Submitted by: Dan Rich

Francis “Frank” Godfrey Henigschmitt

Nov. 7, 1900 – Jan. 11,1920

South Bend Tribune 7/12/1920

Frank Henigschmitt

No hope is retained for the recovery of Frank Henigschmitt, 19-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henigschmitt, 915 Forest avenue, who was probably fatally burned at the Rubber Regenerating company factory Sunday afternoon when he fell in a tank of sulphuric acid.

Henigschmitt was employed at the rubber company and while at work Sunday afternoon he tripped and fell in a vat containing sulfuric acid, his entire body with the exception of his face, being scalded in the burning acid.  He was immediately rescued and rushed to St. Joseph’s hospital, where medical attention was given, but at a late hour this morning he was reported in a dying condition, physicians having given up all hope of his recovery.

Henigschmitt has lived in Mishawaka all his life and is well known about the city.

Editor: This is one of the spelling variations of the surname that was changed by most family members to Henigsmith.

South Bend Tribune 7/13/1920

Frank Godfrey Henigschmitt, aged 19 years, died Monday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock at St. Joseph’s hospital as the result of being fatally burned Sunday afternoon in a vat of boiling sulphuric acit at the Rubber Regenerating company factory.  He was born in Mishawaka Nov. 6, 1900, and has lived here his entire lifetime.  He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Henigschmitt, of 915 Forest avenue, and three sisters and four brothers as follows:  Mrs. John Einfalt, city; Mrs. Carl Bauer, South Bend; Mrs. Cecil Robbins, city; Charles, city; William, of the United States marine corps, now stationed at Washington, D. C.; Leo and Alfred, at home.

Henigschmitt had been employed at the rubber factory for the past few weeks and was at work Sunday afternoon when he tripped near the sulphuric acid vat and fell into the acid and with the exception of his face his body was completely immersed in the burning liquid.  He was rescued immediately and hurried to St. Joseph’s hospital, where medical attention was given.  However, attending physicians could offer slight hope for his recovery and Monday morning the boy was reported in a dying condition. William Henigschmitt, brother of the deceased, arrived in the city Monday evening in response to a wire sent him Sunday.  Funeral arrangements will be made later.

The funeral services will be held at St. Monica’s Catholic church Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock, Rev. John F. Kohl officiating.  The body will be removed to the residence, 914 Forest Avenue, and may be viewed from 6 o’clock this evening until the hour of the funeral.  Burial will be in St. Joseph’s cemetery.