Charles De Groote (1869-1912)

DE GROOTE, FORTSYTHE, HIMMELMAN

Posted By: Karen De Groote-Johnson (email)
Date: 10/10/2001 at 22:40:56

This is a death notice that appeared on the front page of the Humboldt paper, July 4, 1912. It is a fairly graphic account of the accident so the faint of heart should probably not read it.

KILLED IN AUTO ACCIDENT

Charles De Groote of Rutland Killed When Auto Turns Down Embankment-Walt Fortsythe's Arm is Broken-A. Himmelman Uninjured.
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A terrible accident happened on the road from Rolfe to Bradgate late Tuesday evening.

Charles De Groote, Walt Fortsythe and Adam Himmelman were returning from Rolfe and were
on the grade on this side of the river bridge when Mr. De Groote attempted to steer around a mudhole. In doing this he came too near the edge of the grade and the car rolled down the steep embankment, turning over several times. Mr. Himmelman escaped uninjured but the car lay smashed on the other two men. Mr. Himmelman attemped to pull them out and succeeded in helping Mr. Fortsythe from under the car. The latter's arm was broken. They tried to lift the car to get Charley out. They were unable to do this and went to a house about a mile away for help. They also got more help and at last succeeded in pulling the car off by attaching a team of horses to it. Mr. De Grootes's neck was broken and when found, a bow of the top was against the front of his neck and the seat was against the back of it. He was killed instantly without a struggle or uttering a sound.

Mr. De Groote is well known by every one in this vicinity and has been living on his farm northwest of Rutland. His wife and children have the sympathy of all the community.

Funeral arrangements are not at hand.