Alexander Eide (1897-1919)

EIDE, DUEA

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 8/28/2016 at 11:12:02

From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, October 2, 1919.

SEVERELY BURNED

Alexander Eide Nearly Electrocuted at Nevada Friday

Alexander Eide of this place was seriously burned, if not fatal, last Friday afternoon in Nevada when he tried to cut a high tension line of electrical power carrying a voltage of 13,200.

About three o'clock Friday afternoon while the big sorrel team of Dunklebarger and Newton's was standing at the south gate of the yard, waiting while a load of lumber was being unloaded a high tension wire carrying 13,200 volts from the Marshalltown plant to the local plant, suddenly snapped and fell across the back of one of the team. This animal dropped instantly dead before his huge body struck the ground and the other horse tried to escape and after floundering around for a short while finally came in direct contact with the wire getting the full current and he also toppled over dead.

Alex who has been working for the Cook Electrical Co. was called to release the team from their entanglements. When he came to the place he looked up and considered the wiring and then placed a board out toward the team stepped out upon it and attempted to cut the wires. His pliers in his bare hand were jerked up against his neck and he was thrown to the ground.

There he lay crying for help, with the fire and smoke emitting from his body, until J. H. Riddlesbarger, who happened to be present, grabbed a long board and shoved tghe wire from his body, thus breaking the circuit.

He was then dragged up to a lawn near by and a physician secured as quickly as possible. After he had been worked upon for some little time he was taken over to the Iowa sanitarium where he has been since.

At this writing Alex is resting easily. He received severe burns on his shoulder, his right arm and hand, and in all probability will lose his right arm as it is badly burned, having received the full force of the current.

This tragedy coming so close to the sad death of Alexander's mother, Mrs. Christina Eide has cast a gloom over the entire community. Alex's many friends here will hope for his speedy recovery.

Later - We learned today that it was found necessary to amputate his right arm at the shoulder and the operation was successfully performed Tuesday night at midnight.
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From the Roland Record, Roland, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, October 9, 1919.

DIES OF BURNS

Alexander Eide Succumbs to Severe Injuries - Funeral Held Tuesday

Alexander Eide, who was so severely burned a week ago Friday at Nevada, when he tried to cut a high tension wire, died at the Sanitarium at Nevada, Saturday evening at 9:30.

After the accident he was taken to the Sanitarium where he lived over a week. A few days before his death his right arm was removed at the shoulder and since that time he has been slowly sinking until Saturday night when he passed away.

Alexander was born in Roland on August 16, 1897. In this city he grew up, attending the local schools and always making good use of his time. Since early childhood he was an industrious lad and ws happy when given an opportunity to work around machinery. In the line he was very efficient and in late years developed to be an expert in his chosen profession, electrician. At the time of his death he was working for Cook Electric Co. at Nevada.

The death of Alexander is an occasion for much sorrow in this community. Everybody liked him. He was always pleasant and had a good word of cheer for everyone he met. It is only a short three weeks ago since his mother, Mrs. Christine Eide died. His father J. H. Eide died about six years ago. His brother, Victor, is now the sole survivor of the family and he with his aunt, Mrs. Henrietta Duea, are the only near relatives in this country and they have the profound sympathy of the entire community.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Smedal. The Bergen church male chorus sang several appropriate selections. The church was crowded with friends who came to pay their last respects to a departed friend. He was laid to rest in the Roland cemetery by the side of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Eide.