Ed Randall 1851-1924

RANDALL, SECORD, LUNDY, ADAIR

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 6/16/2018 at 12:13:28

27 March 1924 - West Branch Times

ED. RANDALL INSTANTLY KILLED BY TRAIN

We are again faced with the sorrowful necessity of chronicling a tragedy, the story of the death of Ed. Randall, who was struck by No. 10, the northbound passenger train Tuesday night, and instantly killed. This train hasn't been stopping at West Branch, as a rule, and on this occasion was going through town.

Mr. Randall, and his nephew, Joseph Randall, were walking east as the train approached. The younger man stopped but his uncle walked on, unheeding Joseph's shouted warning, and it is thought he had crossed the track when he stumbled and the speeding engine struck him before he could escape. The train did not pass over its victim but the terrible impact threw the body perhaps a hundred feet, and death was no doubt instantaneous.

Ed. Randall was born in Ontario, Canada, 72 years ago and two brothers, Walter and Ebenezer, still reside there. Two other brothers, Joseph and Frank, are local residents.

He was a man with a wide acquaintance, both in town and country, where he was a familiar figure. Of a quiet unassuming disposition his many years residence in this community made many friends who are immeasurably shocked and grieved at his sudden death.

The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock.

3 April 1924 - West Branch Times

Ed. Randall son of Joseph and Mary Randall, was born at Brooklyn, Whitby township, Ontario, Canada, September 10, 1851. On Tuesday night, March 25, 1924, he was instantly killed at West Branch, Iowa, being struck by a through passenger train.

He grew to manhood in Canada and when but a young man he came to the United States. After spending some time in the Black Hills, South Dakota, he worked for about a year at the Indian Agency at Tama City, Iowa, and for the past thirty years or more, he has lived in the vicinity of West Branch.

In 1881 Mr. Randall was married to Mrs. Janet Secord at Tama City. After but five brief months of happy wedded life, his wife's death occurred at Montezuma, Iowa, Aug. 6, 1881.

Ed.'s mother's maiden name was Lundy, and it was between the home farms of her father and that of her uncle that the battle of Lundy's Lane was fought in July, 1814.

He was born and reared in a Christian home, his parents being staunch Quaker pioneers of Canada. Although never having made public profession of the Christian faith nor having identified himself with the church, Ed. was not an avowed disbeliever. He was of a quiet disposition, unassuming in manner, kindly disposed toward his neighbors, efficient as a workman and punctual in all his business appointments. His tragic death was a shock to the entire community and more especially to his relatives and friends.

Of his immediate relatives, those surviving him are: His stepdaughter, Mrs. Nellie Adair, of Des Moines, Iowa; and four brothers, Ebenezer, Joseph and Walter, of Canada, and Frank of West Branch. Out-of-town relatives here for the funeral were one brother, Joseph and wife, a cousin and wife, Mr. and Mrs. George Randall of Iowa City and the step-daughter and her husband Mr. and Mrs. Roy Adair of Des Moines, Mr. Joe Zerbie, Belle Plaine; Mrs. J. S. Housholder, Independence; Mrs. L. P. Mitchell, Tipton; Mr. and Mrs. Jake Peters, West Liberty; Mr. and Mrs. Glen Healy, Moscow; Walter Randall, Davenport.

Funeral services from the Friends church, West Branch, Iowa, Friday, March 28, 1924.