JOHN STEFFEN |
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Main Cemetery -- Area E |
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A devastating accident occurred on June 28, 1898, when John Steffen, a 17-year-old apprentice at the National Carving Works on North Water Street, drowned in the Erie Canal near the South Goodman Street bridge. John had been swimming around 8:30 PM with four younger boys—Frank Summer, William Gable, Barnie Young, and Seaman Herbst, all between the ages of 10 and 12. After about half an hour in the water, John ventured farther from the shore into water approximately eight feet deep. Fatigued, he attempted to swim back but was suddenly seized by cramps and sank. Although he resurfaced briefly and was able to call for help, the younger boys, lacking strong swimming skills, were unable to reach him. One of the boys on shore raised the alarm, prompting several men from the neighborhood to respond. However, access to the canal was hindered by a tall, tight-board fence, delaying rescue efforts. Coroner Kleindienst, along with Morgue Assistant Draude and a team of helpers, arrived shortly after being notified. They traveled down Henrietta Park and climbed the fence to reach the canal. The search began around 10:15 PM and continued for several hours. At approximately 1:00 AM, Steffen’s body was recovered and taken to his family’s home John lived at No. 6 Henrietta Park with his parents, Charles and Sophia (Bandholdt) Steffen, and his siblings—three sisters and one brother. The community mourned the loss of a promising young man whose life was cut short in such a tragic accident. |
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