Frank M. Conger 1862-1902

CONGER, VALLANA

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 9/25/2014 at 21:22:44

Manager Conger Dead
Special to the Enterprise
Armstrong, April 16th – Manager Conger of the Armstrong Brick and Tile factory died last night [April 15, 1902] at 9:15 o’clock as a result of an accident. Yesterday morning as he was oiling the machinery in the factory, he got caught in the machinery and before assistance could reach him he was horribly mangled. Mr. Conger never recovered from the shock. The funeral will be held Thursday. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 16, 1902)

Killed at Armstrong
A special from Armstrong gives the following report of the accident at that place Tuesday afternoon:

“Armstrong, April 16 – A serious accident occurred at the brick and tile factory yesterday. Frank M. Conger, the foreman, while oiling some machinery connected with the grinder, was drawn into the large cog wheels by his clothing getting caught. Mr. G.W. Umphrey hurried to the unfortunate man’s assistance and succeeded in pulling him away from the machine but not until the terrible cogs had torn the muscles of his chest and back about the right shoulder and also torn the skin away completely. Mr. Conger’s clothing was nearly all stripped from him and but for his presence of mind and the prompt assistance rendered, would have been ground to pieces. He was taken to his home and physicians called, who did all they could for him, and if he can withstand the terrible shock, may recover, as fortunately no bones were broken. Mr. Conger previously lived at Iowa Falls and moved here last fall to take charge of the building and operation of the Armstrong Brick and Tile Company’s plant. The machinery was limbered up Monday and yesterday morning they began operations in earnest with a full force of men, and everything was running smoothly when the accident occurred.

Later: Frank M. Conger, who was injured in the brick and tile factory here died this morning. (Evening Tribune, Estherville, IA, April 17, 1902/ Estherville Democrat, Estherville, IA, April 18, 1902)

Conger’s Injury Proves Fatal
Armstrong Journal: What proved to be a fatal accident occurred at the brick yard Tuesday morning. Foreman F.M. Conger was oiling the gearing of the moulding machine when his coat caught in two large cog wheels drawing him instantly into the fast moving machine. Upon hearing the cry for help, Mr. G.W. Umphrey, who was near, instantly sprang to his assistance and succeeded in getting Mr. Conger away from the machine and the engine stopped. The unfortunate man’s clothing was literally ground to pieces. The muscles of the right arm were torn away, as was also a large portion of the body just under the arm. Mr. Conger was assisted to his home, he was walking much of the distance, and medical aid was summoned. All that medical skill and loving hands could do was done for him, but the shock wa too great for even the strong man that he was, and he closed his eyes in eternal sleep about 9 o’clock that evening.

Mr. Conger was a man of congenial ways, quiet and gentlemanly in behavior, and he made many friends during the short time he had been in town. He was about 42 years old and leaves a loving wife and two children to mourn his untimely death.

Funeral services will be held at the residence tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock and the remains laid to rest in the Armstrong cemetery. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, April 23, 1902)

Per 1900 Iowa census, born Nov. 1862 in Illinois; married to Anna Conger (born Feb 1876 in Italy); children: Vernie Conger (3) and Helen Conger 8/12

Iowa Marriage Records show Frank M. Conger married to Anna Vallana May 15, 1897 in Eldora