Matt J. Fitzpatrick

FITZPATRICK, PETERS, CONKLIN

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 4/25/2018 at 15:57:00

19 October 1933 - West Branch Times

Matt J. Fitzpatrick, 50, was accidently killed Friday night when he was struck on the head by a weight which fell from the top of a windmill tower on his farm in Scott township, near Dibgy station.

Suffering a fractured skull as a result of being struck by the weight at 7:30 o'clock Friday night, Mr. Fitzpatrick was taken to Mercy hospital where he passed away at 11:15 o'clock without regaining consciousness.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was shutting off the windmill, a daily habit, when it is believed a set screw holding the 18 pound weight at the top of the 50 foot windmill tower became loose, allowing the weight to drop. After striking Mr. Fitzpatrick the weight bounced, striking another man in the leg, injuring his ankle. The weight which fell was a counter-balance on the windmill.

Mr. Fitzpatrick was born in the vicinity of Scott township and had resided there his entire life. He was unmarried. Surviving him are five sisters, Mrs. J. S. Peters of Iowa City, Misses Anna, Bea and Julia of Scott township and Mrs. John Conklin of Lisbon. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.