From the Savanna Times Journal, Friday, June 6, 1913:
ALFRED YEAGER INSTANTLY KILLED
While on duty as switchman in the Burlington Railroad Yard
VICTIM TRIPPED OVER GUARD RAIL
One Car passed Over Him - Victim was Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Yeager.
The C. B. & Q railroad yards was the scene of another shocking accident this (Friday) morning about 1:30 o'clock when Alfred Yeager was instantly killed when he was thrown under a car. His head and right leg were frightfully mangled. The particulars of the accident as we learn them are about as follows: A train of cars was being switched and while cutting of a car a pin between the third and fourth cars from the engine became stuck in some manner. Alfred stepped in between the cars to loosen it and must have tripped on the rail. He fell, and the car wheel passed over his head and one leg. The accident occurred so quick that his companion could not tell just how it happened. The engineer at the inquest testified that he had received two signals to go ahead which was immediately followed by a stop signal. The engine had only moved between for and five feet. Mike Stolder who was with Alfred immediately notified the other crews and the body of Alfred was found lying face downward, his leg being wedged in the guard rail so that it was necessary to removed the blocking to release it.
The terrible accident has caused the deepest of regret throughout the city. Alfred or "Cap" as he was familiarly known was usually a careful young man on duty as shown by the evidence of his superiors and associates. He had been working about six months and only the past two weeks was on the right "trick." Deceased was the only son of Henry and Mary Messinger Yeager and was born in this city about twenty-one years ago. August 6th of last year he was united in marriage to Miss Edith Nelson of Lanark and they resided in the M. A. Law flat on Main Street. Beside the young wife and parents he is survived by one sister, Angie, to all of whom the deep and heartfelt sympathy of the entire community is extended.
Alfred was a young many of exceptional fine traits of character and good principles. He was always happy hearted and was a favorite among his companions and friends. In his private life he was all that could be desired as husband, son and brother, being possessed of a kindly nature.
The accident is a terrible shock to the members of the family who are prostrated. Death when it comes in the home following a long season of sickness is hard to bear, but when it comes to us suddenly and robs the home of one who is just in the best part of life it is a blow which cannot soon be overcome and leaves the hearts of relatives and friends bruised and bleeding with anguish and sorrow. How frail is human power to alleviate the suffering of those who are passing through the deep waters of sorrow. There is but one refuge in such time and it is found in the promises of Him who said, "Lo I am with you always, even unto the end."
Coroner J. P. Schreiter empanelled a jury and held an inquest this morning. The jurors were M. C. Radke, Bert Lambert, Will Cottral, J. N. Whisler, George Cromer and M. H. Curtis.
Note: At the time of his death, Alfred's wife, Edith, was carrying their only child (a son, Richard Elden Yeager, born 14 Dec 1913. He was my father, now deceased). ~Dede Yeager Mines
Submitted by Dede Yeager Mines