As was mentioned in last week's issue, Michael Hein, of Minot, N. D. was killed in a railroad accident Sunday, July 27, 1913. Mr. Hein was formerly a resident of Corning and the body was brought here for interment, arriving Thursday evening of last week. Fred Almy, chief of the brotherhood of engineers, accompanied the remains to our city. The funeral services were held Friday morning at the St. Patrick Catholic church, conducted by Rev. Father O'Neal of Davenport, and the body was laid to rest in Calvary cemetery. The Minot Daily Reporter gives the following account of the accident:
Engineer Mike Hein, of this city, was killed yesterday when his engine rammed into the rear of a work train and turned over on its side. The accident happened about a half mile east of Avoca, near Williston.
There were two sections to the work train which was hauling gravel, and the forward train stopped for something and had trouble loosening their brakes so they forgot to send back a signalman. The rear section, with Hein at the throttle, came upon them, and was unable to stop in time, though they were not going fast when they struck. Hein stayed by his engine, and the brakeman and fireman jumped.
For some reason, the jolt, though not very heavy, caused Hein's engine to turn over in its side, and he was caught beneath it, being instantly killed. His neck was broken, his chest crushed, and he was quite badly scalded.
He was dug from the wreckage by the bridge crew working near, but there was nothing to be done for him. The dead man has a sister in Corning, Iowa. She has been notified and the body will be taken there at once by Fred Almy. He also has a brother who is in the west somewhere, but who has not yet been located.
No one else was injured in the wreck, and there was no damage done beyond the ditching of two cars, and the breaking of about thirty ties. Hein was one of the best know railroad men in Minot, having been here for about twelve years.
(Adams County Union-Republican, Aug. 6, 1913)