Charles S. Johnson d. 1891

JOHNSON, WOODS, GLASSCOCK

Posted By: Volunteer - Rich Lowe
Date: 11/30/2001 at 21:52:38

HORRIBLE AFFAIR.

A Young Man in Attempting to Board
A Freight Train is Drawn Un-
der the Wheels and Hor-
ribly Mangled.

Last Saturday morning a young man named Charley Johnson attempted to board the freight going west and was thrown under the train, four wheels of the caboose passing over his legs above the knees leaving them hanging by the flesh and skin. After the train had passed A. Steadman, who was on the opposite side of the track, on Washington street, crossed over and saw a man lying there and raised the alarm and in a few moments several others were there. The man was lying on his face and was insensible. He rallied and told the men his name was Charlie Johnson and to take him to Glasscock's. In a few moments three doctors were there but they could do nothing but place him in an easy position. Dr. Maxwell, of Keokuk was telegraphed for but the order was countermanded as the young man died at 11:30, living just three hours. Besides the mangled limbs he was badly bruised on the side, a gash cut in his head and face bruised. He was conscious to the lat and kept asking pitifully, "where am I hurt, are my legs broke?" Rev. McMasters spoke to him in a spiritual way and he replied, "I can't think, I am so sick." He was employed in Huiskamp's factory at Keokuk and spent Christmas here with his aunt's family, the Glasscocks. He had been up late Friday night and being anxious to go to Bentonsport where his grandfather, Alex. Woods resides, he ran to the railroad to catch the train which was under full headway. He made several attempts to catch hold of cars but was unsuccessful when he caught the front end of the caboose, but missing his hold he was thrown under the cruel wheels. He was going to Bentonsport to get his trunk and a check awaited him from his father to take him to the state of Washington. Sunday afternoon his funeral occurred at the Baptist church which was packed to its utmost capacity. Rev. McMasters preached an eloquent and sermon and the choir sang appropriate hymns. Undertaker Demple had charge of the arrangements. The following were pall bearers: Wm. Marshall, A. Page, French Eason, Del. Stewart, Guy Johnson and Guy Sturdivant.

A large number accompanied the mourning relatives and the remains to the cemetery and had Charley been an old resident of the place no more respect could have been shown him. It should be a saw warning to all to be more careful about trains as this case is but one among many sad deaths that have occurred at this place, and it should also be a reminder "that in the midst of life we are in death."

Chares S. Johnson, was born near Mitchellville, Polk county, Iowa, and at the time of his death was in the 26th year. His father, three brothers and three sisters still survive him, all but one brother living in Washington.

[Note: handwritten on article “Dec-27-91”]

Source: Entler Scrapbook, vol. 6, Iowa Historical Library, Iowa City, IA