Elmer Abrahamson 1889-1953

ABRAHAMSON GIBERSON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 1/27/2011 at 21:16:19

Onawa Democrat
12 November 1953

A Well Known Farmer Meets Tragic Death

E. Abrahamson, A Farmer of the Blue Lake Area was Crushed To Death Friday Underneath A Loaded Hayrack

Was not Found Until Saturday Noon—His Wife Was Visiting in Minnesota—Funeral Held at the Christian Church on Monday

One of the most terrible accidents which has occurred in this community for a number of years, was the tragic death of Elmer Abrahamson, a well known and highly respected farmer of the Blue Lake Area.

On Friday morning, November 6th, Mr. Abrahamson who was alone on the farm, his wife Mamie, being in Minnesota where she was visiting relatives, was working on a hayrack loaded with hay, seemingly something had happened to the wheel of the wagon or to the axle joint, he had removed the wheel, jacked the wagon and its load of hay up, and was under the wagon when the jack gave way, the wagon and its load falling on him. The axle struck him in the small of the back, crushing him face down into the earth. Just how long he stood the misery of this terrible accident no one will ever know, for it was not until Saturday morning that a neighbor went to the Abrahamson place, to invite Mr. Abrahamson over to his house to dinner knowing that he was alone. It was then that his neighbor, Elmer Hansen found him pinned underneath the axle of the wagon. He notified the County Coroner Dr. E.E. Gingles who pronounced his death accidental.

Mr. Abrahamson was a quiet man. He took a great interest in church work where in the Christian church he had served on the Board as Deacon for many years. He was also active in other organization work and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Once you knew Mr. Abrahamson, you could not help but like him. During our long acquaintance with him we have never heard him speak a harsh word against friend or neighbor.

Mr. Abrahamson was born February 5, 1889 and was 60 years of age at the time of his death. He was born in Monona County where he had spent his entire life.

He was married to Mamie Giberson April 1, 1921.

Funeral services were conducted from the Onawa Christian church on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. with Rev. Epperson his pastor officiating. Comfort in song was rendered by Mrs. Dorothy Ferris accompanied at the organ by her daughter, Mrs. Carl Linden.

Survivors are the widow, Mamie and three sisters, Mrs. Ellen Erickson of Whiting, Iowa; Mrs. Nellie Bergstrom, of Onawa, Iowa and Mrs. Clara Lindsey, of Pomona, California; one brother and sister who preceded him in death.

Bearers were Frank Koontz, Emil Sabatka, Jim Collison, Eddie Miller, Bert Reed and Leonard Miller. Sr. members of the David McNeill Post of American Legion and V.F.W. Post of Onawa attended the service in a body and gave military rites at the Onawa Cemetery.