Porter, Melvin (Died Jan. 1931)

PORTER

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 10/22/2012 at 09:47:28

The Grinnell (IA) Herald; Jan. 2, 1931

MELVIN PORTER IS FATALLY
HURT BY A ROCK ISLAND TRAIN
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Mr. Porter failed to rally from
the shock and died at 1:40 this
afternoon.
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Melvin Porter in a Model A. Ford coupe was struck at the East street crossing this morning by Rock Island passenger train No. 9, westbound, about 9:56 a.m. The train was pulling into town just on time. Mr. Porter was coming from the south.

Mr. Porter is in the Community Hospital in a very serious condition. He sustained a very severe concussion of the brain with a possible skull fracture and his heart action is reported as very weak. He also received a deep cut three inches long in the had in front of and just above the right ear and lacerations of the nose and left hand. His condition is such that no more detailed examination will be possible unless he rallies from the shock and to this end the treatments are now being directed. He is in the care of Dr. O.F. Parish, the local Rock Island surgeon and everything possible is being done for him.

The train struck the rear wheel of the car, throwing it off the road and breaking off the crossing sign which stands in the right of way. Marks on the inside of the door show that the door was open when the car struck the post, indicating that Mr. Porter was trying to get out. Mr. Porter was thrown about ten feet from the car and was unconscious when picked up. Mr. Porter is about 55 years old. He has a wife and two children, Keith who is employed by the Hart-Parr Company at Charles City, and Charlotte, who is attending business college in Des Moines. Both children have been notified of the accident.