OBITUARY: Marvin Guerdon West, 1904-1917, Mitchell County, Iowa



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[Mitchell County Press-July 25, 1917]


                    Boy Killed Driving For Hay Fork

       Marvin West Died Saturday From Injuries Received in Accident

This vicinity has been visited by another tragic death.  Another 13 year
old lad has met a violent death.  Marvin West, son of Mr. and Mrs. West,
residing just south of Mitchell, passed away early Saturday morning from
injuries received in a hay-making accident.

The accident occurred Thursday afternoon.  Marvin was driving the team
for the hay fork while the West barn was being filled with hay.  Following
close behind the team so that he might catch the whiffle-trees and hold
them from striking the horses' heels when the pull slackened after the
huge fork-ful of hay was lifted to the track, the little fellow was in
direct line for the terrific backward blow from the evener when the
harness gave way.

The end of the evener flew back and struck him with terrible force in
the stomach.  It was feared from the first that the injury was fatal,
and he lived but a little more that a day, passing away at about 3 o'clock
Saturday morning.



              Submitted to IaGenWeb by Marilyn O'Connor, Aug. 2005
                        Copyright 2005 - M. O'Connor



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                                  OBITUARY

Marvin Guerdon West was born in Liberty township, Mitchell county, Iowa,
Jan. 1904 and died July 21, 1917, aged 13 years, 5 months and 16 days.

This simple obituary brings to our hearts a great sorrow. Not simply a
family sorrow, but a community sorrow.  All hearts are touched by this
calamity.  Marvin was a good boy, who won the affection of all who knew
him by his kind, unselfish, and gentle-manly bearing.

Gentle and affectionate in his manner, and self-sacrificing in his conduct,
he was respected and loved by all who knew him.  He was not only ambitious
to do his part, but to do it well.  Possible the best-known boy in our
village.  He was always courteous, and always a gentleman.  His memory
will be long revered.

Funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the
Rev. O.M. van Swearingent having charge of the same.  Interment was in
Oak Hill cemetery.


            In Appreciation
     We wish to thank all the friends for the beautiful flowers and the help
     given us and sympathy extended in our great sorrow over the loss of our
     son and brother, Marvin.

          Mr and Mrs. Frank West and family.




              Submitted to IaGenWeb by Marilyn O'Connor, Aug. 2005
                        Copyright 2005 - M. O'Connor