George Frederick "Fred" Ford (1871-1893)

FORD

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:43

November 14, 1871 ---September 12, 1893

The universal sorrow and sympathy of our people have never been more actively aroused than by the sudden death of FRED FORD yesterday.

Less than a week ago he began braking on the road; yesterday morning he came out of Des Moines on way freight train No. 60, doing his train work carefully, and apparently as secure of long life as anyone on the planet. At one o'clock he was hurt, and at six he was dead. The brief span of a day had brought to him nearly all there is of human life—youth; strength and health; misfortune, and then the last great, change.

Just how the accident occurred is hard to determine. He had made two couplings at Story City, but failed to make the third; he gave the usual signal for the engine to back again so he could, complete the third coupling; the cars came back slowly but it was never made. A cry called the attention of Conductor Mewhirter, he turned and saw Fred under the wheel. In some way he had fallen or been caught by the car; both legs were run over, one near the ankle and the other up to the thigh.

Arrangements were immediately made to bring him to Eagle Grove, for he retained his senses and expressed the wish to go home "to mother." Dr. Allen, of Story City, accompanied him also Dr. Merryman, of Ames, and Dr. Green, of Webster City. Drs. Morse and McGrath of this city were called in consultation. A train was sent from here to meet them. On arrival here he was taken home, and he was able to recognize those who were dear to him. About six o'clock he passed away, being perfectly conscious almost all the time.

George Frederick Ford was born at Grand Junction, Iowa, Nov. 14, 1871, so that he was in his twenty-second year. He was a young man of the most undeviating honesty and uprightness; he was helpful in every way to his family; was quiet and of a disposition which made him liked by all. The greatest efforts were used by his friends to keep him from going on the road, but the hope of being more helpful and of sometime becoming a conductor, led him to disregard their wishes. After five days of service he met his fate.

To the sorrowing father and mother, and to the brothers and sisters who were so proud of Fred and loved him so, the sincerest heart-sympathy will go out. May they not grieve "as those that have no hope.”

The funeral will take place at 2 p. m. tomorrow, Thursday, in the Baptist church. Rev. Zellhoefer, under whose teachings he was converted and taken into the church, will conduct the services, assisted by Rev. Stone, resident pastor.

Boon Valley Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
September 13, 1893