Frank E. Mitchell 1874-1912

MITCHELL, GRAGES

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 2/15/2003 at 09:22:46

Frank E. Mitchell.

While John and George Kerr were on their way to the cemetery Thursday morning, March 14, to dig a grave they found the body of a man lying on the cemetery crossing of the Rock Island tracks. They at once notified authorities who made investigation and found it to be the remains of Frank E. Mitchell of Bonaparte, and that his death had been caused b east bound freight train N. 86, which on that day passed hat point about ten P.M. The body was terribly mangled, but it was unquestionable proved to be Mr. Mitchell because of the cap, mittens, clothing, a letter, etc. The body was struck when about two hundred feet west of the crossing and death appears to have been instantaneous.

At first it was supposed that the east-bound passenger train might have killed him, but it was learned the next day that the engineer of the passenger train had seen him standing beside the track, had recognized him, and waved at him.

The remains were taken to the Page undertaking rooms and the relatives at once notified. Funeral services were held at the late home Friday afternoon conducted by Rev. Smith.

The mother, Mrs. Lizzie Mitchell, and the two brothers, George of Monmouth, Ill., and Bruce of Valley Junction, were unable to get here in time for funeral services, being delayed by the heavy snow of Thursday afternoon and night.
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Frank. E. Mitchell, son of George U. and Elizabeth Mitchell, was born at Bonaparte, Iowa, January 7, 1874, and died Wednesday, March 13, 1912, aged 38 years, 2 months, and 13 days.

April 11, 1901, he and Miss Amanda Grages were married in Des Moines and lived at Valley Junction four years, then moving to Bonaparte where they have since resided.

He leaves a wife, mother, two brothers and many friends here, having lived in this town his whole life except the four years in Valley Junction.

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 5, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA