Mary Augusta Cronkey
W.F. Cronkey
Died June 5, 1895
at San Antonio, Tex
Aged 45 years
A loving husband & father
who gave his life
attempting to save that
of his wife
Mary Augusta Cronkey
who died June 5, 1895
at San Antonio, Tex
Aged 23 years
An affectionate wife and
mother, a dutiful daughter
and a loving sister
May they rest in peace
Photo Credit: Rosa G. Gonzales
1. Obituary - Corpus Christi Caller
A Very Sad Affair
The Caller learns that a telegram was received here to-day from San Antonio announcing the sad death of Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Cronkey, who are well known in this city, Mrs. Cronkey being the daughter of Mr. H. R. Sutherland. It is said the unfortunate couple were drowned in the San Antonio river. As we go to press Mr. Sutherland and son also Dan Ried are about leaving on a special train for San Antonio.
Source: Corpus Christi Caller, June 7, 1895, p. 5, col. 1
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission
2. Obituary - San Antonio Daily Light
SAD DEATH OF CONTRACTOR CRONKEY AND WIFE.
They went Fishing Yesterday and Never Returned—Neighbors Went in Search for Them and Fished up the bodies.
W. F. Cronkey, a well-known contractor of this city, living at No. 1718 North Olive street, took his wife and children to the Salado yesterday to spend the day fishing. They failed to return and the neighbors became alarmed.
A party was gotten up, consisting of John W. Marvin and Charles J. Marvin, carpenters, living at No. 1311 Burnett street; Samuel S. Snow, also a carpenter, who rents a house from Mr. Cronkey at the corner of Starr and Monumental streets, and Charles Lux, a grocer of No. 1302 East Commerce street, all of whom are friends and neighbors of Cronkey, and they went out immediately in search of the missing family. They were soon joined by G. Rippstein, who lives on the Salado, and the four set to work.
On arriving at the Salado they found a little two-year-old child sitting on the bank. All the little one could say was: “Papa in the river.â€
Grappling hooks were procured and the search was begun. Soon one body was brought to the surface and then another. It was Mr. and Mrs. Cronkey.
The bodies were about ten feet apart and the water is about 14 feet deeper where they were found. There is a big willow tree on the bank, near where the bodies found, which leans over the water. The supposition is that either Mr. or Mrs. Cronkey were sitting on this tree, fishing, when one of them fell, and that the other was drowned in the efforts to save the one that fell.
It is said that a hole or bruise is in the back of Crokey’s head and some suspect foul play. Mr. and Mrs. Cronkey are both said to have been good swimmers.
They were married about three years ago. Mrs. Cronkey was formerly Miss Julia Sutherland of Corpus Christi.
Cronkey owned a farm on the Salado, adjoining Rippstiein’s property but spent most of his time in San Antonio.
Coroner Jones was notified by John Marvin this morning at 8 o’clock and he left for the place immediately, accompanied by Undertaker McCormick, who now has the bodies in charge. When the coroner arrived the bodies were on the bank, covered with a wagon sheet.
The funeral will take place from the residence of Mr. Snow, corner Starr and Monumental streets.
Mrs. Cronkey was a member of the Odd Fellows’ lodge No. 11
Source: San Antonio Daily Light, June 7, 1895, p.5, col. 3
Research by: Msgr. Michael A. Howell
Transcription by: Geraldine D. McGloin, Nueces County Historical Commission