Haines, Charles Abbott 1837-1882

HAINES

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/27/2016 at 16:43:35

March 30, 1882 - Storm Lake Pilot - All the residents of Storm Lake during the first five years of its existence will remember the subject of this funeral notice. Charley Haines, as he was familiarly called, was one of the most popular of railroad men and his death will be greatly lamented.

He was born in Concord, New Hampshire, on the 11th day of August, 1837, and came to Iowa in 1855. Before coming to this state he had learned the machinist trade and was rated among the most skillful. In 1859 he went into the employ of the Railroad Company then building a line west from Dubuque. He was a locomotive engineer and ran the first engines into Manchester and Waterloo. He was promoted to passenger conductor upon the completion of the road to Sioux City and continued for years in charge of trains on the Western end of the line. Finally he went to Texas and followed railroading, and in later years was similarly employed in Minnesota.

During the winter of 1880 - 81 his eyes became affected to the discharge of his duties and he was threatened with total blindness. The services of the most eminent and skilled occulists of Boston and other cities were employed but availed little in restoring his sight and finally total darkness enveloped the remainder of his life. His whole system was affected and a complication of diseases brought about his death on the 22nd inst.

In his days of health he was generous, kind, noble, and good, and during his infirmities and sickness he was patient, trustful and resigned. Since November last he has found a good home with his Uncle, C.G. Haines, residing near this city. To the sufferer was extended every attention and comfort that kind hearts and love could suggest. Today he sleeps in the beautiful Storm Lake Cemetery near the railroad over which he ran so many trains loaded with living human beings.

The funeral took place on Saturday from the First Universalist Church. The choir sang appropriate selections and Rev. Whitney conducted exercises fitting to the occasion, and the mortal remains of noble Charley Haines were deposited in the silent tomb.

His wife and children reside at Red Wing, Minnesota.

The following from the Dubuque Herald will show the high estimate of his character by those who knew him best - Many of our readers will be pained to hear of the death of C.A. Haines, which sad event occurred at Storm Lake on Wednesday morning.

Charley, as he was familiarly called by his many friends, was a whole-souled, kind hearted, genial man. For 15 years he was employed by the I.C.R.R. and held positions as engineer and conductor, with faithfulness and proficiency.

The cause of his death, a paralytic stroke, was occasioned by exposure to the severe storms during the winter of 1880-81, while employed on the Northern Pacific railroad. It affected nearly all his senses, but the greatest affliction was the loss of his eyesight, for he was totally blind at the time of his death. It is sad indeed to be deprived of a last farewell look from those relatives and friends who had been untiring in the cares and nursing for him in the last few months of his life.

He passed away into the land of everlasting life without a struggle, as if going into a peaceful sleep. In the prime of life he was the very picture of manliness, health and physical beauty, and to think of such a marvelous change will fill with grief the hearts of many. May his soul rest in peace, for in the hereafter everything is joy, gladness and eternal life.