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Riverda Morris Day

1846 - 1917

 

 

Four People Killed When Train Hits Their Automobile

An awful catastrophe that has cast a gloom over two communities in particular and in the many others where the families were known took place last Thursday evening about dusk in Milford, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nissen, when Morris Day of this neighborhood, Rev. Nissen, wife and sixteen-year-old daughter were killed their automobile being struck by a Milwaukee freight train.

The family, except two of their sons, were out riding in their car and when crossing the tracks of the Milwaukee railroad found the evening train switching, and though warning was given by the swinging of the lantern in the hands of the conductor that the train was switching yet by some means or other the youngest son who was driving did not seem to comprehend that the cars were so close and they caught the hind end of the car, throwing it around so that the car was ground beneath the cars on the track as were also the bodies of Mrs. Nissen and her daughter, while Mr. Nissen was thrown under the cars and they passed over his body. The mother and daughter were ground to pieces almost, dying immediately, while Mr. Nissen lived for about an hour after, and seemed to be conscious of what had happened for when a brother minister of his acquaintance, who at the time was passing went to his assistance he begged of him by name not to touch him.

Mr. Day, the father of Mrs. Nissen, was injured internally but lingered until death came at eleven o'clock the following day, while the son who was driving had some minor injuries about his shoulder, neck and eyes.

Funeral services were held on Friday evening on the church lawn for those who had been killed, which was attended by over a thousand people while some twenty-five ministers were present in token of their respect. The services were in charge of the District Superintendent, Dr. McBurney.

Remains Shipped to Garner

The bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Nissen and their daughter were shipped Saturday morning to Garner and were met by a company of friends from Klemme and Garner who conveyed them to Klemme and on Saturday afternoon the funeral was held from the Methodist church where again a vast audience of people gathered to give them respect, this service being under the charge of Dr. Clegg, District Superintendent, he being assisted by many of the ministers, while Dr. Kettle of Garner reading the obituaries and Rev. Gilles of Clear Lake speaking for the ministers and extending their sympathy.

The magnificent array of floral decorations bespoke the tribute of all who knew there good people and such tokens must indeed be a great solace to the three sons who so suddenly have been bereft of their parents and sister and grandfather.

The remains of Mr. Day were brought to Garner Sunday morning and the funeral was held at Klemme Monday afternoon, Rev. J. M. Howdeshel of Klemme preached the funeral sermon, Rev. Clegg assisting with the service. The burial was at Goodell, where Bethe lodge A.F & A.M. of Garner conducted the service.

Riverda Morris Day

Riverda Morris Day was born at Clearfield, PA., August 11, 1846, and died July 27, aged 70 years, 11 months, and 16 days. He moved to Illinois as a boy and remained there until he enlisted in 1865 in Co K, 3rd Illinois cavalry under Lieutenant Dauley and received his discharge at the close of the war. He was then 19 years of age and moved to Upper Grove, Iowa near what is now Goodell. Here he was married to Dora Elder on March 6, 1871. To this union seven children were born, five of whom survive: Mrs. Fred Skow, Watertown, S.D.; Mrs. John Baumgartner, Klemme, Iowa; John Day, Klemme, Iowa; Stephen Day, Hubbard, Iowa; Morris Day, Montpelier, Idaho. One child died in infancy and Mrs. Day died October 26, 1887.

Mr. Day was left with a big family when his wife died, but by hard work and sacrifice, he managed to educate them and see them all in good circumstances. He was a successful banker and real estate dealer and served several years on the county board of supervisors. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Right mason, and a member of the camaraderie. His good influence had always been felt in the community in which he lived. He had not been actively engaged in business of late but was spending the time visiting his children and he was about the streets of Garner passing the time with old time friends. He was honored and respected by all. Beside the children spoken of he had several grandchildren, a brother at Everson, Wash., and a sister at Washington, Iowa



source: Signal, Garner, Iowa, 1 Aug 1917, page 1, column 1

 

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