Dayton, Albert L. 1876-1906

DAYTON, STARR, DAVENPORT

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 11/27/2013 at 21:20:13

Many friends in this city and county were shocked last week to learn of the death of A.L. Dayton at Lima, Mont., while on duty as brakeman on a freight train and will be interested to know the particulars concerning the sad affair. Mr. Dayton and family have for some months lived in Pocatello, his run being from that point to Lima where the accident happened.

He was braking on freight train No. 55, and reached his terminal. Upon pulling into the yards he had set his last brakes, as it is very much down grade, and was going to the engine. Upon stepping from a low car to a high one he lost his footing and was thrown beneath the low car in such a manner that his right arm and right foot were cut off and his body penetrated by something sharp which entered the pelvic region and came out at his back. It is also thought his back was broken.

As he rolled from under the car, he was seen by a switchman who immediately called for help. Fortunately there were three physicians on his train from Salt Lake City - Dr. Pfontz and two assistants, who with the Lima doctor gave him the best of attention.

The accident occurred at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday and he died at 12:49 a.m., living hardly three hours. He made a heroic struggle for life but his injuries were too severe. His first thought was for his wife and his conductor.

Mr. Joans, who staid with him from the moment he was found until he died, said that Albert constantly talked of the children and his wife but said he was not afraid to die.

He was brought to Pocatello Friday noon and his funeral held from the Methodist church Sunday at 2 p.m. He was buried in the Pocatello cemetery. His brother, Walter H. of Salt Lake City and J.W. Starr, father-in-law, both were present, Mrs. Starr having been here for some time.

He leaves besides his wife and two children, Earl and Oren, ages 4 and 2 years, a mother and sister at Waukon, Iowa, a sister at Clear Lake, Iowa, and brother at Salt Lake.

He was born at Waukon, Iowa, March 25, 1876. He graduated from the High school in 1894. April 1, 1901, he was married to Miss Maude Starr of this city, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Starr who are among the oldest citizens, the ceremony taking place in Denver. Mr. Dayton was a kind hearted fellow, a young man of refined tastes and habits, and a truly devoted husband and father.

None of his relatives were with him during the hour of death, but his fellow railroad men gave him every assistance and comfort possible, and his brother-in-law arrived two hour later, taking the remains home. The widow and children have the most sincere sympathy of many Rawlins friends.

~Rawlins Republican; Rawlins, Wyoming, August 1, 1906

Below are three additional news articles that I came across while researching the death of Mr. Dayton.....

From The Rawlins Semi-Weekly Republican, Rawlins, Wyoming, April 3, 1901:
According to the Denver Republican, a marriage license was issued on Monday to Albert L. Dayton of Waukon, Ia. and Miss Maude E. Starr of Rawlins. Miss Starr is the popular school teacher who was a candidate for county superintendent on the Democratic ticket last fall. This piece of news will be a surprise to her friends.

The next 2 are from the same issue of the 'Grand Encampment Herald', Encampment, Wyoming, August 7, 1903:
-A.L. Dayton was the victim of a painful and quite serious accident last Tuesday while working about the crushers at the smelter. A piece of ore struck him in the eye making an ugly wound. Dr. Perdue is attending him and it is thought he will recover without loosing his eye.

-Mrs. M.A. Dayton, of Waukon, Iowa, and two daughters, Miss Leona and Mrs. L.C. Davenport, of Clear Lake, Iowa, are expected to arrive in camp next week on quite an extended visit. Mrs. Dayton is the mother of A.L. Dayton, one of our genial townsmen, and the party will be guests at the Dayton home while here.