Thomas Fisher (1863-1903)

FISHER, KEENA

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

December 25, 1863 --- May 26, 1903

Fireman Killed Near Hawarden

Word was received here Tuesday morning the engine of No. 8, passenger train, left the track three miles east of Hawarden, and Tom Fisher, fireman, was killed, and C. P. Platt, engineer, injured. The track was thought to be unsafe owing to the excessive rain and the train was running slowly, but the track gave way suddenly and the engine rolled over on its side. Fisher died in a short time from his injuries. Mr. Platt sent a dispatch to his family here not to be uneasy about him as he was not seriously hurt. A special train took Supt. Beck to the wreck at once and he was accompanied by E. C. Platt. The baggage car left the track and the expressman received injuries. It is also reported that an engine sent out of Hawarden to assist at the wreck crashed into the rear coach with some fatalities. Tom Fisher was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters and tbe Order at Hawarden took immediate care of him. He leaves a wife and five children.

Mrs. Fisher is prostrated with the shock, and kind friends are ministering in every way possible to her grief.

It is learned later that the injuries to Mr. Platt and Mr. Fisher were received from the switch engine which came out from Hawarden and crashed into the coach in which they were waiting.

Platt was but slightly injured.

The train bringing the body of Thomas Fisher arrived here Wednesday afternoon at 5 o'clock. The funeral will take place at the Catholic church Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Everett Platt arrived in the same train with his father. Mr. Piatt was apparently pretty badly bruised but insisted on walking to his home.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
May 28, 1903

FATAL ACCIDENT AT HAWARDEN.

Fireman Thomas Fisher Dead. Engineer Platt Injured and Several Passengers Badly Shaken Up

In a wreck on the North-Western near Hawarden Tuesday morning, supposed to have been caused by the rail giving away on account of the recent heavy rains, Fireman Thomas Fisher, of Eagle Grove, was injured, dying in a short time, Engineer Charlie Platt, of this city, and Expressman C. Elliott, of Des Moines, were injured. As soon as the word was received Superintendent Beck ordered out a special train, under the charge of Conductor D. P. Walker, and departed at once for the scene. E. C. Platt, Engineer Platt’s son accompanied Mr. Beck.

On account of the damaged condition of the wires the reports came slow, it being impossible to get word direct. The heavy rains of the last few days have played havoc with the track and the section men have been kept busily on the lookout for washouts.

The passenger train which met with the accident, leaves Hawarden at 7:15 a. m. and is due here at 3:10. The train was running under slow orders at the time and Engineer Platt was keeping a sharp lookout for soft track. While passing over the road about three miles east of Hawarden he noticed that the ballast was washed away and that it would be impossible to keep tho engine on the track. Not wanting to chance the results of staying with the engine, he and Mr. Fisher jumped, landing in the mud and water beside the track, Engineer Platt receiving quite severe injuries about the shoulders, back and head. Mr. Fisher was not badly injured by the jumping but became chilled from the wet clothing and was taken to the rear coach, where there was a fire.

The trainmen had gone back to Hawarden for aid and to notify Eagle Grove of the wreck. Not waiting for orders the foreman of the round house took the switch engine and started for the scene of the accident, and being unable to control the engine smashed into the rear coach, killing Fireman Fisher almost instantly and injuring several passengers.

A pall of sadness is cast over the entire community as the outcome of the wreck. Mr. Fisher leaves a wife and five children who mourn their loss. The deceased was a faithful member of the B. L. F. and of the Order of Foresters. He was affiliated with the Sacred Heart church.

The funeral of Thomas Fisher took place Friday at 10:00 a. m. at the Sacred Heart church.

Times Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
May 29, 1903

The funeral of Thomas Fisher was held Friday at ten o'clock a. m. at the Sacred Heart church and the remains were laid to rest in the Gesthmane cemetery. The services were under the direction of Rev. Fr. Garland.

Thomas Fisher was born in Pennsylvania near Pittsburg, and was aged thirty-nine years, five months and one day. His early life was spent upon the farm. About sixteen years ago he came to Eagle Grove and entered the services of the Chicago & North-Western as a fireman. His death was due to injuries received in a wreck at Hawarden Tuesday morning, May 26.

On October 26, 1887 he was joined in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Keena of Eagle Grove. This happy union has been blessed with five children, Raymond, Madaline, Ellen Nora, Marie and Flavia, who with their mother are left to mourn the death of a kind father and loving husband.

The pall bearers were selected from the Foresters and B. of L. F. of which organizations he was a member. They were Steve Loughlin, J. W. Henneberry, Don Donovan, Sy Johnson, Frank Johnson and Harry Quint.

Father Garland, in his sermon, extolled the many kind and noble acts and characteristics of the deceased. He comforted the sorrowing relatives and friends with words of touching sympathy.

Time Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
June 5, 1903