John N Baker (1886 - 1908)

Ancestors

Died Jan 1908 at about age 22 in Kickapoo, KS

Biography

Seven Go Down To Watery Grave

LEAVENWORTH, Kan., Jan. 6 – As a result of the overturning of a skiff containing nine men near Kickapoo, seven men were drowned and the two others were rescued by Ernest Schweitser, at the risk of his own life. All but two of the drowned were residents of Kickapoo. The men were employed by the Kansas Natural Gas company in constructing a pipe line under the river and had been working on the Missouri side. They were on their way to the Kansas side and had gone a third of the way when finding the current too swift, they decided to turn back. In turning a wave capsized the boat and threw the men into the water.

The New York Times January 7, 1908.

SKIFF OVERTURNS; 7 DROWN. - Men Constructing Pipe Line Under the Missouri River are Lost.

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. Jan. 6. – As a result of the overturning of a skiff containing nine men near Kickapoo, Kan., today, seven men were drowned in the Missouri River.

The men were employed by the Kansas Natural Gas Company in constructing a pipe line under the river, and the accident happened when they were rowing to the Kansas side, preparatory to returning to their homes.

From other news stories: The name of the rescuer was spelled a number of ways. Records indicated that the correct is Ernest August Schweizer, born 6 March 1880 in Kickapoo, Leavenworth KS, died in 1950.

Ernest rescued William Sharp and Frank Logan of Kickapoo KS.

Lost were: Frank Hill age 34 (b. 1879) of Kickapoo KS. Ralph Hill age 12 (waterboy) of Kickapoo KS. Charles M. Baker age 42 of Kickapoo KS. John N. Baker age 22 of Kickapoo KS. Elmer B. Hundley age 19. Grover Hundley. unknown Swede.

Sources