Sutton, J. L. 1853-1910

SUTTON

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/21/2014 at 11:00:19

Algona Upper Des Moines
June 15, 1910

TRAGIC DEATH OF J. L. SUTTON
Well Known Algona Stock Feed Manufacturer Meets Sudden Death Under Cars
Body is Almost Severed by North-Western Train
Funeral Held Yesterday Afternoon

News of the fatal accident which befell J. L. Sutton Saturday evening brought forth expressions of astonishment when the story was circulated that he had been killed by the evening south bound passenger on the Northwestern. Several persons had been conversing with Mr. Sutton only a few moments previous and it was hard to convince some that the body discovered on the railroad track was not another person.

The facts as related by eye witnesses are about as follows: Mr. Sutton had a letter which he was anxious to mail on the south bound train. After endeavoring to get a postage stamp at various other places, he finally secured one from Mr. Spurbeck in the butter tub factory office. The Northwestern passenger train was at the depot by that time and Mr. Sutton hurried across and is supposed to have mailed his letter on the east side of the mail car. After a short conversation with the men in the cab of the engine, he passed north along the east side of the train and Al Kinne, the watchman at the butter tub factory, while looking out of a window, noticed him as if looking for some party in the cars. When Mr. Sutton reached the rear platform of the next to the rear car he stopped and taking hold of the hand rods, put one foot on the step of the coach and stood as if talking to some party either on the platform or in the car. The train began to move out and Mr. Sutton hopped along for a short distance on one foot, still clinging to the car rods. Suddenly, either in an attempt to climb on the train or to release his foot from the step, he relaxed his hold on the rods and seemed to pitch forward between the two cars, falling on his face with his head and shoulders in the middle of the track, the wheels of the rear car passing diagonally across his bowels crushing the life out of him almost instantly, and almost severing the body.

The three or four rear cars of the train were what is known as dead cars, being brought down from the Fox Lake branch, and contained no lights nor passengers. The rear car was an empty baggage or mail car, without end door or platform. The parties Mr. Sutton was talking to were two boys, Ray Ladendorff and Sidney Rosenstell, whom the deceased was trying to get off the car platform and the accident occurred while the boys’ backs were turned toward Mr. Sutton and the lads were preparing to jump from the train. As soon as the cars had passed out of the depot yard, the remains were picked up and removed to the Sutton home, the clothing not having been cut or torn and the ground where he fell showed no signs of terrible tragedy. Later investigation by undertaker Laird showed that the lower part of the trunk had been literally crushed to pieces.

The Coroner’s Inquest.
Owing to the peculiar manner in which Mr. Sutton met his death, it was deemed best that the Coroner by called upon this case. Dr. T.S. Waud came down from Germania Monday afternoon and impaneling a jury consisting of F. S. Norton, C. F. Lathrop and B. F. Crose, spent the larger part of the afternoon investigating the death. The verdict was in accord with the above.

J. L. Sutton was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin, November 30, 1853, which means he was 56 and one-half years of age. With a wife and family of five children he came to Algona nineteen years ago, and has been a continuous resident here since. Two sons, two daughters and the wife are left widow and fatherless by his tragic death. The sons, Jacob and Harry, live in South Dakota, the latter being on a claim several miles from a railroad; Miss Maud is a trained nurse living in Des Moines and Pearl, now Mrs. Hugh Carr, resides in Fenton. The third son died several years ago. The family are gathered together except Harry from whom they have heard no news, probably on account of the great distance he is situated from the railroad or communication with the outside world. The funeral was held from the Sutton home yesterday afternoon, Rev. O. H. Holmes conducting the services. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery.

LOCAL NEWS NOTES:
Investigating a rumor to the effect that J. L. Sutton was in heavy financial trouble, the facts are brought out that Sheriff Lillie received a telegram Saturday afternoon instructing him to arrest J. L. Sutton on the charge of passing forged checks. This was done and Mr. Sutton gave a $500 bond to appear at the sheriff’s office the next day and meet a party from Des Moines who would prefer charges. A message to Des Moines telling of the fatal accident put a stop to any further procedure. It is said the charge is brought by parties in Spencer.