Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-05-21
Old and Well Known Iowa Cen
trail Engineer Dies Of Dropsy
in Kansas City
DEATH ENDS LONG SICKNESS
illness Which Forced Him From His
Engine Year and Half Ago Ends
His Life Monday-Death Came as
Shock to the Famiy-Body Reaches
Here Tonight.


known and oldest Iowa Central en-
gtneers, well known here as a resident
Of almost a. quarter OF century, died
at noon Monday in Kansas City Of
dropsy and complications. News of his
death reached his daughter, Mrs. Ar
chic Bison, 2o09s South Third aven-
ue, late Monday afternoon.
The death was the termination of a
sickness of a year and half with
dropsy, which forced Mr.. Speer TO
leave his employment and later sent
him to Excelsior Springs. MO, in a
vain attempt to check the progress Of
the disease. During most of last sum
her and the recent winter he spent at
the springs aud in Kansas City. The
disease showed variations during that
time, and during periods Of weeks the
provement, then declines would follow,
and at several times his condition was
critical. One of these periods Of APP
parent improvement Immediately pre-
ceded his death, and 1t was 30 M Sed
that the family was greatly en-
couraged. Friday Of last week Mrs. FL
son received a letter saying her father
was so much better that he had been
able to be out of the house and walk
a distance, something he had not done
for months.
Attic the family knew that the ma
ture Of the disease held no hope for
recovery, still the end was 50 sudden
shat 1t came as a great shock to all.
With Mr.. Speer at the time OF his
death was his wife and son Earl, the
latter OF Kansas City. During recent
months, or since being In Kansas City,
Mr.. and Mrs. Speet had been keeping
house, their son Earl making, his home
with them.
John M. iSpeer was born in Cedar
Rapids, Oct. rs, 1850. He spent much
OF his boyhood and early manhood
there and In Pennsylvania, coming to
this city twenty-five years ago. Except
for period OF two and one half years
while living in Oskaloosa, and during
his recent sickness, the family has re-
sided here. On March s. 1878, Mr..
Speer married Miss Anna Modiin, or
Albion, who survives him. In March,
1880, he entered the service of the
Iowa Central as fireman. and was the
first fireman who fired regularly for d.
j. Collins, after the latter was made
engineer On October 10, 1885, Mr..
Speer was promoted, and Civ
en- an engine in the freight
service, and during most of the
past ten years he had been in the pas
senger service, excepting for one year
and half, little. more than three
years ago when he travelled for the
Penn Garment Company, Of Oskaloosa
on the evening Of Oct. 10, 1905, Mr..
Speer pulled passenger train No. into.
this city and stepped off his engine Tor
the last time, his health never again
allowing him to resume his work. Mr.
Speer was prominent in local railroad
circles, and occupied conspicuous
position in the organized labor OF his
branch OF the service. He was mems
her and one Of the founders Of George
D. Brooke Division, No. 500, Brothers
hood Of Locomotive Engineers, and for
years was general chairman of the di-
vision. He was also member OF Os-
kaloosa lodge. No $40, p. P!s @. p. 1t
Besides Mrs. Speer and son Earl, Mr..
Speer is. survived by his mother, Mrs.
Mary Speer, Of Union, two daughters,
Mrs. Clegg Boud, Of Iowa City and
Mrs. Elson Of this city. and two sisters.
The latter are Mrs. r. B. Bullard. OF
Salem, O., and Mrs, J. w, Wickham, OF
Des Moiries. A little grandson, Ralph
Speer, lives in Hampton.
The mother arrived in the city this
morning and Mrs. .Wickham Is expect
ed tonight, but the funeral arrange
naents will not be made until after the
BODY. accompanied by the wife and
son, reaches the city tonight at 1926
o'clock. g. -43Sga