William Switzer d. 1902

SWITZER

Posted By: Michie Reed (email)
Date: 4/16/2009 at 11:19:52

Mason City Globe 8 May 1902

The funeral of the late William Switzer, the Milwaukee engineer who lost his life by drowning near Everly Monday night will occur from the residence at the corner of Howard and Kearney street Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. Ralph Sargent. The ceremony will be attended by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of which he was a valued member and by the Tribe of Ben Hur. The deceased was a loving husband and father and took great enjoyment and comfort in his family of a wife and seven children, the oldest of whom is only 14 years. He was their constant companion when off his engine and their grief for his broken comradeship will be very keen. It is thought that he must have been stunned when he fell from his engine as his watch gave evidence of his body having struck the bridge in the region of his heart, the case having been indented and the crystal of the watch broken by the fall. It is thought that the fall took his breath or otherwise stunned him so that he was unable to help himself, when he reached the water. Fortunately the deceased carried in the various orders to which he belonged insurance amounting to $7,000 which will be a great aid to the widow and the children. He also had a home in Sanborn paid for and had his home here which is only partially encumbered.