Gerhard Rath Accidental Death

When Mr. Gerhard Rath returned from a sale last Wednesday afternoon, he was about his chores and as he went to unharness his team he stepped up from behind them and as he touched the horse without letting the animal know that he was there the horse was frightened and kicked him. He only lived until Saturday afternoon. We print a short obituary that appeared on the funeral notice. Mr. Gerhard Frederick Rath was born Nov. 8th, 1859 at Berdum Ostfriesland, Germany. Died at his home near Roberts, Ill. Saturday, Jan. 3rd, 1914, at 4 o'clock, aged 54 years, 1 month and 25 days. Funeral at the home Wednesday, Jan. 7th, 1914 at 12 o'clock and at the Congregational church at Roberts at 2 o'clock. Those who came from abroad to attend the funeral were, Mr. Geo. Lee from Altena, S.D., Mr. Henry Rath, Arvena, Minn., a brother, Mr. Geo. Rath from Hermon, Minn., a son, Mr. Will Bork from Annuel, Missouri, Mr. Charles Hopt, Ellsworth, S.D., Mr. Geo, DeFries Parker, S.D., Mr. H.M. Toben, Borup, Minn., Mr. Clarence J. Pierce Van Worth, Ohio

--The Thawville Weekly Record.  9 January 1914.

OBITUARY

Gerhard Fredrick Rath was born on the 8th day of November, 1859, and came to this country in 1883. He settled near Sibley, Illinois, and in 1885 he was united in marriage to Johanna Toben. to this union six children were born: Sadie, wife of George Lee; Henry, George, Minnie, Altie and another daughter who died in infancy. He died January 3rd, 1914 at 4 o'clock p.m. aged 54 years, 1 month and 25 days, from uremia following an accident. He was kicked by a horse Wednesday evening, December 31, breaking his right leg above the ankle and badly mutilating the thigh and body. He lived four days after the accident. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, five children, six grandchildren, two brothers, John and Henry of Avoca, Minnesota and many other relatives and friends.
The deceased was a man of generous disposition, always one of the first to assist in a needy cause, accommodating, and obliging. He was a kind father, a good neighbor and a true friend.
The funeral services were held at the home Wednesday, January 7, 1914 at 12 o'clock, and the Congregational church in Roberts at 2 p.m., Rev. J. T. Hossfeld and Rev. W.  B. Milne officiating, after which the remains were laid to rest in Lyman cemetery.
Those from a distance attending the funeral were, Mrs. Sadie A. Lee and son Delmer and daughter Viola of Alpene, S.D., George J. Rath and Miss Sena Bertram of Herman, Minnesota; John and Henry Rath of Avoca, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. George DeFries of Parker, S.D.; H.M. Toben of Borup, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Gerhard DeFries of ?ley; Miss Sophia Hopt and C.L. Bod of Ellsworth; Christian Lee of Streator; Mr. and Mrs. William Lee and Mrs. A.J. Roth of Strawn.  --Roberts Herald.

--The Thawville Weekly Record.  16 January 1914.

--Melvin Motor.  9 January 1914.