Dunn, Daniel 1843 - 1871

DUNN

Posted By: Janice Sowers (email)
Date: 3/4/2004 at 21:40:52

Cresco Times March 2, 1871

DIED

In Austin, Minn., Feb. 23, 1871 Daniel Dunn, in the 28th year of his age.

Mr. Dunn came to his death by one of those railroad accidents that cannot be accounted for nor guarded against. He was a brakeman on Conductor Hubbard's train and was attending to his duties, walling on a box car to the brake and it being dark, it was probable that the smoke from the engine somewhat blinded and confused him, so that he stepped off between the cars and his right arm and thigh were run over and horibly mutilated. The accident happened at Blooming Prairie, fifteen miles above Austin. He was taken to Austin, where he received the best care and attention that could be given him, until he expired, the following evening.

His brother, E. P. Dunn, of this place, arrived some hours before his death, from whom we gather the particulars. He says no blame can attach to any one for the accident, and that all the railroad officials and attachees vied with each other in doing what they could for the sufferer. He wishes especialy to mention Station Agent Foot, Rev. Crayton, Mrs. Specks, Mr. Richards and Rich, and Conductors Hubbard and Hoxie, in this connection, and also all the railroad men of Owatonna, where his remains were interred on Saturday.

Young Mr. Dunn was one of the first to enlist when the war for the Union broke out. He answered the first call for 75,000 men although he was but eighteen years of age, and served in a cavalry regiment until after peace was concluded. He survived the dangers of the camp and battle field and still died a no less terrible death. Verily "in the midst of life we are in death."