Mitchell, Arthur 1912-1936

MITCHELL

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 2/28/2011 at 11:29:56

From the Hawarden Independent of May 14, 1936
Met Death in Farm Tragedy.
Arthur Mitchell 24, killed in Tractor accident
Fatal Mishap occurred on Chas. M. Keenh farm last Thursday - Body sent to McLeansboro, IL.
Arthur Mitchell, who was employed by Lee Keehn, met with a tragic death about 6 o'clock last Thursday evening while engaged in feeding cattle and was nearby but even so by the time he arrived on the scene of the accident it was too late. Mr. Keehn had taken a supply of fuel out for the tractor about twenty minutes before the tragedy and when he noticed that the tractor had stopped he realized that something was wrong. while it will never be known just what happened the supposition is that when Mr. Mitchell reached back to pull the trip rope he last his hold on the steering wheel and fell from the seat in front of the plow. His body was lodged between the front plow share and the wheel and rolled up almost like a ball. there was a bruise on one side of his head and it is believed that he was rendered unconscious in the fall. The tractor was still running when Mr. Keehn arraived but was not moving as the wheels were buried in the soft dirt to a considerable distance.
Arthur Mitchell was 24 years old and came here last fall and was employed by Mr. Keehn. He went to Mc Leansboro, IL., where he spent the winter with his brothers and returned this spring to again work for Mr. Keehn. He was an industrious youg man and a good farm hand and his tragic death was a shock to the friends whon he had formed during his brief residence in this community. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters.
His remains were shipped to his old home at McLeansboro, IL. Saturday and were accompanied by a companion, Ed. Holloway, who is from that vicinity, and is employed on the John Wendel farm.