Van Billiard, Robert – d. 1889

VAN BILLIARD

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 9/14/2021 at 17:17:44

A terrible accident resulting in the death of Robert Van Billiard occurred about three miles northeast of Mingo, Saturday afternoon. He and two companions, Mr. Aiken and Miss Dickey, were on their way to attend a birthday party at Greencastle, and overtaking some teams attempted to pass by them whom they were about to pass began racing, frightening Aiken’s horses and causing them to run away, finally colliding with a stump with such force as to throw the occupants all from the carriage. Young Vanbilliard falling on his head against some hard obstacle killing him instantly. He was removed to the home of his brother in Plummer Grove. Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, after which the remains were interred in Poweshiek cemetery. Deceased was a young man of good habits, about eighteen years old. Miss Dickey was also badly hurt. We are having an epidemic of runaway accidents in this part of the county, this being the fifth within the past week.
Source: Newton (IA) Journal; Wednesday, September 4, 1889