FUIKS, James 'Jamie' died 1879

FUIKS

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 12/24/2025 at 13:04:10

The first case of drowning that has happened in Lansing this season occurred Monday afternoon about four o'clock, and the victim was little Jimmy, the ten year old son of Mr. L. Fuiks, the widely known clothing merchant.

He, with a lot of other boys of his own age and older, were in swimming at the ferry landing just below the stone warehouse. He was returning to the shore from out in the stream as the ferry boat was backing out to leave for DeSoto, and when in front of the barge the current swept him under it and along under the boat is is supposed, the wheel probably striking him, as it was in motion at the time.

The poor little fellow screamed for help when he saw that he could not get from in front of the boat, but it was impossible to reach him before he was drawn under out of sight. That was the last seen of him.

The report of the drowning spread through town like wildfire and it was not long until the levee was crowded with citizens. Boats were procured, strong men and boys went into the water and dove down trying to recover the body, but in vain.

Up to this writing it has not been found, although constant watch has been kept along the river for miles below town. Mrs. Fuiks is prostrated with grief and Mr. Fuiks can hardly bear up over the loss of their darling son, who was the pet of the entire household and a particularly bright and affectionate child.

They have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in this sudden and untimely bereavement.
~Lansing Journal, Wednesday, July 23, 1879; pg 3

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The body of little Jimmy Fuiks, who was drowned a week ago last Monday, was found last Friday afternoon in a pile of drift wood, in a pocket down the Harper Channel, about ten miles below Lansing, by Geo. Peacock and Theo. Morgan. The boys were out woodcock hunting and had been absent several days, knowing nothing of the drowning, They came across the body accidentally and from its changed appearance did not recognize it, as it looked more like that of a boy of 15 or 18 years of age.

They came up home that evening and upon arriving here soon learned who had been drowned and gave information of their discovery. That evening a party went down with a skiff and brought the body up to town the next morning and it was immediately interred in Oak Hill Cemetery.

It is a great consolation to Mr. and Mrs. Fuiks to know that the final resting place of their loved lost one is in the tomb near them instead of wasting away in an unknown spot among the islands.

Mr. Fuiks had offered $10 for the recovery of the body, but as five dollars extra was asked he willingly paid it. The report that he had offered a reward of $50 for it was a mistake, yet he would rather paid that amount or more than not have had it recovered.

~Lansing Journal, Wednesday, July 30, 1879; pg 3

Note: Gravestone in Oak Hill cemetery is engraved
Jamie
son of L. & B. Fuiks
died 7/21/1879 aged 10 Y's 4 M's 19Ds