Logan County IL Archives Obituaries.....Bock, Frederick Walter 1907 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bill Stephenson woodart@srbfl.com August 2, 2007, 1:09 am Unknown, Mar 1907 Frederick Walter Bock Newspaper article March 1907 An Awful Death Young Fred Bock Dies Alone and Burns While He Dies Last Thursday evening the Lynn Grove neighborhood was greatly shocked to learn of the tragic death of Fred Bock, the 17 year old son of Mrs. Henrietta bock living about four miles southeast of town. About 9 o’clock, Thursday morning, the young man saw some wild ducks light in a slough about half a mile from his home. Taking the shotgun from the rack, remarked that he was going down to see if he could shoot them. That was the last seen of him until nearly five o’clock in the evening when he was found dead in a cornfield, not far from the place he had seen the duck light. But the evidences leave no doubt as to the manner of his death. In going through the hedge the gun has been accidently discharged, the load striking in the side of his skull and badly fracturing it. But death was not instantaneous. He walked about a hundred steps from where he was shot. His clothing caught fire and began burning him, he took off his coat, overshoes and one shoe. The rest of his clothing was entirely burnt off. Not returning as soon as expected, the family became alarmed and began searching for him. About five o’clock, George and Louis Kurtz found him and notified the family. The coroner was notified by telephone and he reached the place about 10 o’clock that night. The inquest was held at 8 o’clock, Saturday morning, and the verdict was “Accidental Death.” The coroner’s jury consisted of John H. Long, J. H. McKinzie, Maxwell Long, Issac Gupton, R. H. Rolf and Smith Sturgeon. ----- Resolutions Resolutions of Respect of Elm Grove Public School Whereas, death has entered our midst, and claimed for it’s victim, our fellow pupil, Fred Bock, we deem it fitting to pay this last tribute of respect to the departed: Frederick Walter Bock was born on a farm near Middletown, July 23, 1889. His efforts manifested in the Elm Grove school, won for him a warm place in the hearts of pupils and patrons, and were such that all may be proud to have recorded on the pages of our history. As a pupil of this school, we remember him as oen possessed of energy, self-reliance and determination. On the 7th of March, 1907, at about 9 a. m., our beloved schoolmate, Fred W. Bock, was called from our ranks to join the heavenly hosts above. Until March 7th, 1907, the Elm grove school was an unbroken band of affectionate schoolmates. The loss of Fred has filled our hearts with gloom and sadness; but we realize that the event that has been so sorrowful to us, has been one of eternal joy to the departed. Resolved, That the wisdom and ability which Fred has exercised in aid of our school work by energy, service and counsel, will be held in loving remembrance by the members of the school and community and will prove a grievous loss to us all. The removal of such a classmate from our school leaves a vacancy and a shadow that will be deeply realized by his schoolmates and friends. Resolved, that in the death of our fellow-pupil we have lost one in whom we feel a just pride; one whose life presents a loss as a friend and schoolmate we do not forget his sorrow-stricken mother has lost a most affectionate son, and his brother and sisters a kind, tender and loving brother. Be it further Resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the record of our school and that a copy be sent to the bereaved family and to the papers of Middletown and Lincoln for publication. Committee Frank Coady, Chas. Shaw, Shelby Wright. Obituary Frederick Walter Bock was born July 23, 1889, and died Mar. 7, 1907, age 17 years, 7 months, and 14 days. He was the son of Louis and Henrietta Bock. His father has been dead about ten years, and he was just coming to an age when he was a great help to his widowed mother. Those who know him best say he was a good boy wherever he was. In the home he was a joy and comfort to his mother and sisters. In school, the teachers say he was studious and a model in deportment. He leaves to mourn their loss, the mother, four sisters, namely, Ella, Minnie, Lizzie and Pearl, also a young brother, Lewis. He is greatly mourned also by a grandfather, several uncles and aunts, and many schoolmates and friends who will sadly miss his cheerful presence. The funeral services were held Saturday, Mar. 9, at 12 o’clock noon, in the M.E. church at Elkhart, which were conducted by rev. A. R. Allison of Middletown. The mortal remains were laid in their last resting place in the Elkhart Cemetery. Fred was a member of the boys class of Irish Grove Sunday school and the pall- bears were mostly selected from that class, as follows: Charlie Shaw, Shelby Wright, Florin Gaines, Tommie Johnson, Charlie Gupton and Willie Steinhour. When one of his classmates in the Sunday school was suddenly called to his eternal home last summer, Fred wrote the following poem in his memory, which we repeat, as it answers well for his own epitaph. The name he mentions we change to that of his own. Sleep on in thy beauty Thou sweet angel child, By sorrow unblighted By sin undefiled. The lot to Fred that fell Is beautiful and fair: The heritage in which he dwells None can with it compare. Like the dove to the ark Thou hast flown to thy rest, From the wild sea of strife To the home of the blest. We miss thee from our homes, dear friend, We miss thee from thy place: A shadow o’er your friends is cast, We miss the sunshine of thy face. We miss thy kind and willing hand, Thy fond and earnest care. Our Sunday school is dark without the, We miss thee everywhere. A loving friend from us is gone, A voice we loved is stilled: A place is vacant in out Sunday school Which never can be filled. God, in his wisdom, hath recalled The boon his love had given, And, though the body slumbers here, The soul may rest in heaven. The LEDGER joins their many friends in extending sincere condolence and sympathy. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/logan/obits/b/bock810nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/ilfiles/ File size: 6.7 Kb