Man Struck By Rock Island Train, Dies On Way to Hospital

Minnesota, 1929

MAN STRUCK BY ROCK ISLAND TRAIN SOUTHWEST OF CITY; DIES ON WAY TO HOSPITAL

Was Walking Along Track at Overhead Bridge on Germania Branch of Rock Island — Believed to Be Peter A. Gillenberg of Minneapolis.

Shortly afternoon today the Rock Island mixed train No. 433, south bound, struck a lone man who was walking along the rails.

The engineer saw the man while the train was considerable distance away. He blew the whistle loudly, but the fellow paid no attention. He was thrown to one side of the track. The tragedy took place near the bridge which crosses the M. & St. L. tracks three miles southwest of the city. The engineer brought the train to a stop, placed the bleeding man in the baggage car and backed back to Albert Lea. The fellow died in the ambulance on the way to the local hospital.

Upon examination it was found that the man had suffered a fractured skull, a broken pelvis and leg. He was also internally injured.

Coroner Jens Bonnerup, upon searching his clothing, discovered a watch and an empty pocketbook. On the pocketbook was the following little notice: "In case of accident notify Peter A. Gillenberg, 1416 Third street south, Minneapolis." In another place was the same name. This is believed to be the name of the man.

The fellow was about 35 years of age and was wearing overalls. An effort is now being made to locate his relatives.

The Tribune was able to get the news of this man's tragic death just in time for today's paper, through the courtesy and co-operation of Dr. H. H. Burns and Coroner Bonnerup. For this favor the Tribune is truly grateful.

This co-operation means even more than this. The Tribune, a member of the Associated Press, was able to get the message of the man's death to Minneapolis in time for the afternoon editions of the Twin City papers. This gives the relatives an opportunity to learn the particulars and make arrangements without delay.

—The Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN, March 23, 1929, page 3.


P. GILLENBERG KILLED, MAY BE EX-SERVICE MAN

Just the details from the article: Peter Gillenberg, killed last Saturday, may be an ex-service man. The coroner is still investigating. He received a telegram from Los Angeles, signed by P. A. Gillenberg, who claims to be the man's father. Coroner Bonnerup learns that the dead man's wife lives at Huron, S.D., with her three children, not in Minneapolis as previously said. The Gillenbergs did once live at the Third Street South address in Minneapolis, but moved to Huron some time ago. It is believed that he was on his way to Huron when he met his death. The father asks that the coroner send a full description of the body. The article says, "In other words he wants to be sure that the body is that of his son before he takes further steps."

—Evening Tribune, March 26, 1929, page 12.


Grave Digger's Payment

Among the allowed disbursements by the Board of County Commissioners of Freeborn County, April 2, 1929, was a payment of $8.00 to Ed. Dahl for digging the grave for Peter Gillenberg.

—Evening Tribune, April 20, 1929, page 6.


Coroner's Fee

Among the allowed disbursements by the Board, May 7, 1929, was $10.80 to Jens J. Bonnerup, Coroner's fees from the Peter A. Gillenberg case.

—Evening Tribune, May 18, 1929, page 6.