Clifford Floyd Reed 1897-1918

REED, YORK

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/8/2014 at 20:42:05

Fatal Auto Accident
Bertha Hatland and Clifford Reed Seriously Injured and Miss Velma Reed Badly Hurt
Buick Six Driven Too Fast
Unable to Make Turn
Accident Happened Sunday Night at First Square Turn East of Superior
A fatal automobile accident occurred about eleven o’clock Sunday night in which Miss Bertha Hatland is supposed to be fatally injured and Clifford Reed was badly hurt about the head and body and his sister, Miss Velma, was quite badly hurt about the body, and the rest more or less scratched and bruised.

There were seven in the car, a large Buick Six which was owned by John Erpelding of Center township. The party had been at the lakes for the day and were on their way home. Mike Erpelding was driving the car and Missses Etta and Jessie Reed were in the front seat with him. In the back seats were Joe Erpelding, Clifford Reed, Miss Bertha Hatland and Miss Velma Reed.

The car was driven at a moderate speed until Superior was passed and then the throttle was opened a little wider and the speed was increased. When the first square turn of Superior was reached, known as the Murray turn, the car had gained such momentum that the driver was unable to make the turn and the car struck the embankment at almost full speed. Those in the front seat were thrown through the windshield and those in the back were thrown out of the car a little to the side, and it is thought against a telephone pole. Those in the front seat were not hurt very badly.

Clifford Reed was knocked unconscious and is in a very critical condition. Miss Bertha Hatland received serious internal injuries and her recovery is very doubtful. Miss Velma Reed sustained severe bodily injuries but was not dangerously hurt.

The others were only slightly hurt.

Mr. E. Poulson and a stranger drove along soon after the accident and brought the party to the city hospital where everything is being done for the unfortunate young people. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 14, 1918)

Clifford Reed Dies
Passed Away in City Hospital Sunday [August 18, 1918] Morning
Clifford Reed who was injured in the automobile accident between Superior and Estherville Sunday evening, August 11th, died of his injuries Sunday morning in the City Hospital. He never regained consciousness and very little hopes were entertained of his recovery after the accident.

Obituary
Clifford Floyd Reed, son of Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Reed, was born in Dallas County near Perry, 21 years ago the 22nd day of March. He lived there until 17 years of age when he moved to Emmetsburg, where he resided until he moved to Estherville two years ago.

He died at the City Hospital Sunday morning never having regained consciousness from the accident which caused his death.

He leaves to mourn his untimely departure his father and mother, four sisters, Mrs. May York of Perry, Jessie, Etta and Velma, and one brother, Harold, besides other relatives and a host of friends and acquaintances.

Clifford was a genial fellow and had many friends. He was a kind, loving son and was of great help to his parents on the farm. He was a faithful member of the Knights of Pythias where his presence will also be missed.

The funeral services were conducted at the home Tuesday afternoon by Rev. J. Frederic Catlin. A mixed quartette composed of Mesdames Wing and Eiden and Messrs. Albertson and Myhre sang some of the comforting songs. The floral offerings and the large attendance at the services gave evidence of the place Clifford held in his home and community.

The body was taken to Minburn, Iowa, for burial, the family leaving with it on the 6:20 M. & S.L. train this morning. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)