Edward Whalen (ca. 1864-1890)

WHALEN

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 3/13/2011 at 13:31:28

From Story County Watchman February 14, 1890

On Friday afternoon a horrible accident occured at Polk City junction of the Northwestern railroad on Friday afternoon. Edward Whalen was a regular brakeman on the C. & N. W. road and was on top of the way car on the freight that was just pulling past Polk City as the passenger train stood on the switch to let it pass, and Whalen was killed in plain sight of Conductor Taylor, of the passenger train and Superintendent Hughs, who were on the coach platform, as well as many others who were looking out the windows. Whalen was on top of the car and waved his hand as he passed, and the next morment he lost his footing in some manner and fell between the cars and was thrown of the track into a cattle guard. Willing hands rendered every assistance in their power and two physicians were at his side in a moment, but it was soon seen that he was to badly injured to survive very long. His right leg and hip was terribly crushed and his abdoment torn open in tha frightful manner. He was at once brought to the city and taken to Cottage hospital where every thing that could be was done to save him, but he died shortly before 4 o'clock and before his wife could reach him, although a special train had been sent for her to Ames, where the deceased made his home.

The remains were taken to Ames where the funeral took place under the auspices of the I. O. O. F., of which he was a member. Rev. Stevenson preached the funeral discourse Sunday to one of the largest audiences that ever was in Ames. Representatives of the I. O. O. F., were present from Boone, Sheldahl, Des Moines, Cambridge, Slater, Kelley, Gilbert, Story City and Nevada.

Edward Whalen has been a resident of Ames since early boyhood; he was for years head salesman in the large grocery store of S. A. Nourse, and there won the respect and confidence of our citizens. Only a few months ago he decided to engage in the railroad business as his life work, and work himself up by industry and application. In the discharge of his duties by this cruel accident, his useful life was soon ended. Mr. Whalen leaves a lovely young widow and two babes, and a father and a sister in deepest sorrow.