Ahnentafel

Death of Joseph Slagel (February 12, 1883 – September 5, 1915)

The remains of Joseph Slagel, a mention of whose death was made in this paper last week, arrived here from Miesse, N. M., last Friday Evening, and the funeral was held from the German Apostolic church Sunday afternoon, at one o’clock.  The funeral services were largely attended, a large number being present from the surrounding towns.  The remains were laid to rest int he Fairbury cemetery.

Joseph Slagel, son of Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Slagel, of this city, was born on the old home place, south of this city, Feb. 12, 1883, and passed away at the Ladies’ Hospital, Deming, N. M., Sept. 6, being at the time of his death aged 32 years, 6 months, and 24 days.  With the exception of a year spent at Miesse, N. M., he had lived in this vicinity practically all his life.  On May 24, 1906, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Wagler.  They resided in this city up to about a year ago, Mr. Slagel conducting a machine shop on east Locust street.  Failing health, however, caused him to give up his business here, and he purchased a ranch near Miesse, several years ago, and in September of 1914, with his wife, went there to live.     During his life here, “Joe,” as he was familiarly known to his friends, had made a host of friends.  Always honest and upright, he held the esteem and respect of all who knew him, and in their hour of sadness the bereaved ones have the sympathy of the entire community.     Besides the bereaved wife and parents, he leaves one sister, Mrs. Emma Hoffman, and one brother, Daniel Slagel, both residing south of town, to mourn his loss.

Killed by Explosion of Prestolite Tank

The first word received here was to the effect that Mr. Slagel had been killed by the explosion of a shot gun, but such was not the case. The following letter, which we received from C. C. Hollenback, who formerly resided here, but who also moved to Miesse about a year ago, gives the particulars of the accident.  We received the letter last Friday but too late for publication.  The letter also tells of the high esteem in which he was held in that community. Miesse, N.M., Sept. 7th, 1915.  Editor Blade: Knowing that the friends of Joseph J. Slagel would like to know the particulars as to the cause of his death, I will give a short account of the same. He passed away at the Ladies Hospital in Deming, New Mexico, Sept. 6th, at 12:15 o’clock a.m., being conscious to the end. The immediate cause of his death was due to an explosion of gas Saturday afternoon at about 4:30 o’clock, while he was charging a prestolite tank for his automobile with acetylene gas.  The generator exploding with great force.  Joe was standing with his hands resting on the machine and received the full…of the shock, it breaking his…about three inches long…left side following around his body striking the spinal column. Although he was thrown several feet by the force of the blow he had gotten to his knees when reached by friends and later walked to his car with assistance and from the car into his home.  A physician was called at once and every care given him that was possible. Mr. Slagel moved to New Mexico last September one year ago and liked the country very much and enjoyed much better health than he had for several years past.  He had just completed a beautiful new home, of which he and his wife were justly very proud.  He was very much interested in his work of farming, and we had studied the problems of a new irrigated country together on many occasions. As a friend we had learned to love him.  As a neighbor to esteem him highly.  As a citizen he was above reproach. We will miss him.  His wife, father, mother, brother and sister have the sympathy of the entire community.

Yours very truly, C. C. Hollenback.”

Joseph Slagel Killed

Expires at Meisse, N.M., after being hurt when gun explodes–one arm torn off and both eyes.
Rev. and Mrs. Samuel Slagel, of this city, received a telegram from C. C. Hollenback early Sunday morning stating that their son, Joseph Slagel, had been terribly injured by the explosion of a gun.  The telegram bore the intelligence that his left arm had been torn away by the force of the explosion and that both eyes had been blown out.  Rev. and Mrs. Slagel left Sunday evening for Meisse, but another telegram was received here Sunday night stating that the injured man had passed away.  His parents, however, were not apprised of this fact until they reached their destination.

No other particulars than the above are obtainable at this time.  The remains are expected to arrive here today and the funeral will be held Sunday.

Joseph Slagel bought land near Meisse, N.M., about four years ago, and about two years ago he sold out his machine shop here and with his wife located on his ranch in the hopes of bettering his health.  He had one of the best pieces of land in that section.  He loved to hunt and stated before leaving here that he intended to put in his spare time at this sport, and it is thought perhaps that it was while on a hunting expedition the accident occurred.