SPRING, Adolph 1877-1902

SPRING, KAESER

Posted By: Harold G. Kaeser (email)
Date: 3/18/2003 at 10:47:28

Wisconsin State Journal
Madison, Wisconsin
Saturday, December 20, 1902

FARMER KILLED BY A FREIGHT TRAIN

ADOLPH SPRING INSTANTLY KILLED THIS MORNING

THE ACCIDENT BROKE HIS NECK

Driving to City to Deliver Milk When West Bound Freight Struck Wagon Throwing Him Out

Adolph Spring was killed about 8 o'clock this morning by a C.& N.W. west bound freight at the second crossing west of the South Madison station.

The accident occurred while Spring was driving into the city to deliver milk, the freight striking the milk wagon in the center and Spring was thrown out, breaking his neck, also his right leg below the knee. Death was instantaneous.

Spring formerly lived at 1015 East Gorham Street with his parents, brothers, and sisters. His father, John Spring, worked for M.J.Hoven at his Second Ward shop last spring. This spring the family purchased the milk route formerly owned and operated by a Mr. Singermang and rented the farm owned by a man named Hoyt from which he was coming this morning when the unfortunate accident occurred.

Adolph Spring was about 26 years of age. He weighed about 160 pounds, was smooth faced, had dark hair and complexion. On August 4th he made application to O.W. Andres of this city for a life insurance policy of $1000 in the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of New York but unfortunately never appeared to take the examination.

The freight crew with Conductor Henry Butterfield in charge and J.C. Coan, engineer, brought the body back to Northwestern depot. It was met by Police Officer Boyd with the patrol wagon and taken to W.D. Finch's undertaking parlor, where the jury consisting of James S. Grady, Peter Gurten, Koseph Hagen, Wm. Boyd, Fred Hartella, Sr., and Joseph Rhodes with Coroner Lynch viewed the body. The inquest will be held Tuesday, as the train crew will not return until a late hour tonight.

The horse which was attached to the wagon was not injured and immediately upon being separated started on a run and has not yet been captured.

The front to the engine was covered with milk, pieces of glass, and spinters from the wagon. At the place where the accident occurred, there were high banks on either side of the tracks. There are also double tracks there.

The Spring family came from Portage a little over a year ago.

The accident occurred about half a mile west of where Mrs. Wright was killed.

Note: Adolph Spring was a son of John and Marianna Kaeser Spring and was born in Waukon, Iowa in August of 1877.