C. H. Milnes

MILNES

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 12/26/2018 at 10:05:22

September 10 1908 - West Branch Times

The villagers were shocked to hear of the automobile accident Friday evening in which C. H. Milnes lost his life. Mrs. Ward of West Liberty had invited a few of her intimate friends to attend the M.E. Conference at Otumwa, making the trip in her auto. Six were in company besides the chauffeur--Mrs. Ward and sister, Rev. Hanley and wife, Mr. Pratt and Mr. Milnes. Mr. Milnes was killed instantly, Mrs. Ward's arm was dislocated and several ribs broken, her sister received several injuries, also Mr. Hanley, and the man in charge of the auto. We understand that the accident occured about 9 miles from Sigourney, Ia., not far from 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon. Just after they had turned a sharp curve, the road bed being narrow and ditched on both sides, running close to the drain on the side the heavy auto caused the road to give way and threw it in the ditch bottom side up, pinning the passengers under the car. It required considerable time and assistance before they could be taken from the car. Mr. Milnes was interred at West Liberty, Monday afternoon. A large crowd from here attended the funeral. Mr. Milnes' former life was spent in Springdale, having received his education in the high school and launched his first business in the village, carrying on the butcher business, later starting an undertaking establishment. After a few years in Springdale he moved to West Liberty where he has been in business to the time of his demise. He was about forty-nine years of age, was highly esteemed by all who formed his acquaintance. The writer has known him from boyhood and can truly say to know him was to admire him. Strictly honest and very obliging in his business dealings. At the time of his decease he was the only undertaker at West Liberty.