Mabel (Smith) JULIUS

SMITH, JULIUS, CRAFT, KNUDSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/27/2010 at 13:04:59

November 23, 1881 -- March 3, 1924

Mrs. W. J. Julius, Prominent Pomeroy Woman, Was Electrocuted Sunday

Mrs. W. J. Julius, wife of W. J. Julius, Pomeroy druggist, met a tragic death at her home in Pomeroy last Sunday morning by electrocution. Mrs. Julius was found dead in the bathtub in the home of her husband upon his return from church. Evidently she had been in a hurry to complete her toilet and was using an electric curling iron while in the bath. A short circuit from the iron, through her body into the water in the tub, caused her death. Mr. Julius, who has been leading the choir of the Methodist church since the illness of the minister, left the home early Sunday morning. Mrs. Julius, after getting the boys ready, sent them on ahead planning to meet them at Sunday school of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Julius noticed their absence from church but supposed they had been delayed for some reason. Upon his return home from the church, he was told by seven-year-old Louis [sic] that "mama is resting in the bathtub." The little fellow had found her there but, thinking she was resting, had not disturbed her. It is thought that death was almost instantaneous and that Mrs. Julius did not feel the two deep burns on her body made by the iron which she clasped firmly in her hand.

Mrs. Julius was born and raised in Pomeroy and was about forty years old at the time of her death. She was a teacher in the Pomeroy schools for several years. She was a member of the choir, being a talented musician, always giving her services willingly. She leaves to mourn her untimely death her husband, two sons, William, aged 12, and Lewis, aged 7, her aged father and mother of Pomeroy, her brother, George Smith of Fort Dodge, besides a host of friends. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home and then from the Presbyterian Church, Rev. Furking officiating. Members of the Eastern Star of which she was a member, attended the services in a body. A double quartet furnished several beautiful vocal selections. Among the out of town people who attended the funeral services were Mr. and Mrs. John Julius, Mr. and Mrs. George Smith of Fort Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Gifford Knudson of Des Moines, and Mr. and Mrs. George Craft of Rockwell City.

The Rockwell City Advocate -- Rockwell City, IA
March 13, 1924