Probable Murder - Sim Kennedy Last Thursday morning the report came to town that the residence of Sim Kennedy had been destroyed by fire. The residence was a neat two story frame, with an ell kitchen, located in Palo Alto township, on the Monroe road about five miles southwest of Newton. It stood on the hill just before going down to the Skunk river bottom, and the farm is one of the best and most fertile in the county. To the rumor was also added that Mr. Kennedy, the owner of the farm and dwelling had also been found dead. The Coroner was therefore notified, and in company with Sheriff Weston, Coroner Newell and Messrs. Ed J. Salmon, S.E. Zinn, and Frank Wilson (the Coroner's jury) we repaired to the scene. We found the house a complete ruin--utterly destroyed by fire, and none of the contents saved except the loose articles in the front room, and a bed and bed-stead in an adjoining bed-room. Mr. K. lived alone in the house with a hired man, his wife being dead, and his children living with and being taken care of by their grandmother. The jury being sworn, the first witness was Mr. Irwin Forbes. He testified that when he first noticed the fire, that he was about three-fourths of a mile away; that the time was about nine o'clock; that he made haste and when he arrived at the burning building the kitchen was nearly destroyed, and the fire was rapidly making its way to the northeast part of the building; that finding he could do no good at that part of the house he went to the front door, and failing to open it, he broke it in with an ax he had in his hand; that on entering the front room, which was then not on fire, but that the smoke so thick that he could not breathe with ease; he found Mr. Kennedy lying on the floor, on his side with his knees drawn up to near his body; that he was lying in front of a large trunk, the lid of which was open; that he picked him up, took him out of doors, and thinking he was in a drunken stupor, left him, and thinking the fresh night air would bring him to; that when he picked the body up it was hot and limp; that after getting what things he could out of the house, he went back and found that Mr. Kennedy was dead. R. Richards, who was working for the deceased testified that Mr. K. came home the evening before between 6 and 7 o'clock; that he came with Mr. H. K. Parker, who found him walking on the road brought him home in his buggy. That he asked Mr. Parker, when he got back to town to look for his mare, and if he found her to turn her loose, and she would come home. That he and Mr. K. went into the house, and the deceased told him that he had hitched his mare on the square opposite Clark's Bank; when he came to look for her she was gone; that he had made a search for her but could not find her; and then told him to go to the field to catch one of the horses, and go to town and look for the horse; that he had told him the horses had worked all day and were tired and that he would walk to town; that when he left the house Mr. K. was standing near the stove, and was about to get his supper; that he was not drunk, that he had been drinking, but was able to walk and talk as well as anybody. Mr. Richards then related how he came to town, inquired for the mare at two of the livery stables and not finding her started home, (and this part of his testimony is corroborated by several persons at Sampey's and Gate's Livery Stables, ) and then when just south of town he discovered the fire, thought it was Mr. K.'s barn, and hurried home; and that when he got there the house was burned down and several persons were there. Drs. Robbins and Piper then uncovered and unstripped the body which was lying at the house of Mr. Thompson, where it had been carried during the night. The face bore evidence of severe physical struggle preceding death, the lips being firmly set, and an expression of determination marking the whole countenance. As the clothing was removed it was remarked that there was no smell of fire on any of the garments. Neither did the hands, hair, or whiskers show any signs of contact with fire. There was a strong smell of smoke on the garments, but no indication of their having been in actual contact with fire. The naked body showed a strong man in the full vigor of sturdy manhood, the muscles of the arms, loins and legs standing out like whipcords. Except a slight cut on one of the ears, and an abrasion on one of the legs, there were no outward scars. The clothing was handed to his brother, L.L.D., and a purse containing $4.65 in silver, a couple of pocketknives, his watch, and a few other trifling articles found. The watch had stopped at 2:15 a.m. On being turned on his side blood flowed quite freely from the mouth and nose. Thus far