Orlando Theodore Olson 1908-1920

OLSON

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 6/13/2013 at 00:13:23

Orlando Olson Coasts to His Death Sunday [January 18, 1920]
Son of Ole C. Olson of Wallingford Killed in Accident
Was Sliding Down Hill
Falls From His Sled and Runner of Following Sled Pierces Brain
A very sad accident occurred last Sunday when Orlando T. Olson, the 11-year-old son of Ole C. Olson of near Wallingford, sustained injuries which resulted in his death.

It seems that while coasting down a hill near his home, together with some playmates, he fell from his sled, and the runner of the sled behind him struck him in the eye, piercing the brain and causing his death.

Medical aid was summoned, but to no avail, and the lad died a half hour later. The boy never regained consciousness. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, January 21, 1920)

Boy Killed While Coasting
Orlando Olson of Wallingford Killed When Struck By Another Sled
Orlando Theodore Olson
A very sad accident occurred on last Sunday afternoon about 2 o’clock when the eleven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Olson, pioneer residents of this county, was killed while coasting. Three of the boys went to the hill in the afternoon, a younger brother, a neighbor boy and Orlando Olson. The other boys were coasting on one sled and were ahead of Orlando. The hill was a steep one and the boys attained a great speed. The boys on the front sled were only part way down the hill when they collided with a dog. This tipped the boys off and threw the runner of the sled in the air. Orlando who was just behind them, struck the upturned runner, the end of which entered his eye. By the time those on the hill had reached him he had passed away and if death was not instantaneous it had followed in a few seconds. It was thought his pulse was beating when the first parties reached him. Medical aid was summoned at once but the boy had passed away long before they arrived.

The accident was a sever shock to the neighborhood and to the community where they family has a large acquaintance.

Orlando Theodore was born August 10, 1908, and was the second youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Olson. He was a bright, sturdy youth and a great favorite of the community.

The funeral services were conducted from the home and the church at Wallingford Wednesday, the Rev. Hanson officiating. He leaves to mourn his death a father, mother, two sisters and three brothers. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, January 21, 1920)