Spears, William E. died 1912

SPEARS, SPARKS, SCOTT

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 8/5/2021 at 20:31:24

McGregor, Ia., Feb 2 - The body of William E. Spears of Alberton, Montana, the conductor on the Puget Sound Extension of the C.M. and St. P., who was killed at Avery, Idaho, a few days ago was brought to McGregor today for burial.

Mr. Spears was the first man to lose his life on the Missoula division of the extension in Montana though the division including as it does the crossing of the Continental Divide and the Bitter Root mountains is considered the most difficult portion of the new line.

The accident was the result of careless switching. At the moment Conductor Spears was about to step onto the rear of his train as it was pulling out of the yards at Avery, a flat car loaded with telegraph poles standing on the side track was accidentally bumped into a freight train and overturned, burying him and killing him instantly. The mangled body had to be taken 150 miles to Missoula, Montana, before an undertaker could be had or a casket bought.

Conductor and Mrs. Spears were former residents of McGregor. Mrs. Spears is a sister of Mrs. E. Sparks and Mr. E. Scott.

~Dubuque Telegraph-Herald, Feb. 2, 1912