the inquest was held at the home of Mr. Thompson where the body lay. An adjournment was head to the house of the deceased, to examine the ruins, and the articles taken from the house. There was next to nothing to see where the home stood except a mass of smoldering ruins and a heap of hot ashes. The fire had done its full work and left nothing of the fine residence that stood on the foundation the evening before. The articles taken out consisted of the loose articles in the parlor where his body was found, and the bedstead and bed clothing of an adjoining bedroom. The head-board of the bed-stead was split entirely off, and one of the hooks to which the bed rails are attached to the posts was pulled straight off. Mr. Forbes stated to the jury that when he entered this room he found the broken piece of the headboard on the floor near the side of the bed, the bed clothes and bed mussed up, and the room generally in disorder, and that everything indicated that in the room there had been a severe struggle or that great and hurried ? had been used in the endeavor to get the bed down. A large trunk in which it is supposed Mr. Kennedy kept his deeds, mortgages and other private papers was in this room, and was destroyed by the fire. We say "supposed to be kept" because we are told that no one except the deceased, knew exactly what was in the room, for the reason that ever since the wife died, he had guarded it with [about two inches is unreadable due to dark copy of the paper.] Mr. H. K. Parker tells us that on Thursday evening he was on the road with his buggy and met the deceased on the west side of the Fair Grounds; that he noticed he was somewhat under the influence of liquor, and concluded that as he had been an old friend he would take him home. After a little persuasion Mr. K. got into the buggy without assistance, and he took him home. On the way, deceased told him he had hitched the mare he was riding on the east side of the square, and when he went for her she was gone--that he had hunted her everyplace and not finding her, had started to walk home. Mr. Parker also told us that Mr. K. did not seem much intoxicated --that he had seen him more so many times. On reaching home Mr. K. went into the field lot at the barn, looked all around, came back and told him the mare was not there, and asked him to look for her and if he found her to turn her loose and she would come home. While they were talking R. Richards came out into the road where Mr. K. was, and the last he saw of the two men they were walking together towards the home. Mr. Parker thinks it was perhaps half past six when he last saw the deceased. On convening the jury at Salomon's office James M. Sandusky, who resides about twenty rods south of the building burned, was sworn and who testified to having discovered the fire when in bed; went to the burning house, found Mr. Forbes there, assisted him in carrying Mr. K. away from the fire, then helped get things out of the house. When he carried Mr. K. out noticed that he was limber and warm, and that he had dark stuff about his mouth and whiskers; after the things were got out of the house, went with others, to where deceased lay, and found that he was dead; thought he was dead, and spoke to Mr. Forbes about it, but he replied that he thought he was only in a stupor resulting from excessive drinking. J. D. Young being sworn testified that he last saw deceased on the evening of the 28th at his store. That no one was then present but deceased, himself and wife. Deceased had money in a cotton sack; bout some cider and treated John Hoblet, who afterwards came in; told Hoblet he could afford to treat him as he had made some money that day on hogs he had bought and sold at a sale. He had silver in the cotton sack, also showed some paper money folded quite small; might have been two or three bills folded together; could not tell their denomination, nor could he tell whether he took the bills out of the cotton sack, could not tell where he did take them from. [It will be remembered that when the body was searched at the Coroner's inquest, only silver money was found, and that was in the cotton sack.] James Earley says that he was at the McDonald farm on the south side of the river, about two miles southwest of the Kennedy house, and in plain vie of it, and noticed the fire when it first started; the light then was very small and had the appearance of a lamp outside of the house. He witnessed it for some time before he called anyone's attention to it; by that time it had developed so that it was plain to be seen that it was a building on fire, and he and the family were soon able to locate it. He took out his watch and looked at it and it was then half past eight. On