Holmes, George 1890-1907

HOLMES

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 4/28/2016 at 20:31:42

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune - October 4, 1907 - George Holmes, youngest son of Mr and Mrs William Holmes, who live just northwest of this city, met death at Newell Sunday night in some manner which can not as yet be explained.

He in some way either fell or was pushed from the east bound Illinois Central passenger, about 50 rods east of the depot at Newell and suffered what was afterwards found to be a severe fracture of the skull, from the effects of which he died Tuesday afternoon.

He laid out in the cold and rain all night and until found by one of the Newell section men the next morning. He was sufficiently conscious to tell who his people were and that was all, lapsing into a state of entire unconsciousness, never coming to himself even long enough to tell how the accident happened. As soon as found he was taken to the doctors office where the local surgeons did everything possible for him, but it was announced at once that his chances for recovery were indeed small.

Mr Holmes was immediately notified and went to Newell, accompanied by his brother and succeeded in getting George down home. Surgeons were called, everything possible was done, but to no avail. A post mortem examination on Tuesday showed that there was a well defined and severe fracture of the skull.

George had been working at Fonda with some ditchers for some time and as was his custom came home to spend Sunday. He assisted with the evening chores on Sunday and started to town to take the train back to work. It is supposed that he took the passenger and in some manner stepped or fell from the train while in motion. It is a well known fact that all trains have been so crowded that it would indeed be easy to do this or to be accidentally pushed overboard. It is believed that when he fell his head came in contact with the whistling post, for it showed that something had struck it with great force.

Deceased was born in Scott township, this county, 17 years ago last March and was a young man of excellent habits, great industry, and a disposition which won him friends on all hands. He was well liked by all his associates and the Holmes home has been made sad indeed by his sudden and violent death. It seems that they have been having more than their share of trouble this summer. It will be remembered that it was but a few weeks ago since the son, Thomas, received injuries in a baseball game out in North Dakota from the effects of which he died later.

The funeral services were held at the house Thursday afternoon and interment was made in the Storm Lake cemetery.