Klaas Groninga

The Worthington Globe September 8, 1910

Claus (Klaas) Groninga, Org. Killed by Sioux Falls Branch Passenger Train

Claus (Klaas) Groninga, a laborer residing at Org, was instantly killed by the Sioux Falls branch passenger train last Friday afternoon at about 1:15.

He was coming to Worthington from Org, accompanied by his little son, Louis, and was walking on the track when about a mile from town, No.24, a freight train, was coming along and running abreast of the passenger. Both trains whistled, but undoubtedly, he saw only the freight and stepped onto the branch track. The trains kept whistling and the engineer on the passenger applied the brakes, but was too late, the engine striking him on the hip and shoulder, throwing him into the ditch. The little boy, when he heard the train, jumped off the track on the other side of the freight.

The passenger was stopped as soon as possible and backed up, but when they reached him life was extinct. He was placed in the baggage car and brought to this city; and Coroner Williams, of Wilmont notified.

The remains were removed to Lawrence’s undertaking parlors, where the remains were viewed. It was found that all the lower ribs on the left side and hip and neck were broken. It was found unnecessary to hold an inquest as nothing in the case warranted it.

The deceased was born in Simonswolde, Germany in March, 1868, and came to this country with his brother in 1882. In 1900 he was married to Annie Hilfers. He moved to Org about ten years ago where he has since resided.

He leaves a wife and seven children, a father, (step)mother and several sisters and brothers to mourn his loss.

The funeral services were held at the Reading church Sunday and the remains laid to rest in the Reading cemetery, besides the body of two children who preceded him.