HAYENGA, Claas 1843-1912

HAJENGA, AKKERMAN, HAYENGA

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 12/31/2020 at 12:53:42

Claas Hajenga Killed At Ackley

Claas Hajenga met with a terrible death Friday morning at Ackley when he was killed by a passenger train on the Iowa Central. He was a section man and in company with the three others, Mr. Ross Kruser, foreman, Frei Fistler and Paul Miske, was crossing the bridge one-half mile north of town on a hand car when they first noticed the extra bearing down upon them. The three narrowly escaped injury by getting off the car and crawling to the edge of the bridge, holding themselves suspended by their arm from the stringers while the train passed. Mr. Hajenga, the unfortunate man on account of his old age was not so agile and was struck before he could get to a place of safety. Both of his legs were severed from his body and he had an ugly gash in his scalp as well as many other bruises. The hand car was hurled many feet. He was unconscious when picked up and taken to Ackley where local doctors did all in their power to save him. The man lived about an hour after he was taken to the city. He was a widower who is survived by three grown children.

The deceased lived in this locality for many years before he moved to Ackley. He is the father of Mrs. George Wubbens and Mrs. Peter VanderWerf.

Funeral services was held Monday afternoon and he was laid to rest by the side of his wife at the Rev. Mueller cemetery. He leaves to mourn his death ten children, six girls and four boys and eighteen grandchildren. One son and three daughters have entered matrimonial life. Mr. Hayenga was born at Fisguard Germany in 1843 and was united in marriage to Miss Christena Akkerman in 1873.

He was a resident of Grundy county for twenty-eight years.

--Wellsburg Herald (Wellsburg, Iowa), 21 August 1912