Charles Brunk
Sept. 22, 1843-Dec. 16, 1908
Niles Daily Star, Thursday, December 17, 1908, page 1, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
CHAS. BRUNK IS DROWNED
SAD FATE BEFALLS AGED DRAYMAN LAST NIGHT
CRIES FOR HELP ARE HEARD
But None Went to Assistance--
Plunged About in the River for Hours.
About 6:45 o'clock this morning, a gang of Big Four men discovered the body of Charles Brunk, the drayman, lying face downward in about eight inches of water in the river just north of Cass street and opposite the section house. The attention of the men was first attracted by Brunk's horse, which was standing in the river, a few yards from shore and upon closer investigation, the body of Brunk was seen lying in the rear of the wagon, one of his hands clinging to a wheel in the death grip.
The section men notified Marshal Francis, who hurried to the scene. Upon ascertaining that Brunk was dead, the officer sent for Coroner Platt, and then summoned a veterinary surgeon to treat the poor shivering horse, which had remained in the icy water and withstood the chilling rain during the night.
Upon his arrival, Coroner Platt impanneled a jury. The remains were then viewed by that body, after which an adjournment was taken until tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock, at which time the inquest will be held at the office of Attorney W.N. Burns. The body of the dead man was taken to Skalla's undertaking establishment.
WHEN BRUNK WAS LAST SEEN
Brunk was last seen about 6 o'clock last evening. Marshal Francis says he saw him at that hour heading down Front street with a load of refuse. Brunk evidently drove north to Sycamore street and thence to the river, intending to dump the load into the stream. The night was very dark, and it is thought that after driving out into the river, as he frequently did, he became confused and headed down stream in his efforts to get out. In any event, he drove the distance of a couple of blocks down the river, but it is thought he moved only a short distance at a time, as he was heard shouting (evidently for help) at different times from 7 til 11 last night.
At 7 o'clock, Wm. Weiser was crossing the Main street bridge when he heard and recognized Brunk's voice, but he did not know he was in the river, and not being able to distinguish what he said, didn't know but what he was shouting at his horse.
At 8 o'clock, Abner Kugler's son heard someone crying for help down toward the river. The boy went home and reported what he had heard and one of the inmates of the house went out and listened, but could hear nothing.
At 11 o'clock, Alonzo Platt, watchman at the Lincoln Avenue crossing of the Michigan Central, heard a man shouting from the direction of the river, but did not realise that it was the agonized cry of a man who was freezing to death from exposure to the elements.
Having evidently given up hope of rescue as the night advanced, Brunk managed to unhitch his horse from the wagon, evidently with the intention of leading the animal to shore, but being benumbed and exhausted, he fell upon his face and drowned in a few inches of water.
Fraternally, the deceased was identified with the Knight of the Modern Maccabees, and carried insurance. He is survived by a widow and six children, the latter being Mrs. Wm. Nichols of Chicago Heights; Albert Brunk of Marquette, Kas.; Mrs. Theron Long of Gary, Ind.; Miss Marie Brunk of South Bend; Frank Brunk of Au Sable, this state; and Carl Brunk of Niles.
At this writing, the funeral arrangements have not been made.