Saturday an autopsy was held on the body, at which Drs. Gorrell, Robins, Pifer, Smart, and Engle were present. We learn that they submitted a written statement to the Coroner's jury saying the deceased came to his death by violence, by being choked or strangled by some person or persons unknown. The jury have not yet returned a verdict. They are taking due care and vigilance in hunting up and sifting the evidence and all matters connected with the sad affair, and when their verdict is given to the public it will be a fair and just one. Of course each one is entitled to make up his own mind, and give his own opinion. We find many who believe he was murdered, --many who think he died from suffocation by the heat and smoke. Having heard or seen all the evidence, --having been on the ground--having heard the statements of those who know most of Mr. K.'s habits and practices, it is our deliberate opinion that he came to his death by violence, and that time only will clear up the mystery connected with it. For the purpose of giving our readers a clearer idea of the premises we give below diagram of the lower story of Mr. Kennedy's house. [Diagram of house] Geo. Simeon Kennedy was born in Hendricks county, Indiana Dec. 25, 1837. Moved here with his father's family in 1858. He has always been engaged in farming. In 1863 he enlisted in Co. B, 5th Reg't, Iowa Volunteers, under Capt. Chapman, and served for three years. The testimony of all who served with him is unanimous in saying that he was an excellent soldier, --fearless, brave, never shirking any duty or danger--and a most excellent companion. About seven years ago he married Mrs. Hitchler, and two little girls were born of his union. His wife died Sept. 12, 1885. The children are living and being take care of by their grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Veach, in Sherman township. The funeral was held at the home of his brother, Joseph on Sunday last, the services being conducted by Rev. J. G. Barton. He was buried the same afternoon in the Sugar Grove Cemetery in Sugar Grove township. [rest is unreadable] ~ Newton Journal, Nov 3, 1886 The Kennedy Murder Nothing of material evidence has been added to what we gave last week in regard to the sad affair. We have statements from outside parties which confirm up the opinion which we expressed that Sim Kennedy was murdered. Perhaps the guilty parties may never be discovered, yet on behalf of those in the best position to know the facts will not be changed that the deceased was ? dealt with. Below we give the concluding and material evidence of the physicians who held the autopsy as follows: All the facts in connection with this case; the congested condition of both heart and lungs; the fluid blood in the upper part of the thoracic cavity; the condition of the brain; the fluid blood found within the skull; the deep discoloration of the neck, which extended to and involved the soft parts beneath; the ruptured capillaries at all points about the neck, positively the result of anti-mortum violence, not self-inflicted, but by the hands of one or more assassins. The attack we believe to have been from behind. That his hands were grasped and held; that he was thrown upon the floor with his face upwards and the back of his head was thrown against the floor, while strong hands grasped his throat. The appearance of the walls of the abdomen indicate that some of the assassins in the struggle jumped upon the deceased, probably with their needs, producing discoloration now present upon the abdominal walls. That coronary artery was fully distended with dark venous blood. (Signed,) Perry Engle, J. T. Robbins, J. R. Gorrell, E. H. Mershon, J.L. Pifer, R. N. Smart. VERDICT OF THE CORONER'S JURY. An inquisition held in Palo Alto township, Jasper county, Iowa, on the 29th day of October, A. D., 1886, before Hugh Newell, Esq. Coroner of said county upon the body of George S. Kennedy, there lying dead, by the jurors of whose names are hereunto subscribed; the said jurors upon their oaths do say that from the evidence adduced said George S. Kennedy came to his death on the night of the 28th day of October, AD, 1886, in Palo Alto township, Jasper county, Iowa, by some person or persons to said jurors unknown, who then and there violently and feloniously assaulted him, and then and there with their hand or hands upon and around the throat of said George S. Kennedy did strangle him, whereof the said George S. Kennedy died immediately, and in the manner and form aforesaid, said person or persons did willfully and feloniously kill, strangle and murder the said George S. Kennedy. In testimony whereof the said jurors have hereunto set their hands the day and year first above