Mr. Backus – Died 1899

BACKUS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 9/28/2020 at 15:20:36

Source: Decorah Republican June 22, 1899 P 8 C 3

Killed by the Cars.
Oelwein, June 15.—A Chicago Great Western brakeman by the name of Backus, whose home is in Dubuque, was instantly killed at Stanley this morning while trying to make a coupling between two cars. One of the cars was loaded with timbers, and the unfortunate man did not notice that one of them projected over the end of the car, and when they came together his head was caught between the end of the timber and the next car with such force as to crush his skull, causing instant death. The remains were brought to this city and prepared for burial and to await directions from relatives as to their burial. He had gone out of the city only a short time before in the best of health and spirits and his sudden death was a shock to trainmen and friends in this city.