block, Guy Sherman, Geo. Christainson. Rev. Schaffelman of the German Lutheran church of Corwith officiated. Louis Griebel cared for the undertaking.