Verne Siverly

SIVERLY, STROUP

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 2/23/2023 at 06:25:58

Columbus Gazette, Columbus Junction, Iowa
Thursday, June 11, 1914
page 1

Wapello, Ia- The entire community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of two well known boys of this city, who were killed, while on their way to do some tilling near Independence last Saturday. Verne and Walter Siverly had left for that vicinity from this place to do some tilling and were put off the train at Rowley, a small place, six miles from Independence. When the boys alighted from the train they saw that it was raining and sought shelter under a box car, which was on the siding and it is thought, went to sleep there.

A freight train set another car on the siding and it smashed into the one beneath which the two were sleeping killing Verne outright, his head being crushed and nearly severed from the body. Walter was not dead when found, but it was apparent that he could not live long as his arm was mashed to a pulp and had to be amputated at once and he was badly injured internally. He was taken to Independence and lived until seven o'clock Sunday when he passed away. Verne's body was brought back to Wapello at six o'clock Monday afternoon and the remains of Walter arrived Tuesday morning. A double funeral was held from the home Tuesday morning.

The boys come from a well known family in this city. Their father died about three years ago, and they leave a widowed mother, one married sister, Mrs. Mabel Stroup, one sister at home Mertyle and one younger brother.