Cecile Dodd 1888-1910

DODD

Posted By: IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 9/6/2014 at 11:27:18

Killed in Fall From Train

Miss Cecile Dodd, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Dodd of Frankfort township, met with a fatal accident in Malvern about 6 o'clock Tuesday evening. Her body was found lying by the side of the Wabash railroad track near the north end of the switching yard. There is some mystery connected with the accident, for there were no witnesses, but it is reasonably certain that she jumped or fell from the train as it was pulling into Malvern from Council Bluffs.

The conductor of the train says he Saw Miss Dodd on his train and intended to notify her when the train was approaching Malvern and supposed she had gone into the toilet room. Fearing that she might not be able to alight from the train he knocked on the door and called out the name of the station. After pulling out of Malvern he tried the door and found it locked. The window of the toilet room was wide open when he unlocked the door. The train pulled out without any of the train men knowing anything of the accident.

The supposition is that Miss Dodd was unable to reopen the door, either because she did not understand the lock on the door, or that the catch worked too hard for her to move it, and fearing that she might be carried beyond her station concluded to climb from the window. The speed of the train being no doubt greater than she realized it was impossible for her to alight with safety and her neck was broken by the fall. Death was no doubt instantaneous. Her body was found about half an hour after the train had departed and had the appearance of having been dragged some distance, the back of the head and hands being badly lacerated.

Coroner Merritt, who lives in Emerson was notified. After going to Malvern and examining into the facts he decided that it would not be necessary to hold an inquest.

The parents of Miss Dodd were notified at once and they reached Red Oak in time to take passenger train No. 13 going west, but that train not stopping at Malvern they were compelled to go on to Pacific Junction. Here they were able to board a freight train and reached Malvern about 8 o'clock Wednesday morning.

The remains were brought to Red Oak at noon on Wednesday and taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dodd near Pleasant Lawn church, where funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Wm. Murchie of the Red Oak United Presbyterian church. Burial was made in Frankfort cemetery.

Miss Dodd had been working for a family in Malvern and a few days ago the family moved to Mineols, she going with them. Some days ago her parents received a letter from her stating that she would not be able to be home to spend Christmas but that she was coming to Pass New Year's day so that she was no doubt on her way when the accident happened.

Miss Cecile was born in Frankfort township July 3, 1888. Her parents have the sincere sympathy of numerous friends in Red Oak and in the community in which they reside.

--Sun.

The Elliott Graphic, Elliott, Montgomery Co., Iowa, 29 Dec 1910