Robert Harold “Harry” Zimmerman (1911-1936)

Ang aking lolo Frank O. Zimmerman’s oldest brother was Robert Harold “Harry” Zimmerman. They had a four older half-brothers and sisters and a deceased half-sister but Harry was the first child of Parker L. Zimmerman at ang kanyang ikatlong asawa Dolly. Ay ipinanganak Grandpa Mayo 28, 1913. Harry is a bit of a mystery as he died around the age of 25 by drowning in the Mississippi River on August 12, 1936. I don’t have his date of birth yet.

At the time of his death, Harry was the supervisor or foreman on a boat or barge that traversed the Mississippi River. It was unusual for such a young man but Harry had an outstanding quality going for him. He was said to stand 6’06” in his stocking feet. Such a large man in the early Twentieth Century must have been an imposing sight.

My uncle believes that Harry was probably promoted because of his size and ability “to throw his weight around”. In the days before strict workplace rules, workmen could be quite tough and difficult to manage. Fist fights to settle disputes between workers or workers and supervisors were much more common place. A tough man of Harry’s size could keep things under control and exert control if he needed to. My uncle feels that could have also led to his untimely death.

While he said Harry could have fallen into the river, naniniwala siya na isang disgruItinulak ng ntled worker o trabahador si Harry sa tubig. Whether they did or didn’t, we will never know but it is certainly possible. It is unusual that so young a man with extensive river experience for his young age would fall into the river.

Gayunman, nangyari ito, Nahulog si Harry mula sa itaas na kubyerta ng barg patungo sa ilog sa ibaba, may taas na tatlo hanggang apat na palapag sa isang gusali. Natagpuan siya ng mga naghahanap sa susunod na araw sa Mississippi River sa tabi ng pampang sa gilid ng Illinois ng ilog.

Parker, Dollie, at ang mga kapatid ni Harry ay dumalo sa kanyang libing. Mayroon akong larawan mula sa kanyang libing. Inilibing ni Parker ang kanyang ikatlong anak sa napakabata ng edad.

 

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