Iowa
Old Press
Des Moines Daily News
Des Moines, Polk co., Iowa
July 25, 1894
Page 4, Col. 4
At 7:30 last night, a young man named Carl Hahnen was drowned in
the Des Moines River above the Tile works. He was rowing in a
small boat alone and tried to see how deep the water was and
probably the oar caught in the suction and upset the boat. At
least that is what some persons on the east bank of the river
thought. The young man was trying to swim to the west bank of the
river, when the boys in a boat started to row to him, but before
they could reach him, he went down. Some young men on the east
bank ran over and two of them, employees of the News, sprang into
a boat and rowed out and one of them jumped in without undressing
and swam and dove about ten minutes. Then he was joined by David
Emslie, who had taken off his clothes. Emslie after a seemingly
long time located the body and then with help of the other
swimmers brought the body to the shore. Others helped roll and
work the body in hopes of forcing water from the lungs ... but it
was too late. The patrol wagon was called and Captain Williams
and Coroner Graessly took the body to the undertaker, where a
friend identified it as young Hahnen of West 8th and Mulberry
Street. The relatives decided not to have an inquest; there is no
doubt the death was an accident. The time of the funeral has not
been fixed.
[transcribed by B.D.C., November 2009]
Des Moines Daily News
Des Moines, Polk co., Iowa
July 27, 1894
Page 4, Col. 2
The funeral of Carl Hahnen was held from his home at Mulberry
Street, Thursday at 4 p.m. the house was full of friends whose
sympathy for Mrs. Hahnen and children at the loss of their loved
son and brother were deep and sincere. Rev. S. R. Barnitz
conducted the services and in his sermon touched gently upon the
sad bereavement of the death of this respected young man by
drowning and the great loss to this family circle. There were
numerous floral tributes, mainly from his young friends. Wreaths,
anchors, clusters of beautiful blossoms, caught together by
delicate ribbons. The Pastor gave the mourning ones such
consolation as he could emphasized the hope that all loved ones
would meet in the beyond. A long line of carriages followed the
remains to Woodland Cemetery where they were laid to rest beside
those of the father Jacob Hahnen who died two years ago. Reading
and prayers constituted the services at the grave. The
pallbearers: Guy Smith, Will Hahnen, Louis Stitz, Ed Skinner,
George Harbach, and Charles Lockwood.
[transcribed by B.D.C., November 2009]