Gustavus Adolph Tillmann 1866-1893

TILLMAN

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 3/12/2024 at 07:35:10

The Wapello Republic, Wapello, Iowa
Thursday, March 23, 1893
Page 4

A distressingly sad accident occurred last Saturday forenoon about eight o'clock at the shops of W. E. Edwards in this city, resulting in the death of one of our most promising young men, Gustavus Adolph Tillmann, a workman in the shops. While Mr. Tillman was standing near the emery wheel, which was running at a high rate of speed it burst into fragments, flying in all directions. One of the pieces struck him a glancing blow on the side of the abdomen cutting a hole through his leather apron and pants, but not penetrating his underclothing, There was a slight abrasion of the skin but the surface appearance did not indicate the extent of the injury, it being internal. He realized that he was badly hurt but he was able to walk to his room about a block away. Physicians were called and every attention was given the sufferer, but it soon became apparent to the doctors that there was little hope of his recovery. A telegram was sent Sunday to the depot to be transmitted to his father in Ills., but was not forwarded by the operator until Monday morning, when another was also sent announcing the death of the son, which occurred about 8 o'clock.

Mr. Tillmann was born in Des Moines, April 4, 1866 and was therefore 26 years, 11 months and 15 days of age when he died. He was the son of Dr. R. J. Tillmann, formerly of this city, now of Ills. and brother of Ed. Tillmann of this place. His mother died when he was but ten years old and at an early age he united with the German M. E. church. At the time of his death he was president of the German Epworth League and treasurer of the Sunday school and also of the Mission Society. A thorough workman, he had made his plans to go to Washington state in May to open a shop and start a life for himself.

The funeral, which occurred Tuesday p. m. was one of the largest ever witnessed in Wapello attesting the high esteem in which Mr. Tillman was held by the people of this city and vicinity. The services were held at the German church, conducted by the pastor Rev. Knehans, and participated in by Rev. Litzrodt of Burlington and Rev. Willits. Revs. Knechans and Litzrodt spoke in German while Rev. Willits addressed the audience in English.