Saak, Herman Sr. – 1841-1916

REINEKE, SAAK, TINNERMEIER

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 7/13/2021 at 21:35:35

Man Run Down and Killed
Herman Saak, Sr., Struck By Train And Killed Instantly
Herman Saak, Sr., a highly respected retired farmer of Baxter, was killed in the Great Western freight yards there Saturday night, when he was hit by a freight train. His left side was crushed. He was walking along the track toward the station, and was no doubt blinded by the bright light and confused, and did not step for enough from the track as a fast freight train passed him, and was struck by the pilot bar and hurled several feet.
Mr. Saak was sixty-five years old and well respected by all. He leaves his wife, one daughter and four sons to mourn his untimely death.
Source: The Colfax Clipper; October 19, 1916

Obituary
Saturday evening at about six o'clock Herman Saak, Sr., was hit by fast freight No. 61 in the Baxter yards, dying almost instantly. The engineer observed the old gentleman on the track near the south switch, but supposed as he was facing the train that he would step off the track. However Mr. Saak evidently became confused as to which track the train was on and being somewhat blinded by the light he did not get far enough away from the main line and the pilot beam, which extends quite a distance outward, struck him in the right side, breaking two ribs and his arm.
The engineer stopped his train within six car lengths, but upon reaching the victim found that the shock had been fatal. Among the townsmen first upon the scene were Messrs. Curt Cool, Emmet Thompson, P. J. Monaghan, Claude Webb and others who identified the remains. The body was thrown to one side of the right-of-way so that the body was badly mangled.
Coroner Hinshaw made a record run from Newton and upon arrival here impaneled O. S. Tipton, C. C. Webb and H. B. Morgan as a coroner’s jury. The coroner and jury examined the remains and the scene of the accident but were adjourned until Monday, when it was discharged, as the facts in the case were so plainly evident that it was not thought necessary to bring in a verdict of accidental death.
Herman Saak Sr. was born in Germany on October 1841 and departed this life at Baxter, Iowa, on the evening of October 14, 1916, aged 74 years 11 months and 14 days. Deceased came to America in the year 1868, at which time he settled in Newton. During his residence in Newton Mr. Saak was married to Miss Eleanora Reineke on September 15, 1872. They then moved to a farm northeast of Baxter, and made it their home in that vicinity until six years ago when they became residents of the town of Baxter. Nine children were born to this union, four of whom have preceded their father to the Great Beyond. The five who with their aged mother survive to mourn his loss are Louis, Herman, Will, Henry and Mrs. Annie Tinnermeier, all residing near Baxter.
Funeral services were conducted from the home Tuesday morning October 17, at nine o’clock with Rev. Paul Traeger officiating. Burial was made within the German Cemetery with services afterward in the Bethany church.
The tragic death of Mr. Saak has stirred the hearts of every one in the community for he was one of the best beloved and respected citizens that Baxter had. He had a kind heart, a jovial disposition and kindly way that endeared him to those who came in daily contact with him. As a father and husband he was ever ready to provide and protect and his children will always have the satisfaction of knowing that during his life his affection for them never even so much as faltered. The hour was never too late or the weather too bad for Herman Saak to do something for the boys or the girl. Tenderly he was laid to rest though his grave may be marked with marble and granite yet he leaves a greater and more beautiful monument - the record of a well-spent life.
Copied from The Baxter New Era; Harry B. Morgan, Publisher 1913-1938

Baxter Man Killed By Train Sat.
Herman Saak, Sr. Struck By Pilot Bar and Killed Instantly, Accident in Freight Yards
Left Side Caved In And Death Was Instantaneous
Was Retired Farmer and Very Highly Respected. Leaves Wife and Four Children
Herman Saak, Sr., a respected retired farmer of Baxter, was killed in the Great Western freight yards there Saturday night when he was struck by the pilot bar of a freight train. His left arm was broken, and the left side crushed, and death was undoubtedly instantaneous. Coroner S. E. Hinshaw was called but he found it unnecessary to make an inquest.
Mr. Saak was walking along the track toward the station. A passenger with a very bright light was standing on the track, while this special freight number sixty one went thru. It is thought that the light from the passenger blinded Mr. Saak and he did not, therefore move as far from the freight as he should have done.
In the German settlement north of town as well as in Baxter and vicinity, Mr. Saak was very much respected. He was sixty five years of age and had retired from his farm several years ago. He leaves his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Louis Tinnermeier, and four sons, Herman, William, Henry and Lou Saak. His death causes real grief to that community.
Source: Newton Daily News; Monday, October 16, 1916, page 1