Home > United States of America > Iowa > Plymouth County > Akron > Riverside Cemetery > Wilbur John Tripp

Wilbur John Tripp

Birth	:	18 Sep 1885 Westfield, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA
Death	:	30 Nov 1900 Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA
Burial	:	Riverside Cemetery, Akron, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate	:	42.8367004, -96.5453033
Plot	:	West Side; Section 3, Row 1, Lot 19, Grave 3
Description	:	A DOUBLE DROWNING AKRON BOYS SKATE TO THEIR DEATH IN THE SIOUX. Wilbur Tripp and Arthur Carlson Lose Their Lives Last Friday Afternoon—Both Bodies Were Recovered That Evening—Ice Thinned By Mild Weather. The saddest event that has occurred in Akron's history or that the TRIBUNE has been compelled to chronicle transpired last Friday afternoon, November 30, in the drowning of Wilbur Tripp and Arthur Carlson in the Big Sioux River. Between 10 and 11 o'clock that day the two boys, whose folks are near neighbors, left their homes together and went for a skate on what... Read More	A DOUBLE DROWNING AKRON BOYS SKATE TO THEIR DEATH IN THE SIOUX. Wilbur Tripp and Arthur Carlson Lose Their Lives Last Friday Afternoon—Both Bodies Were Recovered That Evening—Ice Thinned By Mild Weather. The saddest event that has occurred in Akron's history or that the TRIBUNE has been compelled to chronicle transpired last Friday afternoon, November 30, in the drowning of Wilbur Tripp and Arthur Carlson in the Big Sioux River. Between 10 and 11 o'clock that day the two boys, whose folks are near neighbors, left their homes together and went for a skate on what proved to be the treacherous ice of the river. School having been dismissed Wednesday afternoon for Thanksgiving and the balance of the week, a crowd of lads were skating and playing shinny above the mill-dam. Most of the boys went home about noon, but shortly afterwards Wilbur and Arthur started up the river and were followed to the first bend by Rex Smith, eldest son of Mrs. C.R. Smith. As near as can be learned, the two boys skated hand in hand along the Dakota side of the river, leaving the younger companion some distance behind. When Wilbur and Arthur had reached a point perhaps two hundred yards above the bend, Rex noticed the boys down on the ice, but thought nothing of it at the time. The next time be looked in that direction they had disappeared from view. Rex soon after went home, and the fact that he did not care for any dinner gives rise to the belief that the lad had an impression something bad happened his companions. With very natural youthful fear or dread, he said nothing about the affair to anyone. The relatives of the boys did not become thoroughly alarmed at their absence until their failure to appear at supper time. Then the most anxious inquiry was begun and facts were obtained leading up to what has been set forth above. Rex Smith guided a party to the place where he last saw Wilbur and Arthur, and the finding of their caps and shinny clubs at the edge of a hole about eight feet across in the thin ice was all-sufficient evidence of the fate that had overtaken the poor lads. The relatives were at once apprised of the terrible truth. A searching party was at once organized, and boats and grappling hooks were secured. By the light of lanterns and a large fire built on the river bank, men in boats broke the thin ice and began work with the hooks, a large crowd watching in anxious suspense. The body of Arthur Carlson was secured by A.E. Peters at 8:15 o'clock, and, after an hour and a half of faithful work by the party, Mr. Peters also recovered the body of Wilbur Tripp, at 9:30. The remains were conveyed separately to the respective homes. The first body was found about twenty feet below lie fatal opening and the other about ten feet further, the water being at least fifteen feet in depth. Being in the river's channel, there was a very swift under-current, and it is believed the boys were carried under the ice, although the finding of their caps on the edge possibly indicates they made an effort to pull themselves out on the thin ice, which would not sustain their weight. Thus, without word of warning, without an equal chance for life and without the consolation of a last, fond farewell these two bright, and promising lads were called to the Great Beyond in the budding of their vigorous young manhood, and in the midst of the enjoyment and pleasure so rightfully theirs before entering upon the stern realities of life's strenuous existence. To the homes thereby filled with sorrow and to the heart-achings of those so sadly bereaved there has been an inpouring of deepest and fullest sympathy from Akron and surrounding country. The funerals of both boys were held last Sunday. In the forenoon, at 10 o'clock, that of Wilbur Tripp occurred at the M.E. church, a large number of people being present. Rev. L.A. McCaffree delivered the sermon and administered condolence to the sorrowing ones. The funeral of Arthur Carlson occurred at 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the German Lutheran church. The size of the building did not allow more than half the people who desired to gain admittance. Rev. F. Meske conducted the services and spoke words of comfort to the grieving parents and sister. In each instance interment was made in the Akron cemetery. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. OBITUARY. Wilbur John Tripp was born at Westfield, Plymouth county, Iowa, September 18, 1885, and had resided in this vicinity all his life. He was a bright, industrious boy, the youngest son of Mrs. Eliza Tripp, his father having died three months and a half ago. Five brothers and five sisters survive. His age at the time of death was15 years, 2 months and 15 days. Arthur Carlson was born in Sweden, February 22, 1886, and came to this country with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. Carlson, at the age of about six years. He was a scholar in the Grammar room of the school, taught by Miss Kundert, and a member of the seventh grade. In his studies Arthur was exceptionally proficient, his last examination being absolutely perfect. Since the first of May, 1898, Arthur had worked Saturdays, evenings and whenever absence from school permitted at Waterbury Bros.' general store. There he had the utmost confidence of his employers and every customer— always courteous, obliging, thoughtful and even-tempered. His brightness was at once noted and many times people would jokingly try to get ahead of him, but his employers never knew him to make an error in a business transaction. None more sincerely mourn his untimely demise than the firm of Waterbury Bros. At home, at school or on the street Arthur was always the same, holding the highest respect of all who knew him. His father, mother and little sister are left to mourn. His age was 14 years, 9 months and eight days. Card of Thanks To those who so kindly offered their sympathy and assistance after the death of our beloved children, we extend our deepest gratitude and most sincere thanks. MRS. ELIZA TRIPP AND FAMILY. MR. AND MRS. A. CARLSON [Source: The Akron Tribune; Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA; Thursday, December 6, 1900; Volume 5, Number 17, Page 13]

