Molster, Andrew Bjarneson 184? - 1873

MOLSTER

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 5/30/2013 at 07:44:59

Postville Review, Wed., 5 Nov. 1873.

A Norwegian by the name of Andrew Bjarneson Molster, aged 32 years, was run over and killed by the cars at Conover, at about half-past four o'clock. The circumstances as given us by Coroner Ferren, who was called to hold an inquest on Wednesday, are these: Deceased was intoxicated and got on the Decorah train at Conover, but behaved so badly that Conductor Jamison was compelled to put him off. Freight Train No. 10 was standing at the depot, after the Decorah train left, commenced switching. Molster began running after these cars, crying out, "Decorah", and seemed crazy drunk. He endeavored to climb on the cars. The accident occurred at the lower end of the switch. The engine had pushed up a part of its train, and several cars were sent off upon the switch, while the main train was passing up the main track. Molster saw the cars on the switch moving and started for them, but stopped as they stopped. Seeing the engine and cars coming back on the main track he stepped back on the latter, and then ran towards the advancing train. Mr. Price, who was attending the switch, jumped and tried to pull him off the track, but could not. He was struck on the shoulder by the cars and narrowly escaped severe injury. Molster was knocked down and seven of the cars passed over his body. He was almost literally cut in two.

Coroner Ferren held an inquest on Wednesday, and a verdict was rendered in accordance with these facts.

Deceased came to this country last spring, and has a cousin living in the north part of the country and one in Chicago. With these exceptions it is not known that he had any relatives.- Decorah Republican.

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Submitter is not related.

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