Daniel Edwin Burgess (1871-1925)

BURGESS, SNOOK, KITCHEN

Posted By: Gail and Dennis Bell
Date: 6/28/2005 at 05:44:13

THE MAXWELL TRIBUNE, Maxwell, Story County, Iowa, Dec 3, 1925, Page 1, Column 1. "Section Hand Killed By Fast Freight Train. Dan E. Burgess Meets Instant Death When Struck by Engine of Freight Train Last Wednesday. Dan E. Burgess was instantly killed Wednesday afternoon of last week at 3:50 o’clock when struck by an eastbound freight train. The deplorable accident occurred in the yards east of the Indian Creek bridge. Mr. Burgess and Chas. Harrand, employed as section hands, were tightening bolts of the north main line track and stepped to the south track while a westbound freight pulled out. Perhaps a third of the train had passed, when a through freight from the west came around the curve on the south track and was almost upon them before they saw it. Harrand first saw the train, which was coming at a terrific speed, and jumped to safety on the south side of the grade, at the same time calling to Mr. Burgess. The latter, evidently confused, jumped forward, between the tracks and then finding he would be caught between two trains going in opposite directions, faced around and attempted to get across the south track, but was too late and was struck by the pilot of the train and hurled down the embankment. Engineer Frank Banyard, who had applied the brakes immediately upon seeing the men on the track, brought his train to a stop and hastened back to where the body of Mr. Burgess lay, where it had been hurled down the grade. Dr. Joor was immediately called, but life was extinct and it was evident that the unfortunate man was killed instantly. Coroner Mills, of McCallsburg, who happened to be at the court house in Nevada, was notified and was on the scene in a short time, deciding that no inquest was necessary. Mr. Burgess, who is survived by his widow, two sons and one daughter, was fifty-four years old, had always been an industrious and hard working man, respected by all who knew him and his tragic death was a shock to the community, all of who sympathize with the stricken family. Daniel Edwin Burgess was born in Jasper county, Iowa, November 3, 1871, and departed this life at Maxwell, November 25, 1925, while at his work, at the age of fifty-four years and twenty-two days. He was united in marriage to Phoebe Snook, March 11, 1896. To this union were born six children, three of who preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his untimely departure his devoted wife and three children, two sons, Harry and Fred, of Maxwell, and one daughter, Mrs. Harvey Kitchen, of north of Maxwell and one grandchild, Leona Mae Kitchen. Mr. Burgess has always lived in this community, having spent the last twenty-five years in Maxwell. He was an honest, faithful worker, and leaves to mourn not only his life companion and children, but many friends. Funeral services were held from the Church of Christ Friday afternoon, conducted by Rev. DeLoss Marken, pastor, with interment in the Brethren cemetery, south of Maxwell." "Card of Thanks. – We wish to thank the many kind friends and neighbors for their sympathy and assistance during the trying hours of our bereavement in the sudden taking away of our loved husband and father. Mrs. Dan E. Burgess and Children."