Bertha Christine Hatland 1897-1918

HATLAND

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/8/2014 at 21:07:32

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)

Bertha Hatland Passes Away
Another Victim of the Automobile Accident Last Week Dies on Tuesday [August 20, 1918] Morning
Miss Bertha Hatland, one of the victims of the automobile accident east of Superior on August 11th, died at the City Hospital Tuesday morning of this week.

Funeral is to be held Friday afternoon at 2:30 from the Norwegian Lutheran church. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)

Two Deaths Are Result of The Auto Accident
Wreck Sunday, August 11, Fatal to Young Man and Lady
Others are Recovering
Clifford Reed Died Sunday Morning, and Miss Hatland Tuesday Afternoon
The terrible automobile accident west of this city on Sunday evening, August 11th, resulted in two deaths. After being unconscious in the City Hospital for nearly a week, Clifford Reed, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Reed, passed away last Sunday morning, having never regained consciousness. Miss Bertha Hatland, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thos. Hatland, passed away Tuesday afternoon at the City Hospital. An operation was performed upon her Sunday, in the hopes of being able to do something for her, but it was found that her condition was such that death was inevitable. The other members of the part are all recovering in nice shape.

Miss Bertha, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hatland, was born in Emmet county on January 1st, 1897. She grew to young womanhood in this community and was admired and respected by a large circle of friends. Always a leader in the younger social set of her community, she will be greatly missed. The parents have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in their bereavement. Funeral services will be held from the Norwegian church in this city at one o’clock Friday afternoon, in charge of Rev. J. J. Akre. Burial will be made in the Kittleson [Norwegian] cemetery. (Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, August 21, 1918)