James E. Alverson (1884-1904)

ALVERSON

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 8/4/2016 at 22:27:08

From Nevada Representative July 27, 1904

FATAL ACCIDENT

James Alverson Killed by Falling on a Pitchfork.

James Alverson, a young man working on the farm of H. G. Handsacker in Richland township, died Monday afternoon as the result of injuries received by him in falling on a pitchfork on Saturday forenoon. The accident happened in the Handsacker barn, where the men on the farm had bee mowing away hay. Young Alverson was the last one down from the mow, and he swung himself and dropped down on the hay chute onto the handle of a fork that was standing in some hay under or at the bottom of the chute. He fell fairly on the handle, which was forced up into his body a distance of eight inches. By an almost superhuman effort he got himself free of the fork and made his way out of the barn toward his fellows, telling them that he was "killed." His diagnosis of the case was correct. Doctors were called with all haste; but he was so bruised and torn internally that his condition was hopeless. He was made as comfortable as possible, and his parents were summoned from his home at Batavia. They arrived Sunday morning and found him in condition to visit with them.

This accident has caused much sorrow among all who knew the young man, who is spoken of by all in the highest terms. He had been with Mr. Handsacker for two seasons and was especially esteemed in that household. He was twenty years of age and well built, and he was the victim of an athletic impulse where one less actively disposed would have come safely down the ladder. His body was taken home by his parents on Tuesday and he has been buried at Batavia.