LESTER, Wm. Orris (1887-1933)

LESTER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 5/9/2020 at 17:30:08

William Orris Lester
(August 3, 1887 – November 20, 1933)

Source – newspaper clipping in a scrapbook at the Warren County Historical Society Library, Indianola, IA, Friday, November 24, 1933
Body of Orris Lester Arrives Here Tuesday
Was Crushed to Death Near Chicago by the Weight of Cattle He Was Taking to Market
Orris Lester, victim of a truck accident Monday morning at Elmhurst, Ill., suburb of Chicago, was crushed to death by the weight of Cattle which he was hauling to the Chicago market, according to the story of the mishap told by his brother, O. M. “Dick” Lester who returned to Indianola Tuesday night. Dick was informed by Jay Crabb who was driving with his brother at the time of the fatal accident that the truck was making about 35 miles per hour.
Smoke From Peet Bog
As they approached the outskirts of Elmhust, a thick smoke arising from a nearby peet bog was blown across the highway and the truck was slowed down to perhaps 20 miles per hour. They drove into the smoke when suddenly and without warning they crashed into a loaded van which they had been following and which had slowed down to a much lower rate of speed. Due to the impact of the Lester truck against the van, the cattle were hurled against the front end of the rack which was shattered, allowing the animals to rush forward against the cab. Mr. Lester’s head was crushed and he was killed instantly.
Crabb Badly Hurt
Mr. Crabb received a deep cut across his chest and his hand was mashed. Help arrived almost immediately and Mr. Crabb directed that his brother, Nick, who lives in Chicago, be called. The latter took charge of the wrecked truck and secured another to take the cattle on into market. The cattle were owned by Ed Wilson and Bob Morris. Jay Crabb was removed to a hospital and is recovering. An inquest was held Monday afternoon and the driver of the van was exonerated.
Funeral Thursday
Dick Lester left for Chicago the night of the accident and accompanied the body of his brother to Indianola in the L. A. Overton ambulance. The funeral was held at the Overton funeral home Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock, the Rev. I. J. Brame, Pastor of the Baptist church, officiating.