Johnson, Edward 1867-1896

JOHNSON

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke--Volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

Source: Hawarden Independent (1-16-1896)

Born: May 20, 1867
Died: January 13, 1896

HE WAS AN ODDFELLOW AND A B. OF R.T.---FUNERAL TODAY

Edward Johnson, a Hawarden railroad man, as killed near Dakota City, Monday. Mrs. Johnson had but recently moved to this city from Vilas, South Dakota, The particulars of the fatal accident as near as the Independent can learn are as follows: Mr. Johnson was brakeman on No. 9 , last Monday, which runs from Eagle Grove to Hawarden, and arrives in this city at 10:10 P.M. About 2 P.M. as the train was about one half mile east of Dakota City he left the engine and started for the top of the train. The train was just crossing the Des Moines River, but it is supposed he did not think about the bridge and just as he was reaching for the last step on the first box car he was struck by the trussle work of the bridge and fell to the ground, a distance of about fifteen feet. No one saw him fall; marks on the car substantiate the theory that he had nearly reached the top of the car when he fell. A farmer by the name of Snooks happened to be passing along the wagon road which is very near the railroad truck and he picked up the unfortunate man and took him to his home a short distance away.

The man was not missed until the train reached Dakota City and search was immediately commenced, which resulted in his discovery about one hour later. A doctor was summoned and upon examination found that the man’s shoulder was dislocated and that his face was badly bruised. A telegram was immediately sent to his mother who lives in Hawarden, and she departed for the scene of the accident Tuesday morning, but did not find her son alive as he died about eleven o’clock Monday evening. His remains was brought to this city Tuesday evening.

Edward Johnson was born in Wisconsin and was 28 years old at the time of his death. He is a son of Mrs. M.C. Johnson, who moved to Hawarden from Vilas, South Dakota, last November, and purchased the J.P. Lind house formerly occupied by Edward Hoskins.

He has been railroading about three years and six months, having made his first trip into Hawarden from Huron. He has done most of his railroading on the D.C. He was a member in good standing of the B. of R.T., having joined the Huron Lodge about two years ago. He was also a member of the Vilas, I.O.O.F. Lodge, and was to have been Noble Grand during the ensuing years. He leaves besides his mother, three brothers--Wilmor, who has been switching in the Hawarden yards, Silas, an employer of the round house and a younger one and three sisters to mourn his death.

During his short residence here he has endeared himself to all the people with whom he has met in a quiet, unostentatious way that few are capable of. The writer was not personally acquainted with the deceased, but from what we have been able to learn, he was possessed of an upright, manly and moral nature, kind hearted and genial disposition, good habits and robust health. Just entering as he was, upon the prime of manhood and happy existence, it seems very sad that he should be singled out for the sacrifice by the over ruling hand of Providence.

But it serves as a solemn reminder that God’s ways are not our ways. We know, alas, too well, that the bereaved ones feelings at this sad hour cannot be described, or even imagined, save by those who have passed through the distressing ordeal. The mother and brothers and sisters have the sympathy of the entire community.

The funeral services were held on Thursday afternoon at the Congregational Church, and were conducted by the Huron Lodge, B. of R.T. The Hawarden Oddfellows attended the funeral in body. The remains were interred in the east of town cemetery.