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Mierau, Walter (1904-1928)
Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1928 Jan 18 p. 1
Birth date: 1904
text of obituary:
Walter Mierau, 24, Meets Instant Death Late Wednesday Evening
A most tragic accident occurred in the local Santa Fe yards late Wednesday evening when Walter Mierau, 24 years of age, was instantly killed as he was run over by a switch engine. Mr. Mierau, who was a hostler helper for the Santa Fe, was on the rear of the engine as it was being backed through the yards to the water crane to fill the tank. Evidently he was attempting to climb to the top of the tender as the engine was moving, when his foot slipped, causing him to fall directly into the engine's path. Though the wheels of the engine did not pass over him, his body was nevertheless badly mutilated and death was instant.
Mr. Batcheller, the man in control of the locomotive, became alarmed as he failed to receive any further signals from Mr. Mierau. Seeing the electric lantern lying in front between the rails, Mr. Batcheller stopped the engine immediately and ran to the lantern, where to his horror he found the mangled body of his associate.
The Sprinker ambulance was called to take charge of the body and local officers, including Dr. R. S. Haury, Santa Fe physician, came to look after details connected with the tragic incident. Walter had been working for the Santa Fe for the past six months and had been assigned to the 11 P. M. to 7 A. M. shift at the round-house.
For some time prior to his death, Walter was making his home with Mr. and Mrs. John D. Wiens, living at 118 East Second Street. Mrs. Wiens was his second cousin. All of his close relatives, including his mother, Mrs. Clara Mierau, one brother and four sisters, live at Liebemuehl, Germany. These were immediately informed by telegram of his death.
Mr. Mierau had come to Canada from Germany about three years ago, from where he came to Newton some time in May of last year. He was known as a sturdy, honest and faithful workman, and had gained the respect of the officers and fellow laborers of the local division. He was a man of portly build, weighing well over 180 pounds.
Funeral services were held at the Emmaus church northeast of Whitewater, Saturday afternoon.
Besides Mrs. J. D. Wiens of Newton, Mr. Mierau had a large group of other relatives and friends living in this community and near Halstead, who mourn his untimely death. His father died in Germany several years ago.