written. E. J. Salmon, S.E. Zinn, Frank Winn. Attest: Hugh Newell, Coroner ~   Newton Journal, November 10, 1886 Return to top Fall Proves To Be Fatal Mrs. W. D. Ramsay Dies at Des Moines Hospital Without Regaining Consciousness Word was received in Newton early Saturday morning that Mrs. W. D. Ramsay had died at the Methodist hospital in Des Moines that morning at 7:30 o'clock without ever having regained consciousness after the accident which caused her death. While shopping at Brinsmaid's store Tuesday afternoon she slipped and fell down a flight of six steps, striking the back of her head on the bottom step and fracturing her skull. She was taken immediately to the hospital and given the most skillful medical aid, but she passed away without ever waking into consciousness. The body will be brought to Newton this afternoon, but no arrangements for the funeral will be made until word has been received from distant relatives. Mrs. Ramsay's maiden name was Melissa C. Helphrey and she was born in 1854 at Iowa City, Iowa, where her parents, Lewis and Anne Helphrey spent one year after coming here from Ohio. The next year they moved to Newton with their family and very soon moved to a farm near here where the daughter grew to womanhood. Melissa Helphrey was united in marriage to W. D. Ramsay and they moved to the farm home southwest of Fulton which has, ever since that time, been their home. Four daughters were born to them -- Mrs. Stella Forbes, Dodge Center, Minnesota; Mrs. Leona Apgar, Centerville, Iowa; Mrs. Alta Gill, Allerton, Iowa, and Mrs. Lucy Gray, of this city. Mrs. Ramsay is survived by her husband and four daughters. The surviving brothers are John Helphrey, West Concord, Massachusetts, Will Helphrey, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and L. S. Helphrey of Newton. The sisters who survive are Mrs. Susie Houck, Des Moines, and Mrs. Addie Aillaud, Newton. Mrs. Helphrey was a member of the Christian church. She was a splendid wife and mother and dependable friend. Her sudden and sad death is a cause of sorrow to many people of this community. ~ The Newton Daily News, December 11, 1920. Tractor Accidents NEWTON, IA - Elmer Clayton Emmack, 70, farmer six miles southwest of here was killed Saturday Afternoon when the tractor he was driving overturned on him near his farm. Highway Patrolman Mel Knouse said Emmack, returning a borrowed wagon to a neighbor, apparently turned out to avoid some approaching cars, and both the tractor and wagon left the road near the Metz Railroad Crossing. The accident was discovered and reported by L. T. Clark, Colfax, a passing motorist. ~ Newton Daily News, September 16 1950. E. C. Emmack Is Fatally Injured in Accident Metz Area Farmer Pinned Beneath a Tractor Saturday After attending the funeral of a cousin Saturday afternoon, a Metz farmer, Elmer C. Emmack, 72, died when his farm tractor rolled on top of him as he was performing an errand following the services. Mr. Emmack had attended rites for Harry Emmack Saturday afternoon at Colfax. When he returned, Mr. Emmack decided to deliver a wagon to the Lute Wormely [actually it was Phil "Lupe" Lane] farm at Metz. Mr. Emmack lived about one-half mile from Metz. He pulled the wagon with a farm tractor on the highway [actually just the Metz road in front of his house and across the tracks], and witnesses said, pulled over to the right on the shoulder as he met four cars coming toward him. Over Too Far The tractor got over too far, rolled down the eight foot embankment landing on top of Mr. Emmack. County Coroner Ralph Toland said Emmack suffered a broken neck and was killed instantly. First to reach the victim was L. T. Clark, Route 1, Colfax, followed closely by Floyd Mulbrook, Route 2, Newton. Mr. Emmack was almost up to the driveway of the farm where he was going when the accident happened. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at two o'clock at the First Lutheran church in Newton, Rev. F. D. Boldt officiating. Burial will be in Sugar Grove cemetery. Born in Illinois Mr. Emmack was born in New Boston, Ill., on Nov. 10, 1878, to Charles and Effie Emmack. When he was two years old, the family moved to Muscatine, and three years later moved to Jasper county, where he received his education. Mr. Emmack was married on Sept. 28, 1898, to Georgia Miller, and the couple farmed in the Metz vicinity. He was a member of the Metz Baptist church and was secretary-treasurer of the Sugar Grove cemetery organization. He is survived by his widow, three sons, Dale of Prairie City, Donovan and Delmar of Newton, two daughters, Mrs. Glen Blackledge and Mrs. Richard Sille of Newton, one brother, G. B. Emmack of Monroe, and 13 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a foster