Harry Lee SIMPKINS

SIMPKINS, PAULSON, COWAN, OLSON, VIKE, BIRDSALL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

Harry Lee Simpkins
1 December 1889 ---- 12 February 1928

H. Simpkins Loses His Life at Garwin

Crushed Between Tank and Box Car While Switching Cars Early Sunday Morning.

Harry Simpkins, 38, lost his life in the railroad yards at Garwin, Iowa; Sunday morning, about 5:50 o’clock. Mr. Simpkins was the rear brakeman on train No. 129 in charge of Conductor John Vike. They had to take the siding at Garwin in order to allow a couple of stock trains the right of way. While they were waiting for this connection, Engineer Claude Birdsall informed Conductor Vike that they would have to take water at Gladbrook. It was suggested by Brakeman Simpkins that if they took water at Garwin, while waiting for the stock trains, it might avoid a future delay and save time. Mr. Simpkins then cut off the engine after backing the train onto the passing track. He rode forward with the engine to the end of the switch and then rode back towards (unreadable) on adjoining track. He was riding on the steps on the side of the tank at the rear. He was caught between the tank and the end box car of the train and so severely crushed the life was extinct before his fellow trainmen could release him. Engineer Birdsall was on Simpkins side of the train and as they were backing down the track and approaching their train he suddenly decided that there was not room for Simpkins to clear the end box car of their train and he immediately set the air. It was too late however, and Simpkins went to his death, never realizing his danger. The engine was slacked back and his body was released without difficulty. His heart had stopped beating when the trainmen reached him.

The remains were taken to the funeral home at Garwin and brought to Eagle Grove Monday morning.

Brakeman Simpkins was characterized by the officials of the company as one of the most efficient trainmen on the division. He was an especially competent switchman. He was ever alert and looking for trouble of any kind which might delay the progress of his train. He was born Dec. 1, 1889 and entered the service of the Northwestern as brakeman July 18, 1912.

The Eagle extends the bereaved wife and son and other relatives the sincerest sympathy in the hour of their irrevocable loss.

Obituary

Harry Lee Simpkins was born in Ross township, Pike county, Illinois, December 1, 1889. At the age of 11 years he moved, with his mother and two sisters, to Minnesota, where they lived until he was 17 years of age. They then moved to Laurens, Iowa.

On December 27, 1909 he was united in marriage to Helena Paulson of Laurens. One son, Dale, was born to them on April 15, 1911. On August 1, 1912 they moved to Eagle Grove when he began to work for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad company as brakeman, which position he held till the time of his death. On Sunday morning, Feb. 12, 1928, while in the discharge of his duties he met with instant death. It is one of those sad tragedies of the road which sometimes happen to the most careful of men. At the time of his death he was 38 years, 2 months and 11 days of age.

He leaves a wife and son, also his aged mother and two sisters, Mrs. Mae Cowan of Watertown, S.D., and Mrs. Ida Olson of Minneapolis, Minn. His father died when Harry was only 2 years of age. He was a member of the B. of R. T.

Harry was always a gentleman and well liked by everybody. He was considered as one of the very best switchmen on this division. He was always thoughtful and careful for the welfare of others. The writer heard one of his friends tell how while switching here in Eagle Grove, Harry saw an old lady on the track ahead of a moving box car and jumped off the car he was on and ran ahead of the car and got the old lady off the track.

Funeral services were held in the Congregational church on Wednesday afternoon. W. G. Muhleman, pastor of the Methodist church preached the sermon. Services at the grave were in charge of the B. of R. T. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.

EAGLE GROVE EAGLE --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
February 16, 1928

source - Paul Wilde