Lewis C. Wanamaker 1881-1940

WANAMAKER, BARNES, JEFFRIES

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/2/2010 at 23:51:13

Prominent Local Man Killed in Crash
Car Goes Over 5 Times
L. C. Wanamaker Victim of Accident Near Ayrshire Tuesday; Funeral This Afternoon

Lewis C. Wanamaker, 59, one of Estherville’s most popular men was instantly killed late Tuesday [July 23, 1940] afternoon when his car struck soft gravel and catapulted. The accident occurred about seven miles south of Ayrshire on a county highway. Wanamaker who traveled for the Wheeler-Barnes food specialty company of Minneapolis was driving from Ayrshire to Laurens. He was in a haste to reach the latter place and was evidently driving fast. At a rural intersection a car driven by Orin Lindsey of Havre, Mont., and occupied by Lindsey and his wife came out onto the main gravel road without stopping.

The Estherville man swerved to avoid the crash and struck the soft gravel. A witness said that the car turned over five times. The unfortunate man’s neck was broken and there were other serious injuries. The Lindseys who had been visiting at the Joseph Johnson home at Curlew were unhurt.

Coming to Estherville in 1898, Mr. Wanamaker had made this city his residence with the exception of a few years since that time. He was born on July 28, 1881 a Waterloo, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Wanamaker. He attended the Waterloo schools and was in the senior year. Here in Estherville he was employed for 10 years by Herman Graff in the Eagle Clothing store, then when the Wholesale Grocery house was opened here by the Ft. Dodge company he became an employee succeeding LeRoy Buckingham as manager. Five years ago he resigned to open retail grocery stores in Milford and Terril. These he sold when he took a position with his brother-in-law Wm. Barnes, for the Wheeler-Barnes company.

On July 21, 1906, Mr. Wanamaker was married to Matt Barnes of Estherville at Colorado Springs, Colo. They had observed their 34th wedding anniversary Sunday.

Mrs. Wanamaker survives her husband and there is one brother Glenn of Mason City and a sister, Mrs. Mae Jeffries of Lexington, Ky., left to mourn his untimely death.

Funeral services were held at two-thirty this afternoon at the Methodist church in charge of Rev. R. T. Chipperfield of Fostoria. A short prayer service was conducted at the home.

Burial was made in Oak Hill cemetery.

Pall bearers were Geo. Robb, Roy Burt, J. E. Wilson, John Smith, I. J. Robinson and Fred Robinson. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, July 25, 1940)

L. C. Wanamaker Killed in Auto Accident on Tuesday
L. C. Wanamker was killed Tuesday afternoon at 4:23 near Ayrshire when his auto rolled over six times after striking the front bumper of another car which was being driven part way on the highway.

Mr. Wanamaker had been in Estherville at 2:30. Jay Howard and Romaine Sondrol were talking with him in front of the Cut Rate Grocery. He said he was going to Laurens that afternoon and then to Ft. Dodge.

On his way to Laurens he evidently took the short cut. He was driving south at the time when a care driven from the east came on the highway. The car was not far enough in to be caught in a direct line. The front of the Wanamaker car caught the end of the fender and the bumper of the other car. The Wanamaker care took to the ditch on the west side of the highway. It is said the car rolled over at least six times. The doors flew open and Mr. Wanamaker was thrown against the car. The car hit by the Wanamaker car was not badly damaged and the driver did not get a scratch. He was able to leave on the car’s own power.

In a very few minutes the highway was lined with cars. Hundreds of people stopped at the scene of the accident. Mrs. Wanamaker was phoned by the coroner and Mahlum and Anderson sent their ambulance for the remains.

Mr. Wanamaker’s head and body were badly cut and bruised and were in terrible condition. It was apparent Mr. Wanamaker was driving at a good rate of speed at the time of the accident. His watch stopped at 4:23 which is considered as the time the accident occurred.

Mr. Wanamaker was reared in this city. He for a time managed the Estherville Grocery Co., has operated a store in Terril and has been connected with other businesses in the city. For the past two years he has been affiliated with the Wheeler-Barnes Co. of Minneapolis, Minn.

Lew, as he was known by everyone in this city was very popular among his acquaintances. He was a genial man, always pleasant to all. A great worker in the church and beloved by all. He was a good business man and was known as a hustler for business. He was happy with his present position and only that afternoon said he enjoyed his work better than any he had ever had. He is survived by his widow and a sister, Mrs. Mae Jefferies, of Lexington, Ky., and a brother, Glenn of Mason City.

Funeral services were conducted at two p.m. today in the Methodist church with the Rev. R. T. Chipperfield officiating. Burial was made in the Oak Hill cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, July 25, 1940)