sister, Jennie Phillips, and one son, Myron. Services Pallbearers at the services will be Homer Clement, Elmer Lind, George Dammeier, Fred Engle, Phillip Lane and John Hitchler. Members of the flower committee will be Mrs. Homer Clement, Mrs. Eugene Anthony and Miss Florence Miller. Soloist will be Mrs. Maurice Rodgers. Mrs. R. L. Jackson will be the organist. Johnson-Murdoch Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. The body was taken to the Emmack home near Metz this afternoon where it will lie in state until shortly before time for funeral services tomorrow. A short prayer service will be held for the family at the home before the church services. ~ Newton Daily News, Monday, September 18, 1950   And then, just 33 years later , his son! Delmar Emmack killed Thursday; rites Saturday Prairie City -- Delmar G. Emmack, 64, a farmer who resided two miles north of Prairie City, was killed Thursday in a farm tractor accident. ~ Newton Daily News, August 1983

Revolting Crime The story is that these were the first two burials in the Sugar Grove Cemetery, but there are tombstones for four people prior to this date, another folklore story that is incorrect. "February 1, 1859, a shocking case of murder, followed by suicide, occurred on the farm of L. D. Sims, five miles west of Newton. Harvey Copeland and his wife removed to Sims' house a month or two before. They were natives of Indiana, he being about 30 years old and she 25. Their married life had been an unhappy one, and they had separated nearly a year previous, but had just become apparently reconciled. Late in the night, the Sims family, whose house was only a few feet from their tenants, heard loud talk between Copeland and his wife, carried on for two hours. Soon after a sound like a blow was heard, and she cried out, "Oh, don't, Harvey!" Other blows followed, after which all was still. Two hours before day the child was heard to cry and after the Sims family rose the little fellow presented himself at their door, holding his blood-stained shirt in his hand. Sims began an immediate investigation, and found an ax smeared with blood and the bed saturated. Then, following a clearly marked track around a small barn, he came to a spot where the woman's dead body had been laid down into a low straw thatched stable, which was reached through a narrow passage, he came upon a ghastly spectacle. Immediately in front was the woman's head, partially wrapped in a stocking and laid up in the straw nearby, in a rough, long manger, lay the headless trunk, wrapped in a blue-figured silk dress and bloody sheet, the legs severed at the knee joint and the stomach opened just below the breast bone. Within a few feet hung the lifeless body of the husband, who had fastened a strap to a rail in the low roof, had then slipped his head through the noose, and in the most determined and resolute manner had lauded himself into the presence of his Creator. The postmortem showed three blows to the woman's skull, two of which would have destroyed life. Her stomach had been cut open with a razor, by incisions at right angles, and a pair of her garters had been thrust within. The bloody weapon was found in Copeland's pocket." ~ History of Jasper Co., Iowa, 1878, page 383. Return to History page Return to Metz page Train Accident Man Ground to Death By Train J. B. Clement, of Metz, Killed instantly by West Bound Freight Monday Is thought that He Had Fallen Asleep on the Track -- Was Stationed as Flagman J. B. Clement, a farmer of Metz, Iowa, was instantly killed at the Rock Island crossing know as the "Dales" crossing west of Colfax at 10 o'clock Monday morning when he was struck by freight No. 2539 going west. A train crew was only a short distance west of the crossing working the tracks. Mr. Clement was stationed at the guard to flag the train for the crew. The train whistled as it approached the crossing but Mr. Clement evidently had fallen asleep, for he paid no heed to the oncoming freight. He was thrown more than thirty feet almost immediately in front of the train and the wheels of the locomotive passed over his body. Both legs were partly severed from the body and his face cut and bruised so badly that he was hardly recognizable. He was killed instantly. It is supposed that Mr. Clement went to sleep on the track. The body was taken to Morgan's undertaking parlors in Newton where an inquest was held Tuesday at 9 o'clock. Mr. Clement has been a resident of Metz, Iowa for a number of years. He leaves his wife and three children -- Homer Clement, who is employed at the Maytag Co., Stoy Clement, a mechanic at the Baker garage of Newton, and Mrs. Herbert Tharp who is postmistress at Metz. ~ Colfax Clipper, June 15, 1916. Return to top Auto