Donovan, Mr. Florance (circa 1877-1900)

DONOVAN, DONAVAN, DANAVAN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 4/27/2023 at 10:22:39

RESEARCH: Newspapers Articles Pertaining to the Death of Florance Donovan (Note alt spellings of Donavan or Danavan)
Deceased was buried LeMars City Cemetery, Block 11-C.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Post
Tuesday, October 23, 1900

UNDER THE WHEELS.
A Young Stranger Loses His Life While Attempting to Board a Freight Train.

Last evening at about 8:40, a stranger by the name of Florance Danavan, of Biwabik, Minn., while boarding a freight train, was run over and instantly killed. He was in company with Orville Harvey, son of Jim Harvey, living near Remsen, had walked to LeMars in the afternoon, and, after partaking of supper, made for the railroad yards with the intention of catching a freight for Sioux City.

As the freight came along Sixth street, Harvey landed on the bumpers all safe and well, but Danavan was still hanging on the ladder as the train passed the coal sheds and his head came in contact with the sheds, dealing him such a severe blow that he fell beneath the cars. The wheels passed directly over his breast, almost completely severing his body in two. There were numerous other bruises about his face and arms.

Coroner Cole was immediately notified and had the body removed and cared for.

The young man was about 23 years of age, well built and had worked in and around Remsen for the past two weeks.

They had come to LeMars with the intention of making their way toward the pineries in Minnesota.

According to Harvey’s story, the young man’s home is in Biwabik, Minn., and a telegram has been sent to that place for the purpose of informing his relatives.

The Coroner empanelled a jury this morning composed of G. W. Bolser, John Linden and John Keenan, who returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased met his death as above stated.

The funeral took place this afternoon and the remains were interred in the city cemetery.
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LeMars Globe-Post, October 24, 1900

LIFE CRUSHED OUT.
Youth Sent to Eternity Without a Moments Warning.

Florance Donavan, whose companion said lived at Biwabik, Minn., was killed by the cars at this place on Monday night at about 8:40 by the Omaha freight bound for Sioux City and all but four cars of the long freight passing over his body severing it at the shoulders. Donovan and Orvill Harvey, son of James Harvey, residing north of Remsen where the former had worked about ten days on the section and together they had worked husking corn until released from their work by the arrival of a man who had been previously hired.

They came to LeMars and concluded to visit Sioux City before going north to the pineries, and shortly before the train left they took supper at Mat Kale’s and made a purchase at Paul Nuebel’s. When the freight came along which they were going to ride to Sioux City on, they stationed themselves on the east side of the track near Sixth street and made a run for the train.

Harvey swung on and secured a place on the bumpers and Donavan caught hold of the ladder on the car in front. Before he could swing around to the bumpers, the coal sheds were reached and Donavan’s body struck the shed and he was thrown under the train. Harvey saw his companion fall and when the train approached Main street so that he could see to get off safely, he jumped from the train and ran back and discovered the lifeless body of his partner. He notified Jas. Ahern at the Central freight house and the sad story of the death was soon spread.

Coroner Cole was summonded and after viewing the body ordered that it be cared for until Tuesday mroing when a jury consisting of J.T. Keenan, W.G Bolser and John Linden was summoned and an inquest was held. Henry and K. Alexander being the witnesses. Donovan had $9.25 in money, which he had entrusted to Harvey for safe keeping and Harvey told the officers of the fact without being questioned.

Cole telegraphed to Minnesota town and also to Portage, Wisconsin, which place Harvey is inclined to think was his home.

The burial took place last evening in the cemetery.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
Monday, November 5, 1900

NOT POSITIVE.
Cornelius Donavan Not Certain of the Dead Man’s Identity.

Cornelius Donovan, of Monticello, Wis., was in town on Saturday to identify the remains of Florance Donavan, the man who was killed in the railroad yards here by falling from a freight car two weeks ago.

The grave was opened and at the first glance Mr. Donavan said, “Gracious that’s him.” The body was already badly decomposed and on further investigation, Mr. Donavan was not so sure as to whether the dead man was his brother or not.

He said his brother left home four years ago and he had not seen him since. Mr. Donovan was given a note book found in the dead man’s possessions in which there was some writing but failed to recognize it as his brother’s.

Mr. Donavan left for Monticello yesterday and had not determined whether he would have the body removed there or not.
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