James Glass 1833 - 1887

GLASS, WITTSE, FORKER, FAUGUER

Posted By: Ann Jaber (email)
Date: 2/5/2006 at 01:27:32

FATAL ACCIDENT; JAMES GLASS KILLED BY A RUNAWAY TEAM

Last Thursday morning about seven o'clock James Glass hitched up George Wittse's team to the dray for the purpose of delivering goods to several of the merchants. He had a barrel of sugar for S. Forker and was preparing to unload it. The team was turned in such a way as to bring the hind wheels squarely against the sidewalk. In backing the horses were turned a little too much to the right and one of the hind wheels of the dray was forced up on the sidewalk. This threw the front wheels under the dray in such a manner as to cause the box to strike the horses. They made a sudden dash and the barrel of sugar weighed down one side until the front wheels upset and the dray traveled a short distance in this position, the hind wheels remaining straight. Mr. Glass, who was sitting in the seat, seems to have held one line tighter than the other. This turned the horses into the sidewalk near Robert's Drug Store. The rapidity with which the horses were going and the force with which the dray struck the walk upset the vehicle and threw Mr. Glass out with great force. He was thrown heavily against a sign post and several of his ribs were broken. He was picked up and assisted into the drug store. He complained of great pain in his back. It was evident that he was severely hurt. A team was procured and he was taken home. He lived but a few moments after being placed on a bed. Dr. Tribbett was summoned in the meantime but could do nothing for him. When the team started Owen Fauguer was sitting on the barrel of sugar and he was thrown out and received severe injuries about the knee. He is now able to go about with the aid of a crutch. Frank Wittse was on the seat with Mr. Glass. His escape was miraculous. He was picked up, under the horses but escaped with severe bruises on the ear and arm. He has about recovered from his injuries.

The sudden death of James Glass cast a gloom over the entire community. He was a familiar figure on our streets, having lived here since the war. At the time of his death he was nearing his 54th birthday. He served throughout the war as a member of Co. C. 9th Ohio Cavalry. He was a member of the Wisner Post and his funeral Friday was conducted by the order, 60 old soldiers being in line. Rev. Thomas preached the sermon to a crowed house at the M. E. church.

A widow and eight children are left to mourn the sudden taking away of a beloved husband and father. He recently received a pension and was intending to provide a good home for himself and family. The sympathy of our entire community is extended to the bereaved ones.

Montezuma Paper, date unknown. Found at the Poweshiek County Historical and Genealogical Society.