Accidents George Hitchler | Steven Clement | Neva Gibson Gorman | Marvel Dammeier GEORGE HITCHLER HAS CHEST CRUSHED IN AUTO ACCIDENT Metz Farmer Has Spell of Heart Trouble While At Wheel of Automobile. Accident occurred about four miles southwest of Metz at 10:30 Saturday night -- two others injured. George Hitchler lies in a very precarious condition at the Wes Giles home, one mile south of the Bear Grove school house in Mound Prairie township as the result of an auto accident. His breast is literally crushed and his lungs are thought to have been punctured when the Ford car which he was driving turned turtle and hurled the driver, Mr. Hitchler, and two other men, Sam Clement of Metz and Rev. John Watterson of Fairfield from the car. Mr. Hitchler's injuries were caused by his having been pinned beneath the steering wheel of the car. His vitality has surprised the attendant physicians and the opinion was expressed today that he might live if he were able to survive the day. The accident occurred at 10:30 Saturday night. Mr. Hitchler, in company with Sam Clement and Rev. Watterson had driven to Prairie City with a Rev. Smith who was anxious to catch the night train for Des Moines, where he was to preach yesterday. All had attended the Saturday night services on the Chapman farm. When returning home Mr. Hitchler was suddenly seized with a heart attack and was virtually paralyzed. He was driving about 10 miles an hour. No one in the car was aware of what had happened to the driver and in an instant the front wheels had turned, the car had somersaulted and had landed, headed in the opposite direction, in the ditch which lined the road. Wes Giles, who was in his barnyard nearby hastened to the scene of the accident. Mr. Hitchler lay clear of the car and was unconscious. Sam Clement was pinned underneath the car, his head being held between the car and the ground. Rev Watterson was also pinned underneath the car, his right leg and left arm being firmly held between the car and the highway. Dr. Harp of Prairie City and Dr. Hill of Newton were immediately summoned and within an hour both physicians were present dressing the wounds and caring for the injured. Rev. Watterson has several broken ribs as has also Mr. Hitchler. Mr. Clement was bruised on almost every part of his body. His neck was sorely twisted and the left side of his face was peeled from the ear to the shoulder. Mr. Hitchler regained consciousness about 1:00 o'clock yesterday morning and told how the accident happened. While it is extremely doubtful if he recovers, many of his friends will await with the utmost anxiety to hear that his recovery is probable. He is one of the best citizens of the county and he and his family will have the sympathy of the entire community in his terrible injury. ~ Newton Daily News, July 19, 1915 GEORGE WILLIAM HITCHLER DIED AT WES GILES HOME EARLY THIS MORNING Was Hurt in Auto Accident Near Bear Grove July 17 -- Died at Wes Giles Home. Deceased Leaves A Wife and Six Children -- Was A Highly Respected Citizen of Jasper County for Years. George William Hitchler, a prominent farmer of Mound Prairie Township died at 2:40 a.m. today. His death was brought about by serious injuries sustained in an automobile accident July 17. He was 56 years, 4 months, 17 days old at the time of his death. On the night of the accident, Mr. Hitchler was driving his car home from Prairie City. He was accompanied by two companions. He had been driving leisurely when he was suddenly seized with a heart attack which rendered him virtually paralyzed. The car turned turtle and the driver was pinned beneath the steering wheel, crushing in his breast. The accident occurred very near the Wes Giles home, and the injured man was taken there. Since that time it has been impossible to move him to his own home in the neighborhood, but his wife and children and the worthy neighbors cared for him very tenderly there. Las Wednesday, pneumonia added its ravages to the already serious symptoms, and from that time, Mr. Hitchler and his friends realized that he could not recover. Mr. Hitchler leaves a wife and six children, the oldest son died in early childhood. Those who survive are--Mae, Mrs. Murray Walker of Monroe; Maude, Mrs. Roy Pentico; Viola, Mrs. Lee McQuown of Monroe; Pearl, Mrs. William Walker whose home is in Dakota; and John and Lola who are at home. The members of the family are counted amongst the more respected folks of Jasper County. In speaking of the passing of Mr. Hitchler this morning, several businessmen remarked, "It is impossible to say anything good about George Hitchler that would be exaggerated. He was one of the best men in the country." He was a prominent member of the Metz Baptist church, in