Albert Gaskill (1850-1888)

GASKILL

Posted By: jane austin (email)
Date: 6/12/2021 at 21:05:24

A terrible and fatal accident happened on the Milwaukee road near Hull last Saturday morning about five o'clock, whereby Albert Gaskill, of this place, was killed.

He was a freight brakeman, and went out from here about two o'clock that morning. When near Hull, the engineer called for brakes. Gaskill went from the cabose to the top of the cars to set the brakes. He reached the third or fouth car from the caboose, and set his light down on the top of the car and attempted to set the brake, when it is supposed he slipped and fell between the cars. No one seen him fall [sic], but the top of the cars being covered with ice, this seems to be the most reasonable supposition.

The wheels passed over his body, cutting him nearly in two. Those in the caboose heard him groan and felt the jar when the wheels passed over him. As soon as possible the train was backed up to where he was. He was insensible and died in a few minutes.

The remains were taken to Hull and prepared for interment, brought to this place on Sunday evening and buried at two 0'clock in Monday from the M.E. church. Rev. Elghmy preached the funeral sermon to a large congregation.

Mr. Gaskell [sic] was 29 yeas of age, a sober, industrious and upright man. He leaves a wife and two small children and a large number of relatives and friends to mourn his untimely death.

Sanborn (Iowa) Pioneer, 13 Jan 1888, p5