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Wilbur John Tripp's memorial?
Wilbur John Tripp's memorial is located at: Riverside Cemetery, Akron, Plymouth County, USA.
When did Wilbur John Tripp death?
Wilbur John Tripp death on 30 Nov 1900 in Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Wilbur John Tripp's memorial?
Latitude: 42.8367004
Longitude: -96.5453033

Family Members:

Parent

John C. Tripp

(1830 - 1900)

Eliza Walker Tripp

(1843 - 1928)

Siblings

Mary Tripp Henke

(1860 - 1940)

PVT James Meli Tripp

(1864 - 1910)

Charles August Tripp

(1878 - 1954)

Lillian Tripp Delaney

(1882 - 1959)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Riverside Cemetery
Akron, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8367004, -96.5453033

2. Saint Patricks Cemetery
Akron, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8232300, -96.5374800

3. Mount Hope Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8885994, -96.5667038

4. Union Creek Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8911018, -96.5863037

5. Gores Bluff Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8035069, -96.6260468

6. Westfield Township Cemetery
Westfield, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7510986, -96.5914001

7. Richland Cemetery
Richland, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7682991, -96.6624985

8. Pleasant Hill Cemetery
Spink, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8741000, -96.6876000

9. Big Springs Cemetery
Big Springs, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9379000, -96.6090000

10. Old Big Springs Cemetery
Big Springs, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9455986, -96.5868988

11. Saint Johns Lutheran Church Cemetery
Ruble, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8372000, -96.3799000

12. Mills Family Cemetery
Westfield, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7188460, -96.6019280

13. First Brule Creek Cemetery
Elk Point, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7943993, -96.7069016

14. Pleasant Hill Cemetery Old
Spink, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8588462, -96.7215592

15. Brule Creek Cemetery
Spink Township, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8346510, -96.7324350

16. Pleasant Valley Cemetery
Adaville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7494011, -96.4005966

17. Saint Paul Cemetery
Elk Point, Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7641983, -96.7061005

18. Union County Poor Farm Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7649210, -96.7077580

19. Nora Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9314003, -96.7061005

20. Plymouth Presbyterian Cemetery
Brunsville, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8208760, -96.3318410

21. Ahlsborg Lutheran Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8228000, -96.7612000

22. Saint Joseph Cemetery
Johnson Township, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.7416992, -96.3707962

23. Peace Lutheran Cemetery
Union County, USA
Coordinate: 42.9805984, -96.6481018

24. Saint Johns Cemetery
Craig, Plymouth County, USA
Coordinate: 42.8939018, -96.3225021