Hobbs, Mrs. Sarah Jane (d. 1890, age 65)

HOBBS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, researcher (email)
Date: 6/29/2025 at 16:06:09

Killed by the Cars.

Mrs. Sarah J. Hobbs, aged 65 years, wife of A. W. Hobbs, who lives on Iowa avenue, was killed yesterday morning by being struck by a C. B. & Q. switch engine. The engine was being used to haul coal to the packing house.

Mrs. Hobbs was standing near the track, and when the engine was within probably ten or fifteen feet os her, she attempted to cross the track, when she was struck by the engine. Both of her legs were cut off just below the knee. The unfortunate woman was taken to her home, and Drs. Lathrop and LaForce were immediately summoned, but nothing could be done for her, and she died within twenty minutes after being struck. The engineer saw her step upon the track, and tried to stop his engine, but could not do so in time.

Coroner Arenschield held an inquest yesterday afternoon on the remains. The jury were C. Myers, C. Miller, and A. J. Mader. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased came to her death by being struck by C. B. & Q. switch engine No 315, the same being accidental, and that no blame is attached to the train men.

Ottumwa Daily Democrat, Ottumwa, Iowa Wed, Apr 30, 1890 – Page 3 Col 3
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Mrs. Sarah Hobbs, an old lady, aged 65 was ran over by a switch engine at Ottumwa and instantly killed.

Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette, (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Wednesday, April 30 1890.
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Mrs. Sarah Hobbs, 65 yrs of age, had both legs cut off by a switch engine recently at Ottumwa and died. Her son, it was thought, had become insane on account of the fatality.

Oxford Mirror, (Oxford Junction, Iowa), May 15, 1890
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Funeral services of the late Sarah Jane Hobbs will be held in the late Christian Church, West Second Street, at 10 a.m., May 1st. Cortege will leave the house near the West End Chapel at 9 a.m. prompt. The burial will be at the McIntire cemetery. All are invited to attend.
~Ottumwa May 1890 newspaper
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