Wilson, James 1849 – 1901

WILSON, GAMEL

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/22/2024 at 16:07:22

Source: Twice-A-Week Plain Dealer Sept. 24, 1901, FP, C7

Fatal Accident.
Last Friday morning James Wilson, our street commissioner, went to assist in the preparation of Mr. Barnes for burial, dead at the home of his mother, passing into the street and nearly in front of the house an electric light wire was burned off and dropped, which he picked up, presumably for the safety of the public and as it was a live wire carrying a heavy current his death was instantaneous. He was seen by Mr. Taft who lives on the corner of the street, who immediately gave alarm, but when they reached Mr. Wilson he was dead. As gently as possible the terrible news was communicated to the wife and little son, who were prostrated by the news of their and irreparable loss.
The deceased was born in St. Lawrence county, New York, June 17th 1849, and died in Cresco, Iowa, Sept. 20, 1901, aged a few months over 52 years. His residence was in Dane county, Wis., until 1871, when he came to Mitchell county, coming to Cresco in 1873, where, except a year on the coast has been his home. In 1881 he was married with Miss Emma Gamel of Minnesota. To them was born one child, a son, now about seven years old.
His funeral was from the Methodist Episcopal church Sunday, Sept. 22nd, conducted by Rev. Silke and Heald and by the Masonic Fraternity of which order he was an honored member. The fire companies of the city were out uniformed and in full force uniting in the procession and proceeding in a body to the grave. The ceremonies at the grave were conducted by the Masons; Rev. Robert Thomson discharging the duties there in a most commendable and appropriate manner. Besides his wife and son be leaves two brothers and a step-mother to mourn his untimely end.
The deceased was a man above reproach, a good citizen in every walk of life. The attendance at the last sad rites attesting the public estimation of the man.

Source: Decorah Republican Sept. 26, 1901 P 7 C 2

Killed by Live Wire.
Cresco, Sept. 21.—James Wilson, city street commissioner, was killed just before noon yesterday by a live wire which was hanging from the poles of the Cresco Electric Heat and Light company's plant. The wire had fallen across the street where the commissioner and a crew of men were working. His death was instantaneous.

New Oregon Cemetery
 

Howard Obituaries maintained by Constance McDaniel Hall.
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