The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1900-06-22
DEATH u - SOL.
doe Lea Druuued WINE AttsmPtiaE 30
CEuas ths BeaEer-Esody EscoTu-sd
AGter EonE searcH-


The uncertainty Of human Hfa ap-
peais to everyone with strange mean
ing when Il Is considered that within
tbs last three weeks three individuals
whose lives we're fun OF promise for
yssEs to come, have been called from
the stage OF action
The last unfortunate vas Joe Leeh-
He vas living on his claim about four
miles northwest Of Goodland- He had
q number Of cattle OF his own and vas
also caring for a small herd belonging
to J. ". Handley.
When the storm Of Sunday came On
the cattle we're grazing on the opposite
side Of the Beaver from the residence
Of Mr. Lsch, but he did not attempt to
round them up until the storm had
subsided So great was the precipits-
ton, aud the lay Of the land 50 sharp
II inclining toward the bad Of the creek
that the water rolled down the hills
and formed, where an hour before was
dry land, rapidly flowing river meas
ing no less than ten feet IN depth
This Mr.. Lech attempted to ford.
He was mounted bareback upon q
horse with a halter, and ineased With a
heavy overeOat- In q short time the
horse accompanied by the dog re-
turned, but it frequently being the
custom Of Mr. Leeh to turn the horse
loose to return home, while he On foot
followed slowly after the homeWard
vending cattle. Mrs Lech regarded this
as nothing unusual Night came on,
and the passing hours became filed
with anxiety for the return of the hUs-
band Still several OF the cattle we're
lacking, and it was thought all would
soon come home. The missing cattle
returned but Mr. Lech came not
In waiting, the hands Of the clock
had now passed to the new day, and
very early II the morning Mrs. Lech
alone, began to arouse the neighbOrs
and to inform them Of her fears A
searching party was quickly formed to
20 II quest Of the missing one. The
rushing Of the creek had passed, and
the deep pockets Of the Beaver,
from the place where Mr.. Lech was
supposed TO have attempted 70 cross,
downstream, were dragged to see If he
were the occupant OF a Watery grave
The search had been continued along
the creek for about q mile when the
dead body Of Joe Leeh was found upon
a slight elevation at one side Of
the stream, having been cast there By
the swelling Of the water, which, soon
receding, left the body on the shore.
The body about the head revealed
some marks Of violence, presumably
received BY the laundering Of the
horse, which, being unable to maintain
himself may have struck the rider in
sensible, leaving him helpless. HOWev-
CT that be, the minute circumstances
Of his death wiz ever be q mystery
Mr.. Leeh was a member Of the Mod
eFn WOOdmen Of America, IN which
lodge he held a paid-up insurance pol
icy Of 81, 600 IN favor Of his wife That
the claim OF Mrs. Joe Lech to the in
surance might not be jeopardized as to
how her husband came to his death, a
cOrOner's inquest was held, which rem
dered the decision that Joe Lech was
accidentally drowned.
The funeral services were held from
the Methodist church Tuesday, Rev
Woodward officiating at the church,
and the members Of the WoOdman
lodge at the grave
The deceased was 26 years Of age He
leaves a wife and q mother.