John T. Foraker 1896-1931

FORAKER, TRIMBLE, OAKES, KEELEY, CONNELL, DONOVAN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/18/2018 at 08:13:44

2 July 1931 - West Branch Times

John T. Foraker, son of James and Laverna Foraker, was born October 20, 1896, at Elmira, and died Tuesday, June 23, 1931, in his 35th year.

He was married to Miss Blanche Trimble of Oasis, Nov. 29, 1917, and they have always lived in the vicinity of Elmira, West Branch or Iowa City. Two years he spent with the U.S. Cavalry service on the Mexican border.

Mr. Foraker met his death by electrocution being engaged in working for the state highway commission, on Highway No. 1, near the Rocheste bridge.

When attempting to blast out rock at the side of the road, the wires which Mr. Foraker held were blown by the explosion over a high tension wire, electrocuting the worker. He died about one hour later on the way to an Iowa City hospital.

Local firemen responded with the inhalator, which was used in vain.

He is survived by his widow, four children, LaVerna 11, Robert 9, Lawrence 7, and Bonna 2. Four brothers J. E., David, Alvin and Philip Foraker all of Iowa City; and five sisters, Mrs. A. Z Oakes, of Solon; Mrs. Harold Keeley, of Maquoketa; Mrs. B. L. Connell, Mrs. Leo Donovan and Lucy Foraker, all of Iowa City, also survive. A number of nieces and nephews are among the survivors.

He was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge, and was a member of the Oasis Methodist church. Funeral services were conducted at the Oathout chapel at Iowa City at 2:00 o'clock Thursday afternoon with burial in the Morse cemetery. The Rev. H. D. Green, pastor of the Methodist church at West Branch officiated, and the Odd Fellows also conducted services.