Weselmann, Irvin 1903 - 1911

WESSELMAN, WESELMANN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/12/2023 at 13:56:10

Source: Decorah Republican June 1, 1911 P3 C4

KILLED BY THE CARS.
Henry Wesselman’s Team Collides with Train Near Fort Atkinson.
There was an accident Tuesday afternoon between two and three o’clock at the crossing just this side of Fort Atkinson that was lamentable to the fullest extent. Henry Wesselman was taking his family for a pleasure ride in a large surrey. In the carriage was himself, wife and five children. Just this side of Fort Atkinson the road crosses the track. For about half a mile before crossing the road runs alongside of the track. Just before the crossing is reached the road crosses a stream and the bridge is high, which makes the descent down to the crossing very steep. For a little distance along the bank of the stream the willows are very thick, so an approaching train cannot be seen. Mr. Wesselman and his family were approaching the bridge when the train came along at its usual speed. The whistle was blown for the crossing and the team took fright and getting beyond control of Mr. Wesselman ran rapidly over the bridge and as the train was at the crossing the team struck it somewhere back of the engine. Irving Wesselman, the young crippled son, was standing up and he was thrown out against the train, breaking his neck and causing instant death. Mr. Wesselman and Mrs. Wesselman were thrown out. Mr. Wesselman getting his skull crushed just above the temple, and exposing the brain. Mrs. Wesselman’s skull was also crushed about the same place and her brain also exposed. One daughter had her skull crushed. The other three escaped with only minor bruises. There were three witnesses to the accident, Henry Leuenberger, Monroe Leuenberger and Henry Wiest, and their testimony all corroborates the account given above.
A telephone message was sent to Decorah for the coroner and Howard Barthell, acting coroner, Luther Reed, constable, went at once in L. O. Reed’s automobile and an inquest was held. It is believed the team struck the train with such force that the injured ones were thrown out, striking their heads on the train. Dr. Horton’s residence being near it was at once converted into a hospital and the injured persons taken there and with the medical aid summoned were given all possible care. Mr. Ode of Calmar coming along with his automobile took the slightly injured ones to Calmar. Mr. Wesselman recovered consciousness but not sufficient to realize the extent of the disaster. Up to Tuesday evening Mrs. Wesselman had not recovered herself, neither the daughter. In the opinion of the doctors the recovery of either Mr. and Mrs. Wesselman is exceedingly doubtful.
Later information is to the effect that the young lady who had her skull fractured died Wednesday morning about 1 o’clock, without regaining consciousness. This accident has cast a gloom over all of Calmar, where Mr. Wesselman was in business and highly respected.

Source: Decorah Republican June 1, 1911 P7 C1

A sad accident occurred to-day as the southbound passenger train was nearing the railroad crossing at the Rilling bridge. The Wesselmann family of Calmar were about to cross, but their team became unmanageable and dashed across the track. One of the little boys was killed instantly Mr. and Mrs. Wesselmann, one daughter and two sons received severe injuries and one son but slight bruises. While there is a chance for Mrs. Wesselmann and her daughter’s recovery, the physicians are not hopeful. Drs. Roome, Ellingson and Hellin of Calmar and Horton of this place have given all assistance possible.

Source: Decorah Republican June 8, 1911, P4 C2

Funeral of Wesselmann Children.
[Calmar Courier]
The funeral of the two unfortunate Wesselmann children, Doris and Irvin held Friday afternoon, was one of the largest ever held here, showing how the hearts of the people went out in sympathy. They were placed side by side in the same grave. The services were conducted by Rev. Blessin and rev. Galbraith. The business places were closed during the services.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows that the son was Irvin Weselmann. He was born Sept. 4, 1903 and died May 30, 1911. He is buried in the Calmar City Cemetery. The daughter was Doris who was born March 8, 1900 and she also died May 30, 1911.

Calmar City Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen