Gregg, Meshack – 1854-1901

GREGG

Posted By: Diana Wagner
Date: 12/1/2022 at 16:18:26

Killed By A Locomotive
Mesach Gregg, a coal digger 46 years old, employed at the Klondike mine at Berwick, in Polk county, visited Des Moines last Saturday after getting his pay and, returning home afoot along the track of the C.G.W.R’y. about 10 o’clock at night, sat down on the end of a railroad tie to rest. A wild engine coming along collided with Mr. Gregg in such a way as to crush his head and hip inflicting fatal injuries. The accident occurred within the city limits of Des Moines, and the inquest was held Monday, resulting in a verdict of accidental death without blame to the railway company.
The remains were brought to Colfax Tuesday afternoon, being met at the train by the local lodge U.M.W.A. headed by the Red Men’s Bank, which escorted the solemn procession to the M.E. church where Pastor Stahl conducted the funeral, following which the remains were taken to McKeever cemetery for interment.
Deceased leaves a wife and seven children – the eldest 21 years old and married. He formerly resided at Oswalt, whence he moved to Des Moines about five years ago. He was a man of extensive acquaintance among coal miners, and the large number of his fellow workmen who attended his obsequies from all parts of the district attest the respect in which he was held by them.
His wife and family acknowledge and are most thankful for the respect, kindness and sympathy extended them by Colfax miners and the people generally in their hour of bereavement.
Source: The Colfax (IA) Clipper; Friday, May 3, 1901, page 8