Larson, Clifford L., 1912-1936

LARSON, EVENSON

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

From the Sioux Center News, January 9, 1936:

Clifford Larson Killed in Sioux Falls Accident

Clifford Larson, agent at the local Great Northern depot, died last Wed. eve. in a Sioux Falls Hospital, from injuries sustained when struck by a car early Wednesday morning.

Larson and his friends were getting into their car and as he was walking around the car, a passing car struck him, crushing his head. He died about 6 p.m. without regaining consciousness.

The car that struck Larson was driven by a minor, and he with his two companions, also minors, are not being held on any charges. The names of the youths were not disclosed.

Mr. Larson was employed at the Sioux Center railroad station for the past six months. He lived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Deliers. Nothing is known of his home and family.

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From the Alton Democrat, January 10, 1936, Sioux Center news:

Daily papers January second carried news of the accidental death of Clifford Larson, assistant telegrapher at the local Great Northern Ry. station here. He was struck by a car as he was crossing a street in Sioux Falls where he had gone for the New Year holiday, and died at a Sioux Falls hospital without regaining consciousness. Although he had not been in Sioux Center long, the young man was well liked by all who knew him. His parents reside at Lake Benton, Minn.

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From the Swift County Monitor, Benson, Minnesota, January 3, 1936:

BENSON YOUTH KILLED BY CAR
Clifford Larson Dies From Injuries New Year’s Day – Funeral Monday

Clifford L. Larson, son of Mrs. Clara Larson of this city and a resident for 19 years, was fatally injured when struck by a car in Sioux Falls, So. Dakota, early Wednesday morning, January 1, and died at 10:05 o’clock that evening. The 23-year-old youth had just left a café and was crossing the street when struck by a car carrying three youths. An inquest was called and the occupants of the car held for questioning. A concussion of the brain is believed the cause of death.

The youth was born in this city on June 19, 1912, and was 23 years, six months and eleven days old at the time of his death. He lived here until 1931. He was employed by the Great Northern railway for nine years and during the last two years had worked at Pipestone and at Sioux Center, Iowa.

He is survived by his mother; three sisters, Mrs. Ornell (Violet) Johnson and Mrs. Marvin (Myrtle) Lindahl of this city and Mrs. Paul (Hazelle) Schmidt of Morris; and three brothers, Julius, Curtiss and LaWayne, all at home.

Funeral services will be held at the home of his mother here at 1:30 0’clock Monday afternoon, January 6, and at the Immanuel Lutheran church at 2:00 o’clock. Rev. Herman E. Jorgensen will officiate. Burial will be made in the Benson cemetery.

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RESEARCH NOTES

The U.S. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America parish death and burial register for Immanuel Lutheran Church, Benson, has Clifford Leslie Larson, born June 19, 1912; son of the late John A. Larson, surviving wife [i.e., John A’s surviving wife] Clara L., nee Evenson; died in Sioux Falls, S.D. Jan. 1, 1936; killed by being struck by an automobile; buried in Benson, Minn., Jan. 6, 1936.

His FindaGrave.com page has Clifford Leslie Larson, born 19 June 1912 in Pope County, Minnesota; died 1935; buried in the Benson Cemetery, Benson, Swift County, Minn., with a photo of his headstone (“Clifford L.”). Parents Johan Andrew Larson (1875-1933) and Clara Mathilda Evenson Larson (1884-1979).

The Minnesota birth certificates index shows him born 19 June 1912 in Pope County, Minnesota, mother’s maiden name Evenson (certificate #1912-23225). The 1920 U.S. census shows him, age 7, living in Benson (Swift County), Minn., with his parents, John and Clara Larson and several siblings. In the 1930 census, age 17, he is still living in Benson with his family and working as a railroad depot janitor.