Iowa Old Press
The Ottumwa Daily Courier
Ottumwa, Wapello co., Iowa
June 6, 1935
Charles Davis, Young Relief Worker, Killed On Tracks
Early Today
Body Found Near Milwaukee Bridge at 3:30 a.m. by Switch Crew; Two
Young Children And Wife Survive.
The body of Charles Davis, 24-year-old relief worker, living on
South Wapello street in Central addition, was found about 3:30
a.m. today, just west of the Milwaukee railroad bridge over the
old tail race, after the young Ottumwan obviously had been struck
by a train some time earlier.
Discovery of the body was made by a switch crew en route to the
downtown yards with a “transfer” of cars.
CORONER CALLED.
The switch crew was composed of George Wellman, foreman, and Abe
Jackson and Chester Johns, helpers. John Lucas was engineer and
Ralph Replogle was fireman.
Coroner John Drake was called to the scene of the accident as
were Capt. William Simmerman and Patrolman C. A. Elliott of the
Ottumwa police force.
In his investigation, Coroner Drake said he believed Davis was
struck several feet from the bridge, although the body must have
been carried some distance. Articles of clothing were found along
the right of way to the bridge.
HAD BEEN WARNED.
Police discovered that Clyde Morrow, flagman at the Market street
crossing, over which Milwaukee tracks pass from the race bridge,
had seen Davis apparently starting for his home about 1:30 a.m.
He was said to have warned the man to walk in the street instead
of going up the tracks.
No marks of identification were discovered on the mangled body
when it was found but the report later this morning, brought by
Davis’ grandmother, Mrs. Mary Evans, to identify the body as
that of her grandson.
LEAVES TWO CHILDREN.
Davis was born in Ottumwa, May 18, 1911, the son of Jim and
Lillie Davis. His father preceded him in death.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Thelma Davis; two children, Clyde
James, aged 4, and Mary Ellen, 2; two brothers, Roy and Alex of
Ottumwa and three sisters, Merle, Edna and Catherine, all of
Ottumwa.
Funeral services will be held at the Daggett chapel although
arrangements have not been completed. Coroner Drake reported that
no inquest will be held.
[transcribed by L.Z., April 2018]