Walter Wynkoop Killed In Train Accident.

WYNKOOP

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 9/5/2007 at 16:00:10

Jackson Sentinel
Maquoketa, IA
June 9, 1898

A Fatal Accident
Walter Wynkoop Killed by the Cars.

The startling and sad news was received from the station agent at Elwood Monday morning of the accidental death of Walter, only son of Attorney D.A. and Mrs. Wynkoop, of this city.

It seems Walter had left home a few days previous for Chicago where he hoped to find employment, but failing, had returned and is supposed to have gone to Marion where it is said he was recognized by former acquaintances. Sunday night he took passage in a box car and came east presumably with Delmar as his destination, from which place he no doubt intended to return home. Before reaching Elwood this train was divided in two sections in order to make the heave grade near that station. Walter was on the first section, and upon arriving at the depot got off and sat upon the edge of the platform where he talked with the agent when the duties of the latter called him back to his office. The second section of the freight train passed the station under considerable speed and went in on a side track, giving the right of way to the fast east bound passenger train which was then about due. The conductor of the freight then walked back along the track to the station to receive orders. Not far from the depot he discovered the mangled remains of a human being, which at first he thought might be one of his train crew, but upon examination found the body to be that of Walter Wynkoop, which was identified by address cards and name in hat. A messenger was at once dispatched to this city and the remains brought home by undertaker Harrison accompanied by several members of the K.P. lodge of which the father of the deceased is a prominent member.

Before departing from Elwood an inquest was held by Justice Cornish, who was authorized to do so by the county coroner. Two theories seemed to have developed as to the manner in which the fatal accident might have occurred. One, that after talking with the station agent, Walter sat down upon the edge of the platform with his feet projecting out toward the track, when he probably fell asleep, and as the second section of the freight came by caught his legs and dragged him from the platform. The train men, however, are of the opinion that as he tried to spring upon the front end of the caboose he lost his footing and fell under the car.

The right side of skull was crushed in and right leg cut off just above the ankle. He lived about fifty minutes after being discovered, but never regained consciousness. He was born at Bellevue, Nov. 1, 1881 and was therefore aged 16 years, 7 months and 5 days at the time of his death. He was a boy of naturally bright mind, active and of high tension. He was the idol of his father and sister; his mother being an invalid of weak mind could not counsel or advise, but his home, his surroundings and his advantages were all that could be desired. It is a crushing blow to the family, who are to be surely pitied in this last sad calamity, who no doubt have the deepest sympathy of every resident of this community.

The funeral services were held at the residence of the family this Wednesday afternoon, under charge of the K.P.’s with Rev. Shepherd officiating.