Devinney, Eugene Willard

DEVINNEY

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/9/2010 at 13:23:58

The Grinnell Herald (Grinnell, Iowa) June 12, 1903

--This community was shocked Tuesday to learn of the serious accident in Chicago to Eugene Devinney the day before which later proved fatal. Along with two other Grinnell boys Eugene went to Chicago, after the Grinnell team was sent to the inter-scholastic meet, to witness that event. He had been with the Grinnell boys at least part of the time while in Chicago. Just before Supt. Thornburg returned home Eugene came to him and arranged to have Mr. Thornburg check his grip back to Marshalltown. So far as is known this is the last time any one from Grinnell saw him. At about 8 o'clock Monday morning he fell or was thrown in some way from the cars falling beneath the wheels. A stockman by the name of Moore who lives near Turner is said to have seen him fall beneath the wheels. He was found immediately by the engineer and brakeman and taken immediately to a hospital. Eugene recovered consciousness for a short time only sufficiently to give his name, the name of his father and residence. A telegram was immediately sent Mr. Devinney who arrived in Chicago Monday evening and remained at the bed side of his son until he died at 11 o'clock Tuesday. Had he lived till August he would have been 18 years old. In the accident Eugene's right leg was crushed above the knee and the left foot was injured. The body was brought home yesteday morning and the funeral services were held in the afternoon at 3 o'clock at the house, conducted by Rev. E.M. Vittum. The casket was beautifully decorated with flowers from loving friends and school mates, among them being a handsome pillow from the class of '04 of the high school of which he was a member. The boys of his class showed their love for him also by marching to Hazelwood cemetery ahead of the hearse, where with tender hands his body was laid at rest.

WPA Records has: 27 Aug 1885-9 June 1903 MH