NISSEN, Hans C. (1873-1917)

NISSEN, DAY

Posted By: Hancock Co Genealogical Society
Date: 1/24/2021 at 14:18:08

Four People Killed When Train Hits Their Automobile

An awful catastrophe that has cast a gloom over two communities in particular and in the many others where the families were known took place last Thursday evening about dusk in Milford, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nissen, when Morris Day of this neighborhood, Rev. Nissen, wife and sixteen-year-old daughter were killed their automobile being struck by a Milwaukee freight train.

The family, except two of their sons, were out riding in their car and when crossing the tracks of the Milwaukee railroad found the evening train switching, and though warning was given by the swinging of the lantern in the hands of the conductor that the train was switching yet by some means or other the youngest son who was driving did not seem to comprehend that the cars were so close and they caught the hind end of the car, throwing it around so that the car was ground beneath the cars on the track as were also the bodies of Mrs. Nissen and her daughter, while Mr. Nissen was thrown under the cars and they passed over his body. The mother and daughter were ground to pieces almost, dying immediately, while Mr. Nissen lived for about an hour after, and seemed to be conscious of what had happened for when a brother minister of his acquaintance, who at the time was passing went to his assistance he begged of him by name not to touch him.

Mr. Day, the father of Mrs. Nissen, was injured internally but lingered until death came at eleven o'clock the following day, while the son who was driving had some minor injuries about his shoulder, neck and eyes.

Funeral services were held on Friday evening on the church lawn for those who had been killed, which was attended by over a thousand people while some twenty-five ministers were present in token of their respect. The services were in charge of the District Superintendent, Dr. McBurney.

Remains Shipped to Garner

The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Nissen and their daughter were shipped Saturday morning to Garner and were met by a company of friends from Klemme and Garner who conveyed them to Klemme and on Saturday afternoon the funeral was held from the Methodist church where again a vast audience of people gathered to give them respect, this service being under the charge of Dr. Clegg, District Superintendent, he being assisted by many of the ministers, while Dr. Kettle of Garner reading the obituaries and Rev. Gilles of Clear Lake speaking for the ministers and extending their sympathy.

The magnificent array of floral decorations bespoke the tribute of all who knew there good people and such tokens must indeed be a great solace to the three sons who so suddenly have been bereft of their parents and sister and grandfather.

Hans Carnet Nissen

Hans Carnet Nissen was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans Nissen. He was born on a farm two miles east of Garner on the twelfth day of April, 1872. As a child he is said to have been very apt in memorizing portions of the bible and showing his interest in the things that were helpful. When quite a boy he felt that the ministry was his work and though handicapped by poverty yet he never gave up but by dint of hard study and whatever work he could find to do labored to equip himself which he did by completing with honors the college course at Morningside College in Sioux City, as well as supporting his family while there.

As a preacher he was clear in his thinking and positive in his convictions of what appealed to him as right and true, and when thus convinced he was not afraid to proclaim it to the people who came to hear him preach.

While yet a young man Mr. Nissen used to preach in the schoolhouses around Garner because of his success in his work the presiding elder of the Methodist church appointed him as pastor at Thompson where by his indomitable courage and example of labor he built up a strong society.

When he was twenty-two years of age he married Estella Dell Day at Klemme, Iowa on the 15 day of July, 1896, and to them were born five children, three boys and two girls, one of whom died when but a babe six months old and the other, Alice, being killed in the accident with father and mother.

source: Signal, Garner, Iowa, 1 Aug 1917, page 1, column 1