Coburn, Willis and George (1923)

COBURN

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/13/2012 at 16:57:37

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Sept. 11, 1923

LIGHT ENGINE HITS TRUCK; TWO KILLED
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Willis and George Coburn, of Malcom, Met Instant Death in Accident Monday.
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WILLIS COBURN SURVIVED BY WIFE AND TWO CHILDREN.
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Crossing West of Malcom Scene of Accident--Bodies Mashed When Tossed on Engine.
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Willis and George Coburn, two young farmers living near Malcom, were instantly killed when their Ford truck was struck by a westbound Rock Island light engine at the crossing just west of Malcom about 2:00 o'clock Monday afternoon.

The bodies were tossed upon the engine and carried several hundred yards before it could be brought to a stop. The truck, a heap of wreckage was carried about fifty feet and then dropped along the right of way.

When taken from the engine both men were dead. The bodies were badly mashed and in such a manner as to indicate that death must have been instantaneous.

The young men are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Tom Coburn, who live south of Grinnell. Willis was married and is survived by a wife and two children. George was unmarried.

Coroner C.A. Mellott was called to the scene of the accident soon after it happened, and after investigating the details of the collision decided to hold a coroner's inquest. A jury composed of John Eichhorn, James Nowak, and W.E. Vogel, was impanelled. After taking a preliminary testimony, Coroner Mellott set the date of the inquest for 9 o'clock Thursday.

Witnesses allege that the engine and tender were traveling at a rate estimated from 35 to 50 miles an hour. Others say that the engine whistled for the depot but gave no signal as it approached the crossing.

The train crew was out of Valley Junction and was returning to (the destination)? point. It was composed of J.C. Farrell, engineer; R. Owens, fireman; and H.D. Schrage, conductor. They continued on their was to Valley Junction as soon as the bodies had been removed from the engine.

Engineer Farrell is quoted as saying that he saw the truck in which the men were hauling a calf and that he supposed they saw the train. Evidently they had no knowledge of the approach as witnesses say they drove on the track directly in front of the engine.

Witnesses who will be summoned to testify at the inquest are: C.B. Copp, Ralph Sherman. W.H. whitford, Harriet Fell, Fred Lidtka, J.P Eisele, W. Ferneau, E. Harmon, H.E. Wolfe, and Henry Schultz.

County attorney, Harry Boyd will assist Coroner Mellott with the case.

The funeral will probably be held tomorrow afternoon but definite arrangements have not been made at present time.