TOOMSEN, Tyle 1889-1928

TOOMSEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 4/27/2015 at 13:56:24

T. Toomsen Killed; Accident Friday

Walking on M. & St. L. Railroad Track; Struck by Locomotive

Heavy Freight Train Passed Over Him; Badly Mutilated; Funeral Was Sunday Afternoon

The third distressing railroad accident to occur at or near Ackley within as many weeks, occurred Friday morning last. The unfortunate victim in this instance was Tyle Toomsen.

He had started in the early morning for the home of his sister, Mrs. Ben Siedschlag, a short distance from Ackley, and as was his custom he took the center of the Minneapolis & St. Louis railroad track; walking north. There was quite a strong wind at the time and Toomsen, walking with head down, bracing himself against the wind; being a deaf mute he could not hear the freight train that was approaching from the north; the engineer endeavored to stop his train and also sought to attract Toomsen's attention by repeatedly sounding the whistle, but the unfortunate man continued on, wholly oblivious of the train's approach, unmindful of his danger.

Toomsen was quite a favorite about town; regardless of his affliction he had made a place for himself by reason of his geniality; he had shown considerable ability as a sign-writer and appeared to be getting a nice foothold in this line of work.

He was a son of the late Dirk Toomsen and Mrs. Toomsen, born in German township, Grundy, December 20, 1889. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon, Rev. Johnson of West Friesland German Presbyterian church conducting them. The remains being interred in the cemetery that adjoins the church, two miles southeast of this city.

--Ackley World-Journal (Ackley, Iowa), 25 October 1928, pg 1

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Ackley Man Killed by Train

Tile Tomson was struck by a train while crossing a railroad track at Ackley Friday afternoon and he was instantly killed. He was struck by a Minneapolis & St. Louis engine. Tomson was deaf and did not hear the train approaching nor the engine's whistle.

Tomson was a single man. He is survived by his mother, three sisters and one brother. Funeral services were held at Ackley Sunday afternoon.

--The Grundy Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 25 October 1928, pg 11