Nelson William Raycraft
Son of Virginia Sophie Jane Strickert, daughter of Frederick Charles Strickert, son of Christian Strickert and Pauline Krugel, son of Johann Strickert and Christina Feuerhak
Nelson Raycraft (1932- June 21, 1953)
Monkton, June 22
Tragedy struck Sunday at a family reunion near here, as one of the party was drowned. Nelson William Raycraft, 21, RR 1, Brunner, described as a poor swimmer, foundered and sank in nine feet of water in Hailey's Gravel Pit, on the farm of Everett Illman, a mile and a half southeast of Monkton.
Mr. Raycraft had been attending the Raycraft reunion, and decided to go for a swim at about 5:00 pm. He was accompanied by Norman Raycraft, 16, R.R. 1, Monkton, and Ross Engel, 16, Monkton. The youth said they tried to rescue Raycraft from the water hole, but were unsuccessful. Two other groups arrived at the scene of the tragedy within minutes of each other. The first group, three brothers, Victor, John, and Harvey Ward were unable to haul Raycraft's limp body from the water. However, two Clinton men, Harold Basset and Surg Leavey, did so. A nurse who accompanied the latter group, Mrs. George McClory, Monkton, applied artificial respiration. Coroner John B. Moore, Mitchell, also worked on the victim. He declared Raycraft dead after trying vainly to revive him.
The drowning victim was born on his father's farm, R.R. 1, Brunner, a son of Walter Raycraft and the former Virginia Strickert. He was a member of Monkton Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Surviving besides his parents are one brother, Edward Vernal, and one sister Elizabeth, both at home.
Rev. Cecil Klages will officiate at the funeral of Mr. Raycraft from Heath and Son Funeral Home, Mitchell. Time of service has not yet been set.
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