fact he was one of those who helped to establish it. His usefulness extended to every branch of his busy life in the community. Never in his busy life did he refuse to help a person who was in need of assistance. He was generous with his money as well as with his time and he gave liberally to every worthy cause. Everyone who knew him may honestly feel that the world is better because George Hitchler lived in it and even if his is gone from the community in which his life was spent, his spirit of kindliness will remain as a constant eulogy. ~ Newton Daily News, July 23, 1915 Three Men Injured When Auto Upsets Steven Clement and Two Sons Victims of Fearful Accident at Fair Grounds Sunday Afternoon FATHER & SON CRITICAL Senior Mr. Clement and Son, F. J. Clement Sustain Injuries Which Are Expected to be Fatal. A most distressing and what is likely to prove a fatal accident occurred at the fair grounds Sunday afternoon, when an automobile occupied by Steven Clement and his two sons, F. J. Clement and Arthur Clement, turned turtle, pinning all three men under the car and inflicting serious injuries to the occupants. Just how the accident happened is not known, but it appears that the gentlemen had been taking a ride in the car owned by the senior Mr. Clement and had been riding around the race track at the fair grounds, with Arthur at the wheel. As they attempted to leave the fair ground the driver, who was inexperienced and just learning to drive, became confused and lost control of the machine, which veered first to one side of the road and then the other, finally turning over pinning the occupants under it. Passers by hurried to the aid of the victims, righted the car and assisted in getting the injured out of their car. The father, Steven Clement, aged 67 years is in a precarious condition, and his recovery is considered improbably as he sustained several fractured ribs and punctured lung and the attending physician fears the base of his skull is fractured. He was taken to his home at 206 West Ninth street. The son, Wilbur, aged 36, who lives at home was perhaps the least hurt, his injuries consisting of a broken collar bone and severe bruises. The other son, F. J. Clement, aged ? who is married and resides at the Murray rooming house on North Fourth Avenue East, is severely injured internally and his ultimate recovery is considered doubtful, in fact the relatives of the family, from whom the Daily News received its information, fear that he cannot survive. ~ The Newton Daily News, September 10, 1917. ________  Steven Clement Succumbs to His Injuries Intense Suffering is Ended by Death at 8 O'clock Last Night -- Was 67 Years Old ACCIDENT WAS SUNDAY Met Injuries Which Caused His Death When Auto Upset at Fair Grounds Sunday Afternoon -- Funeral Thursday. Death came at 8:10 last evening to end the suffering of Steve Clement, who was so severely injured in an automobile accident at the fair grounds Sunday afternoon. Mr. Clement's advanced age, 67 years, coupled with the shock and painful injuries he received made his death only a matter of time, and at several times during yesterday afternoon his life was despaired of. Steve Clement was born in Indiana June 5, 1850, where he grew to manhood and December 1, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss Caroline Kline, to whom were born six sons and one daughter. About twenty-five years ago Mr. and Mrs. Clement came to Jasper county and settled at Colfax, where they resided with the exception of about two years spent in Nebraska, until last spring when they came to Newton to make their home. Mr. Clement had always been a hard working man and though was so well known in this city he was looked upon as a gentleman of exemplary character and a devoted husband and father. Deceased is survived by his widow, sons, Frank J., Arthur, Edward, Earl of this city, Roy, who is a member of Uncle Sam's fighting forces and passing through Newton on the first troop last Sunday afternoon on his way to the eastern quarter, and one daughter, Mrs. William Henderson, who resides in Mingo. He is also survived by five brothers. The funeral will be held from the family home at 206 West Ninth street Thursday morning at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. R. B. Helser, pastor of the Christian church. Interment will be made at Metz. ~ The Newton Daily News, September 11, 1917. Neva Gibson Gorman A young Newton housewife and her eight-month-old baby daughter were killed last night in a tragic auto-truck accident at the west edge of Newton on Highway 6. The accident occurred at 7:15 o'clock when the car in which Walter G. Gorman, 25, and the two victims, his wife, Neva Belle, 18, and the baby, Dianna Lynn, were riding crashed