James Mitchell 1912-1937

MITCHELL

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 11/13/2010 at 23:47:35

Farm Hand is Killed Instantly
James Mitchell, 24, Sustained Broken Neck When Struck by Limb From Tree

James Mitchell, 24, was killed instantly Friday [January 22, 1937] morning about 9:30 of broken neck which he sustained when he was struck by a limb from a tree he was trimming at the Robt. West farm, south of Ceylon, Minn. Mitchell, who had also worked for the West family when they lived east of Estherville, had gone to the West farm for a few days employment and was trimming trees when the accident happened.

A doctor from Ceylon was called and then the body was brought to the Sternborg funeral home. Last rites were held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the Sternborg chapel with the Rev. J. A. Riggs of the Baptist church in charge. Burial was in Oak Hill cemetery.

James Mitchell is survived by his wife and his mother, Mrs. Samuel Mitchell of Blue Earth, Minn.

He was born Feb. 25, 1912 at Ringsted. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, January 26, 1937)

James Mitchell Dies After Fall From Tree on West Farm

James Mitchell, while working on the Robert West farm, south of Ceylon, fell to his death from the top of a tree he was trimming on Friday last.

He had been employed by Mr. West to trim the trees on the farm and he started to work in the early morning. He cut a limb off and fell to the ground with it, breaking his neck.

Robert Wright, who is also employed on the West farm, saw the body on the ground shortly after Mr. Mitchell. He called for help and Mr. West, who was at the house, came immediately but it was too late.

Medical attention was called, but the doctor was of the opinion that death was almost spontaneous. The remains were brought to Estherville.

Mrs. Mitchell resided with the W. H. Stewart family and she was immediately notified. The deceased is survived by his widow and one daughter. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, January 28, 1937)