Edward J. Ketchum 1868-1925

KETCHUM, ROST, BROWN, SPARKS

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 8/20/2010 at 21:51:01

Pioneer Railroad Engineer Dies
Ed. Ketchum Had Run Trains on R.I. Since 1895

Edward J. Ketchum who for nearly thirty years had been an engineer on the Rock Island railroad, was suddenly stricken on Friday, April 17th, with apoplexy at Bovey, Minn., where he had been since last summer for his health. He was also one of the very first children born in this county. His father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Ketchum, were among the first people to move to the site of the town of Estherville, and he first saw the light of day here on Nov. 17, 1868.

He attended school here and at the age of twenty-two entered the service of the old B.C.R. & N. as fireman. On Nov. 8, 1895 he was set up as engineer and with only a few months off because of ill health was in continuous service until his last illness which began two years ago. He was granted a pension on May 1, 1923.

Mr. Ketchum was united in marriage on May 10, 1891 to Miss Nettie Rost and to this union one son was born, Claude R., who resides in Estherville.

The deceased was a Scottish Rite Mason, and a member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He is survived by his wife and son, and two sisters, Mrs. H. O. Brown of Estherville and Mrs. Hattie Sparks of St. Ann, Texas.

Funeral services, which are in charge of the Masons, will be held this (Wednesday) afternoon at four o’clock from the home. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, April 22, 1925)

Edward J. Ketchum
Edward J. Ketchum, a pioneer of this city and county, passed away on Friday last at his temporary home in northern Minnesota stricken with apoplexy. Edward Ketchum was the only son of Amos Ketchum, one of the pioneers of this county. He was a home boy in every respect being born in this city on November 17, 1868. He attended school in this city and at an early age he entered the railway service here. In the course of years he worked his way up to the capacity of engineer. He held this position until health failed him some two years ago. After a severe illness he went to Northern Minnesota to regain his health and it was while he was occupying his little cottage that he passed away. At the time of his death none of his relatives were with him and his death came suddenly.

He was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Rost November [May] 10, 1891 and to this union there was one son born, Claude R., of this city. The remains were brought to this city for burial and the services were held from the home, the Rev. Huxford officiating. The Masons and the Locomotive Engineers, of which he was a member, participating. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 22, 1925)