Keeton, Nimrod 1847-1912

KEETON, ADKINS, SLOAN

Posted By: Susan {Scott} Haggard (email)
Date: 5/10/2010 at 23:28:29

FATHER AND TWO SONS KILLED BY TRAIN

Nimrod Keeton Killed Instantly; His 4-year-old Son Lived but a Short Time while His 6-year-old Son Lingered Till Saturday Morning.

FATHER AND SONS SLEEP SIDE BY SIDE IN ONE GRAVE

Fast Train Crashed into Keeton's Wagon at Kellogg Crossing with Fatal Results-Funeral Notes

Shortly after 2 o'clock on Thursday afternoon of last week, just after THE ENTERPRISE had been printed, the shocking news reached us that Nimrod Keeton and 4-year-old son, Allen, had been killed and his 6-year-old son, Edward, fatally injured by Rock Island train No. 26, an east bound fast train, at the crossing two blocks east of the depot.
Mr. Keeton was engaged in hauling material for a county bridge, northeast of town, and was returning from the country with the empty wagon, drawn by a span of mules, and was accompanied by his two little sons, when he met a horrible and instant death.
Walter Keeton, a nephew, was also engaged in hauling bridge material. He drove his team across the railroad and as he did so, he saw the train coming and called to his uncle to stop but he evidently did not hear him.
The mules had just cleared the track when the engine struck the wagon amidships. Mr. Keeton was killed instantly and his body, terribly mangled, was picked up about 150 feet east of the crossing on the south side of the railway track. The little boy, Allen, was found about 120 feet east of the crossing on the north side of the track. He was alive when found but breathed his last within a few minutes. The older boy, Edward, was carried on the pilot of the engine a distance of 70 or 80 rods. His hip and one shoulder were broken and the skull fractured so that the brain protruded. He never regained consciouness. When the train stopped Edward was placed on a stretcher and conveyed to Dr. Wood's office, where surgical aid was immediately rendered. Little or no hope was entertianed of his recovery. He lingered until Friday night when death came to his relief.
The wagon was broken into kindling wood but the mules escaped without a scratch. ....
---------------------------------
Nimrod Keeton was born in Wayne County, Kentucky, June 1, 1847 and died at Kellogg, Iowa, August 29, 1912, aged 64 years, 2 months and 28 days.
He came to Kellogg in 1876; was united in marriage to Syrena Adkins in 1880, who died July 8, 1904.
May 24, 1906, he was married to Minnie Sloan, and to this union was born three children, Edward, Allen and Columbus.
Allen Keeton, son of Nimrod and Minnie Keeton, was born in Kellogg, Iowa, August 30, 1908, and died on August 12, 1912, aged 3 years, 11 months and 29 days.
The funeral services were held from the home, Friday afternoon, August 30, conducted by Rev. H.C. Millice, who used for his text Psalm 39:4, "Lord make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am."
Side by side they were laid to rest in the Antle cemetery.
Edward Keeton, son of Nimrod and Minnie Keeton, was born in Kellogg, Iowa, January 18, 1907, and died on August 30, 1912, aged 5 years, 7 months and 12 days.
The funeral was held Saturday, August 31,from the home, Rev. H. C. Millice officiating. The burial being by the side of the father and brother in the Antle cemetery.
The sorrowing widow has the sincere sympathy of the community in her --d bereavement.