Gallagher, Fern 1903-1987

GALLAGHER, JOHNSON, MICHAELSON, PETERSON, PERSDOTTER

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/31/2024 at 15:32:48

Her mother's maiden name was Michaelson and two of the grandparents names are Peterson and Persdotter

ALCESTER – Fern Gallagher, 83, Alcester, died Wednesday in Hawarden, Iowa, Hospital.

Fern Johnson was born Nov. 11, 1903, in Akron, where she grew up. When she was 7 her family was involved in an automobile/train accident. She then lived and grew up with her uncle. She was graduated from Hawarden High School in 1921.

After she received her education degree from the University of South Dakota, she received her master’s degree from Columbia University.

She married James Gallagher in Springfield, Ill. Mrs. Gallagher taught school in South Dakota, Iowa and Illinois. After she retired, the couple farmed northwest of Alcester.

Mr. Gallagher preceded her in death, and she moved into Alcester.

Survivors include cousins, nephews and nieces.

Services will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in First Baptist Church, Hawarden.

Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Beresford.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today in Wass Funeral Home, Alcester.

Argus-Leader
Friday, May 1, 1987
Sioux Falls, SD
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Sioux City Journal: Friday Morning, August 11, 1911 -page 4
[Left photo: Mr. & Mrs. A. F. Johnson; Right photo: Fern, Florence & Dorothy]

A faint ray of hope is entertained by relatives, attending physicians and nurse at St. Joseph’s hospital for the recovery of Fern Johnson, the only survivor of the train-automobile collision near, Galva, Io., which resulted in the death of four members of the family of A. F. Johnson, of Akron, Wednesday noon. Fern, who sustained a fractured skull and minor bruises and body cuts was operated on at St. Joseph hospital yesterday morning by Drs. V. B. Knott and P. E. Sawyer.

The bodies of the other four members of the family, which were brought to Sioux City Wednesday night on a special train, will be taken to Akron this morning. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon.

The accident happened at a crossing near Galva. The motor car, which was driven at a high rate of speed, ran on the track from a deep cut, which prevented a view of the railroad track. Engineer Cody, in charge of the Northwestern passenger train, was unable to slacken the speed of his train on account of the slight warning of the accident.

Mrs. Johnson and the youngest daughter, Dorothy aged 6 years, were instantly killed. Mr. Johnson sustained injuries which proved fatal an hour later. Florence aged 10 years, died on a special train sent out by the railroad company to carry the survivors to local hospitals at 8 o’clock Thursday night near Moville. Fern aged 8 years, was removed to St. Joseph’s hospital.

The smaller girl standing in the picture is Fern. The larger one is Florence. The girl sitting is Dorothy.

***** SEE ADDITIONAL PUBLISHED NEWS--WITH PHOTOS* * * *
Sioux City Journal, Saturday, August 12, 1911 -page 14
FERN JOHNSON IMPROVES
Recovery of Only Survivor of Family Now Believed Possible.
Fern Johnson, the only survivor of the accident in which four members of the family of A. F. Johnson, of Akron, were killed Wednesday near Galva, was reported last night at St. Joseph’s hospital to be improving. She probably will recover unless complications set in.

The little girl, who is only a few months over 8 years old, has not been told of the accident in which her father, mother and two sisters met their death. The hospital authorities will keep the news from her until she recovers her strength.

The bodies of the accident victims were taken yesterday morning to Akron where the funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon. Interment will be in the Akron cemetery. Relatives of the lone member of the unfortunate branch of the Johnson family will take Fern into their homes. It is reported that A. F. Johnson left his daughter well provided for.

~~TRANSCRIBER NOTE: Fern Johnson did recover and later became Mrs. James Gallagher. Fern Gallagher was born Nov. 11, 1903 in Akron, IA. She passed away April 29, 1987. Fern lived to be 83 years of age.

Plymouth Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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