Kane, William J. d. 1894

KANE, KAIN

Posted By: Jim Kane (email)
Date: 12/24/2004 at 11:05:59

News Item in Newton Herald Friday March 2, 1894, Page 5

The Sudden and Mysterious Death of William Kane of Valeria, Ia. Mr. Kane was running a livery barn in Valaria and on the evening of Feb. 23 about seven o’clock went to his barn to attend to some business and returned to his residence some time between seven and eight o’clock; he told his wife that he fell and hurt his head. Mrs. Kane noticing some small spots of blood on his face requested him to let her wash his face, he said no, and said "I believe I will go to bed." and retired at about eight o’clock. Mrs. Kane went with him to his room and asked if she could assist him; he said no, and undressed and went to bed and apparently went to sleep. Mrs. Kane thinking nothing serious the matter, also retired. She was awake during the night but noticed nothing unusual, the matter with her husband until between four and five o’clock when she noticed him breathing laboriously. She tried to arouse him but to in vain; she then called to his brother James and he went immediately for Dr. Jones; it only being a few rods to go. But when the Dr. arrived Mr. Kane was beyond earthly care; he died from a fracture of the skull near the base. The verdict of the coroner’s jury was that "he came by his injuries accidentally, which caused his death." Mr. Kane was 35 years of age. He leaves a wife and one child of his immediate family besides many relatives to mourn his loss. The exact cause of the injuries that Mr. Kane received that caused his death will probably remain a mystery. The funeral was held in the Catholic church, at nine o’clock on Monday the 26th and was largely attended, showing the good respects for the deceased and relatives. His family and relatives have the sympathy of the community in their great loss.