Frank Brockhaus
Feb. 6, 1881-July 9, 1912
Niles Daily Sun, Tuesday, July 9, 1912 page 1, col. 1-2, microfilm Niles District Library
HIGH POWER WIRE BROKE AND FRANK BROCKHAUS MEETS INSTANT DEATH
Well known restaurant had turned in a fire alarm
JUMPING FROM WAGON
He landed on pavement charged with 39,000 volts
Frank Brockhaus, the well known caterer and reatauranteur was instantly killed about 11:45 today when upwards of 39,000 volts of electricity from a broken Chapin high tension service wire passed through his body.
Mr. Brockhaus had just run to the central fire station on Sycamore street to sound an alarm of fire, flames having been observed shooting several feet above the interurban station on Second street immediately following several terrific claps of thunder.
The fire department emerged from the sation a moment after Mr. Brockhaus had given the alarm and he rode out on the running board at the end of the wagon.
Arriving in front of the interurban station Mr. Brockhaus jumped to the ground and almost instantly he crumpled up and dropped to the pavement and it is believed death was instantaneous.
The cause of his sudden death became at once apparent tot he firemen and by-standers, for in the street near by lay the sputtering end of a high tension wire which had dropped to the pavement which was flooded with water and there fore was charged with high voltage turned loose by the broken wire.
None of the firemen were affected by the powerful current that meted out instant death to Brockhous.[sic]
But "Spot" the white bull dog owned by former Fire Chief Lester J. Barbour, was less fortunate.
"Spot" always reported instinctively at fires and he was on hand as usual.
He got within the danger zone also and dropped dead to the pavement just a few feet from where Mr. Brockhaus had been electrocuted.
The danger of the situation was realized by all eyed witnessed of the tragedy, but the body of Mr. Brockhaus was rescued as quickly as possible and efforts were make[sic] to resuscitate him but it was in vain, as life was extinct.
Drs. Ullery and Giddings were soon on hand but they could do nothing.
A jury was impanelled this afternoon by Chief Francis composed of George Brown, Frank Bowles, David Waltz, Dave Unruh, H.C. Beswich and Herman Roebeck.
Justice Hillman had charge of the inquest the jury meeting at Price's morgue to view the body.
The facts of the tragedy are quite plain, however.
The fierce electric storm and the terrific lightning bolts that supercharged and burnt out the high tension wire causing the loose ends to drop to the street were the primary causes.
Mr. Brockhaus was about 32 years of age. He is survived by a widow and two daughters, 2 and 5 years old respectively.
The made their home with Chas. Rossman on north Sixth street, Mrs. Brockhaus being a daughter of Mr. Rossman.
Mr. Brockhaus was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and only recently took out a policy in the New Era.
He has conducted a restaurant on north Second street for a year past succeeding John Yauchstetter. Previous to that he was chef at the Niles Club and had catered in local restaurants. He was considered one of the best of local chefs.
Niles Daily Sun, Friday, July 12, 1912 page 1, col. 7, microfilm Niles District Library
FUNERAL WAS HELD TODAY
Remains of Frank Brockhaus laid to rest. Other victims of tragedies to be buried tomorrow
The funeral of the late Frank Brockhaus, who met his death by electrocution on Tuesday, was held this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the late residence on north Sixth street.
Rev. F. Rahn of St. John's German church conducted the services in the presence of a large gathering of friends.
Among the beautiful floral tributes was one from the fire department whom Mr. Brockhaus went to assist when he met his death. The bouquet was of sweet peas and nasturtiums which were taken from the garden the firemen have cultivated in front of the fire station and which Mr. Brockhaus had often admired.
The remains were laid to rest at Silver Brook cemetery.
Funerals Tomorrow
The funeral of the late Fred Rau, who also met his death by electrouction [sic], will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the home of his mother in West Niles. Rev. G. Huntington of Trinity Episcopal church will officiate. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
Rev. F. Rahn will conduct the funeral of the late Albert Steimley, who met a tragic death in the Michigan Central yards yesterday, tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock from the residence on north Fifth street. Interment will occur at Silver Brook cemetery.
The funeral of the late D.W. Sitts will be held tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. The remains will be brought to Niles for burial.
Note: DOB from Michigan Death Record