Obituary dated Oct. 26, 1878:
Wm. Hammer, a brakeman on section 3 of train No. 15, was killed in Colfax Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. The train had to be side-tracked in order to let the express pass. The engine was to have been uncoupled while the train was in motion so as to run down to the tank for water and the train was to be stopped by the brakeman. Wm. Hammer was to uncouple the engine and a flat car that was next to the engine for that purpose. In some way or other Willie missed his hold and was jerked under the train and dragged at a distance of 90 feet. Both his legs were terribly mangled. He was carried to the City Hotel and died in about two hours after the accident. His relatives, the West's and his betrothed, Miss Belle Baker, were summoned and were by his bed side when he died. His parents were telegraphed for and arrived on a special train about 5 o'clock.
Thus ended the life of one so full of promise. He left his home in Des Moines Tuesday morning cheerful and happy little thinking of the terrible fate that awaited him. He was the son of Dr. I.A. Hammer, formerly of this place but now a practicing physician of Des Moines. He was to have been married to Miss Belle Baker, of this city, on next Wednesday, and what must be the feeling of her who had gave her heart and hand to one so worthy. But he is gone, and his spirit has been wafted home. He remarked before he died that he was ready to go, and while Willie Hammer's cold body sleeps silently beneath the sod and his friends are left here mourning, his spirit has ascended unto Him who gave it.
The funeral was preached by Rev. David Shenton, of Adel. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the cemetery South of town.
Contributor: Lance W (48197766)
Wm. Hammer, a brakeman on section 3 of train No. 15, was killed in Colfax Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. The train had to be side-tracked in order to let the express pass. The engine was to have been uncoupled while the train was in motion so as to run down to the tank for water and the train was to be stopped by the brakeman. Wm. Hammer was to uncouple the engine and a flat car that was next to the engine for that purpose. In some way or other Willie missed his hold and was jerked under the train and dragged at a distance of 90 feet. Both his legs were terribly mangled. He was carried to the City Hotel and died in about two hours after the accident. His relatives, the West's and his betrothed, Miss Belle Baker, were summoned and were by his bed side when he died. His parents were telegraphed for and arrived on a special train about 5 o'clock.
Thus ended the life of one so full of promise. He left his home in Des Moines Tuesday morning cheerful and happy little thinking of the terrible fate that awaited him. He was the son of Dr. I.A. Hammer, formerly of this place but now a practicing physician of Des Moines. He was to have been married to Miss Belle Baker, of this city, on next Wednesday, and what must be the feeling of her who had gave her heart and hand to one so worthy. But he is gone, and his spirit has been wafted home. He remarked before he died that he was ready to go, and while Willie Hammer's cold body sleeps silently beneath the sod and his friends are left here mourning, his spirit has ascended unto Him who gave it.
The funeral was preached by Rev. David Shenton, of Adel. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the cemetery South of town.
Contributor: Lance W (48197766)
Obituary dated Oct. 26, 1878:
Wm. Hammer, a brakeman on section 3 of train No. 15, was killed in Colfax Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. The train had to be side-tracked in order to let the express pass. The engine was to have been uncoupled while the train was in motion so as to run down to the tank for water and the train was to be stopped by the brakeman. Wm. Hammer was to uncouple the engine and a flat car that was next to the engine for that purpose. In some way or other Willie missed his hold and was jerked under the train and dragged at a distance of 90 feet. Both his legs were terribly mangled. He was carried to the City Hotel and died in about two hours after the accident. His relatives, the West's and his betrothed, Miss Belle Baker, were summoned and were by his bed side when he died. His parents were telegraphed for and arrived on a special train about 5 o'clock.
Thus ended the life of one so full of promise. He left his home in Des Moines Tuesday morning cheerful and happy little thinking of the terrible fate that awaited him. He was the son of Dr. I.A. Hammer, formerly of this place but now a practicing physician of Des Moines. He was to have been married to Miss Belle Baker, of this city, on next Wednesday, and what must be the feeling of her who had gave her heart and hand to one so worthy. But he is gone, and his spirit has been wafted home. He remarked before he died that he was ready to go, and while Willie Hammer's cold body sleeps silently beneath the sod and his friends are left here mourning, his spirit has ascended unto Him who gave it.
The funeral was preached by Rev. David Shenton, of Adel. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the cemetery South of town.
Contributor: Lance W (48197766)
Wm. Hammer, a brakeman on section 3 of train No. 15, was killed in Colfax Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. The train had to be side-tracked in order to let the express pass. The engine was to have been uncoupled while the train was in motion so as to run down to the tank for water and the train was to be stopped by the brakeman. Wm. Hammer was to uncouple the engine and a flat car that was next to the engine for that purpose. In some way or other Willie missed his hold and was jerked under the train and dragged at a distance of 90 feet. Both his legs were terribly mangled. He was carried to the City Hotel and died in about two hours after the accident. His relatives, the West's and his betrothed, Miss Belle Baker, were summoned and were by his bed side when he died. His parents were telegraphed for and arrived on a special train about 5 o'clock.
Thus ended the life of one so full of promise. He left his home in Des Moines Tuesday morning cheerful and happy little thinking of the terrible fate that awaited him. He was the son of Dr. I.A. Hammer, formerly of this place but now a practicing physician of Des Moines. He was to have been married to Miss Belle Baker, of this city, on next Wednesday, and what must be the feeling of her who had gave her heart and hand to one so worthy. But he is gone, and his spirit has been wafted home. He remarked before he died that he was ready to go, and while Willie Hammer's cold body sleeps silently beneath the sod and his friends are left here mourning, his spirit has ascended unto Him who gave it.
The funeral was preached by Rev. David Shenton, of Adel. A large concourse of friends followed the remains to the cemetery South of town.
Contributor: Lance W (48197766)
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