THE REGISTER=LEADER, MARIETTA, OHIO, THRUSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1913
FALL IS FATAL TO RHINEHART STEHLE AN AGED RESIDENT
Injuries Not as First Considered Serious End in Death
---THUR TRAP DOOR---
In his Barn Mr. Stehle Fell, Monday Afternoon - - Death a Shock
As a result of internal injuries sustained when he fell through a trap door in his barn, last Monday afternoon, Rhinehart Stehle, a well known and highly respected resident of this county, died Wednesday afternoon, at 2 o’clock, at his home about two miles west of the city on the Watertown road.
Following the accident, the aged man was carried into his home, a short distance away, and a physician was called. An examination showed that he suffered no serious external injuries and members of the family and the attending physician entertained some hope for his recovery.
Later developments, however, showed that the aged man had received internal hurts, and owing to his advanced age he was unable to withstand his injuries and the shock of the fall. He lingered on until yesterday afternoon, when death relieved him.
Mr. Stehle was working about the barn when the accident occurred. He was pitching hay through a small trap which leads to the basement of the barn. Some hay had stuck in the hole and partly covered it over. At that time Mr. Stehle’s attention was called to something else about the barn, and after retuning, he evidently forgot about the trap door being open. He walked into the hole which is very small. He did not fall through the hatch, but managed to catch himself and hold on until assistance reach him.
Rhinehart Stehle was born in Germany and was past 72 years of age at the time of his death. He was the son of Kasiner [sic] and Josephine Stehle. He left home when quite young and traveled over the greater part of Europe. He came to this country when he was only 26 years of age. Mr. Stehle was a great student from his boyhood and while he did not receive an extensive school education, he was a remarkably intelligent man. In this country Mr. Stehle had made extensive trips and seemed to take great delight in the study of matters generally. Only a few weeks ago Mr. Stehle returned from a trip through the west.
After coming to this country, he located in West Virginia, near Parkersburg, but later came to this city where on June 26, 1868, he was united in marriage. For years Mr. Stehle was in the shoe business in this city and was a partner with Mr. Fischer, in the shoe business on Front Street, where the Fischer Shoe Store is now located. He purchased a farm back of Fairview Heights in 1884, where he moved with his family and has since lived. Mr. Stehle has been a resident of this city and county for more than forty years. He was one of the best known and most highly respected residents of the county, and the news of his death will be received with deep sorrow by his many friends in this city and throughout the county.
Mr. Stehle had never taken part in politics although he watched with keen interest the affairs of the city, county, state, and nation. He was a man of quiet disposition and he never expressed his opinion on matters unless he was requested to do so.
He was a member of the German M. E., church, of this city.
Besides his wife, he is survived by seven children as follows: Mrs. Joseph Saik, of Cincinnati; John R. Stehle, of Marietta; Joseph K. Stehle of Marietta; Misses Regina [sic] and Mary Stehle of Marietta; George Stehle of Pittsburg; and Lawrence of Marietta.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed, but will be announced later.
