GRASSMAN, Michael (1883-1903)

GRASSMAN

Posted By: Pat Hochstetler, Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/20/2009 at 09:16:27

Winterset Madisonian – April 30, 1903
Pg 5

A SAD AND SUDDEN DEATH

Michael Grassman, Jr., of Churchville Meets a Fearful Death by Being Thrown from a Buggy.

Last Friday night or early Saturday morning, Michael Grassman, Jr., and Geo. Linnane and two young ladies, Miss Grassman, a sister of Michael, and Miss Cutter, started home from a dance at Mr. Shaver’s, south of Churchville. All four attempted to ride in a one-seated buggy. The young ladies got in first; then the young men got in, Grassman having the lines. It was dark, and on starting a turn had to be made over a box culvert. One wheel missed, and the jolt threw Grassman over the dash board. Miss. Grassman called to Linnan to reach for the lines. He attempted to do so, but they were out of reach. Just then an other drop threw Linnan out without injury. The young ladies, being helpless, decided to jump, and did so, but they were fortunate enough to escape serious results. After running about a quarter of a mile the horses stopped, and Grassman’s body was found with the foot caught in the tongue brace. His neck was broken, and, it is supposed, death was instantaneous with the fall, as he uttered no word. The clothing was nearly all torn from the body, the back being entirely bare.

Deceased was a cousin of County Auditor H. A. Mueller.