Overacker, Lafayette “Dick” 1862 – 1903

OVERACKER

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:43

Source: Decorah Republican Nov. 19, 1903 Page 2 Col 3

KILLED BY THE CARS.
Lafayette Overacker Literally ground to Pieces by a Milwaukee Passenger Train last Friday.
The sad news was brought to his mother and other relatives last Friday night that Lafayette Overacker, third son of Mrs. J. J. Overacker, had been killed by the cars a short distance beyond Rosemount, Minn. In company with three other men “Dick,” as ho was familiarly known in Decorah, had been out putting up fence along the C. M. & St. P Ry. company’s right-of-way, and they had ceased work and were on their way home on a hand car. The first section of the day passenger, No. 3, was somewhat late and was evidently trying to make up time for it came on them very fast. The other men jumped but “Dick” stopped the car and had succeeded in getting it partly off the track when the train struck him, mangling him terribly and causing instant death.
Deceased was born in Monroe Co, Mich., in 1862 and came to Iowa with his parents when five years old. Most of his life was spent in Decorah. About three years ago he moved to Minnesota where he has since resided, being employed as a section hand by the Milwaukee road.
He is survived by a wife and two children, his mother, two sisters and three brothers. The remains were brought to Decorah Monday and the funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, Rev. M. Willet officiating.