Matson, Emma Louise 1873-1948

MATSON, HIGHLEY

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 5/24/2016 at 15:15:21

Storm Lake Pilot-Tribune - Sep 30, 1948 - Mrs C.P. Matson, 75, widow of Storm Lakes last Civil war veteran was instantly killed Tuesday night when she was struck by an eastbound freight train as she was crossing the Illinois Central railroad crossing on Lake avenue. The tragic accident occurred only a short distance north of her home at 422 Lake avenue.

Coroner J.J. Taylor said there will be no inquest. His investigation showed that Mrs Matson had been attending a meeting of the Rebekah lodge in the IOOF hall Wednesday evening. She started home from the lodge hall at 10:15 p.m. At 10:19 east bound freight train No 676, a fast train carrying meat from Sioux City to Chicago, roared thru Storm Lake.

At 11:20 Storm Lake police investigated what seemed to be a bundle of clothing lying near the Lake avenue crossing. They found the body of Mrs Matson. She was lying of the east side of the pavement and on the south side of the track. Both of Mrs Matsons's legs were cut off by the train and the rest of her body was mangled almost beyond recognition. A son, Duart Highley, who has been staying here with his mother this past summer, was in bed asleep when the tragedy was discovered. He was awakened to identify the body.

How the accident happened probably never will be definitely established. Apparently there were no witnesses. Evidently Mrs Matson did not see nor hear the approaching train, although it makes a great deal of noise and its headlight can be seen for considerable distance. Mrs Matson was partially deaf. The train crew knew nothing of the accident until it was notified by Storm Lake authorities. Railroad officials said examination of the front end of the train disclosed no evidence that there had been an accident.

Mrs Matson's other son, Earl Highley, of Rio Vista, CA, left California by plane Wednesday morning. He arrived today.

Services are planned for Friday afternoon from Kroll Funeral home. Interment will be in the family plot at the Storm Lake cemetery. At the request of Mrs Matson's sons, the casket will not be opened publicly.

Mrs Matson was born Oct 1, 1873 at Dubuque. She had been a resident of Storm Lake and surrounding territory for over 50 years. She is survived by two sons, Earl L Highley of Rio Vista, CA and Duart Highley of Storm Lake.