into the rear of a semi-trailer truck. Driver of the truck was Ronald H. Perkins, 35, of Des Moines, who was not injured. Mr. Gorman is reported in fair condition at the Skiff Memorial hospital today suffering from multiple abrasions, concussion and lacerations. Investigating officers, Patrolmen Mel Knouse and Max Schmeling and Deputy Sheriff Tracy Hult, said both vehicles were traveling west when the accident happened. Officers said the truck was going at a slow rate of speed preparing to turn into the Morrell Packing Co. stock buying station. They said Gorman evidently did not see the truck in front of him until it was too late. The impact knocked the rear wheels of the truck askew. All three in the Gorman car were riding in the front seat of the 1940 Plymouth sedan. the vehicle struck the left rear corner of the truck. Both Mrs. Gorman and the baby were pinned in the car. Both victims lost a considerable amount of blood from their injuries. Mrs. Gorman suffered a severe cut on her throat and lacerations on her head. They both suffered cuts and badly fractured skulls. Coroner Ralph Toland said both died from their sever head injuries. Mr. Toland said the baby was evidently killed outright and the mother was dead upon arrival at the hospital. Mr. Gorman is employed at the parsons Co. in Newton. Double funeral services will be held for the mother and baby Friday afternoon at two o'clock at the Johnson-Murdoch Funeral Home here and burial will be in the Sugar Grove cemetery. Rev. B. B. Compton, pastor of the Assembly of God church will officiate. Mrs. Gorman was the daughter of Mrs. Hazel Gibson of Newton. She was born in Jasper county, March 20, 1933, and spent her lifetime in this area. She was married to Mr. Gorman at Altoona, May 13, 1950. For a time she was employed as a telephone operator. Survivors include her husband, her mother, Mrs. Hazel Gibson, Newton; three sisters, Mrs. Ted Orman, Metz; Mrs. Paul Michael, Altoona, and Ruby, Newton, and one brother, Kenneth, Newton. She was preceded in death by her father, Ora Gibson. ~ The Newton Daily News, September 12, 1951. Local Girl Dies Following Auto Crash Car Hits Train Overpass On 1st Street N. An autopsy was being performed today to determine the cause of death of Marvel Carol Dammeier, 14, who was injured in an auto accident in Newton near midnight Saturday. The Dammeier girl was riding in a car with seven other persons when it struck the underpass in the 700-block of First street North, throwing her and Mrs. Mary Harlow, 20, from the car. She was taken to Skiff where her injuries were apparently not serious although she remained in a semi-conscious state until a few minutes before she died just after midnight Sunday. The autopsy was performed in Mercy hospital in Des Moines. Preliminary results were expected to be learned this afternoon but the complete report will not be available for several days. According to police, the accident occurred when a car carrying eight passengers and driven by Ray M. Dennis, 25, of Newton, struck the first concrete pillar on the left side of the underpass as Dennis' car entered it from the south. Police said skid marks were left for about 150 feet from a deep dip point of the impact with the support pillar. After hitting the supporting pillar, the car careened backwards through the underpass. The front doors apparently were knocked opened by the impact and Marvel Dammeier and Mrs. Harlow were thrown out the car. Mrs. Harlow was treated at Skiff hospital and released Saturday night. Also riding in the car were Rebecca Dammeier, Marvel's twin sister' Barbara Dammeier, 12, another sister; Earl Farr 17, of Newton, Tommie Smith, 17 of Newton; and Cathleen Buckley, 14 of Newton. A charge of reckless driving has been filed against Dennis. His 1947 model auto was demolished in the crash. Marvel Dammeier was that daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Dammeier of Route 2, Newton. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the Johnson Funeral home. Burial will be at Sugar Grove cemetery. She was born in Newton on Dec. 26, 1941. All her life had been spent in Newton. In addition to her parents and the sisters named, she is survived by another sister, Mrs. Donald Bosma of Melbourne; two brothers, Charles and Donald, both of the home; her grandmothers, Mrs. W. O. Robbins, LeRoy, Ill.; and Mrs. Hilma Dammeier of Newton. The young girl's death was one of nine on Iowa highways over the weekend. These nine pushed the state's motor vehicle death toll to 522 as compared with 440 on this date a year ago. ~ The Newton Daily News, September 24, 1956

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Created by Barbara L. Hug Summer of 2000.
Updated for GenWeb September 2002