John J. Stevenson (1829-1903)

STEVENSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 11/27/2011 at 00:06:33

From Story County Watchman August 14, 1903

Ames, Ia., Aug. 11.--J. J. Stevenson, a salesman for the Garr-Scott threshing machine people, was killed in a runaway at Gilbert Station, six miles north of Ames, Last night about 11 o'clock. Stevenson had been in the country west of Gilbert to sell a threshing outfit. After completing his work, Geo. McNaughton was driving him back to Gilbert to take the train for Des Moines. Arriving in Gilbert the team was frightened by a couple of rolls of woven wire which was in front of one of the stores. Plunging suddenly to one side the pole of th buggy was broken off and the team, which was a pair of wild three-year-olds, started to run. McNaughton jumped out and received several scratches and bruises but nothing serious. Stevenson failed to jump until the team had acquired considerable speed. In crossing the railroad tracks the broken pole caught, thereby causing the buggy to rear up in the air, pitching Stevenson violently from the vehicle, striking his head with such force that his skull was crushed. Medical aid was called but death occurred shortly after the body was picked up. The body was brought to the undertaking parlors of Geo. Lond of Ames where lt was prepared for shipment to his home at Des Moines.