Wallin, Andrew J. 1884-1922

WALLIN, NILSON, ANDERSON, TERRY

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 9/16/2024 at 15:00:56

Note: His mother's maiden name was Nilson and his paternal great-grandmother's name was Anderson.

A.J. WALLIN SUDDENLY CALLED

Superintendent of Light and Water Works Departments Succumbs to Injuries Received in a Fall

Coming like a bolt from a clear sky was the announcement of the sudden passing away of Andrew J. Wallin, superintendent of the Akron Electric Light and Waterworks department, at his home in the city Saturday forenoon. Mr. Wallin had been confined to his bed since Saturday, October 8, when he suffered a fracture of his right arm and left leg by the falling of a 80-foot electric light pole, at the top of which he was working.

The bottom of the pole had rotted in the ground and when he cut a messenger wire it broke off and toppled with him to the ground. He had taken the misfortune with his usual spirit of good nature and was making a very favorable recovery up to the time he was so suddenly stricken Saturday morning, and had remarked that he was feeling so much better that it hardly seemed necessary for him to stay in bed.

After partaking of a good breakfast Saturday, he informed his wife that he was not feeling just right and she was preparing to give him a bath when he became suddenly worse. Dr. Mattison, his physician, was hastily summoned, but by the time he arrived at his bedside the stricken man was beyond all earthly aid and soon passed away.

It was determined that death was caused by a bloodclot, which had formed as a result of his injury, and finally reached a vital spot. Such instances are said by medical authorities to be not unusual, especially where the large bone of the leg is fractured, which happened in his case.

Andrew J. Wallin was born at Rapid City, S. D., about thirty-eight years ago and spent his young manhood there. He came with his family from that place to Akron and on August 10, 1916, succeeded J. C. Rogers as superintendent of the Akron Electric Light and Waterworks department, holding that position up to the time of his demise. Supt. Wallin at once began laying plans with the city council for improving our electric light and waterworks system, and by his knowledge and experience along these lines and his tireless efforts has developed our municipal plant to a high state of efficiency, only recently installing the last of the three fuel oil engines in the new power house, erected during the past year.

Supt. Wallin was always “on the job” and willingly put in nights and Sundays whenever it was necessary to meet an emergency to keep the light and power plant in operation. It is entirely safe to say that few electric light plants in the country have had as little interruption of service as the local plant during the time it has been under Mr. Wallin’s charge.

Many delegations from councils in surrounding towns have visited Akron’s electric plant and termed it a model municipal enterprise, which is now paying a good dididend upon the investment. Since installing the new pumps at the city wells and getting the machinery and switchboard in operation was just getting started on some necessary repairs on the pole lines when the painful accident of October 3rd befell him.

He was not the sort of superintendent to stand around and tell his assistants what to do, but was always right where the most difficult job was to be done and to personally see that it was done right. It will not be an easy task to find a man who will so efficiently fill the position held by Andrew Wallin in local municipal affairs. As a man, he possessed that genial and always-cheerful personality that made one glad to meet him and to class him as a friend.

A kind and loving husband and father, and upright citizen and a good neighbor, he will be missed in a good neighbor, he will be missed in local everyday life as few men would be.

Mr. is survived by his wife, one daughter, Frances Ann, and one son, Richard; also one brother William Wallin of Rapid City, S. D. The entire community tenders its sincere sympathy to the family in his sad and untimely taking away.

A brief service attended by many sorrowing friends was conducted by Rev. C. V. Allison, of the Christian church, at the Wallin home at 10 a.m. Tuesday. During the hour of service the electric light plant shut down as a mark of respect. Among the beautiful floral offerings was a floral pillow from the business men of Akron. The remains were taken by auto hearse to Hawarden and shipment made over the Northwestern road to the old home at Rapid City, S. D., where funeral services were held and interment made in the cemetery there beside his parents and a sister.

His mother, Mrs. Annie Wallin, a former Akron resident died there only a few months ago. Accompanying the remains to Rapid City were Mrs. Wallin, Wm. Wallin, a brother from that place, and Wm. Swift, of this city.

Relatives who came here from a distance were Mr. Wallin’s brother, Wm., of Rapid City, S. D., and Mrs. Wallin’s mother, Mrs. Terry of Rockford, Ill., Earl Stewart, an old-time friend, also came from Elk Point.

Akron Register Tribune
Thursday, November 2, 1922 pg. 8
Akron, Iowa

Andrew Wallin Dies in Iowa—Buried Here

The sad news was received Saturday of the death of Andrew Wallin that morning at Akron, Ia. Mr. Wallin was hurt while on duty with the Walter and Electric Light Company three weeks ago and died from the effects. William Wallin, brother, came up Saturday from his place near Farmingdale to get further particulars if possible, not being able to hear anything further he left that evening for Akron.

Yesterday word was received that the body would arrive here Wednesday morning. Funeral services will be held in the afternoon at two o’clock at Behren’s Undertaking rooms, remaining members of the Alex Wallin family.

Andrew Wallin was born in Rapid City in 1884, and married Miss Ellen Terry in Chicago seven years ago in June. They have two children. Mr. Wallin went to Akron five years ago. William Wallin is now the only remaining member of the Alex Wallin family.

Rapid City Journal
Tuesday, October 31, 1922 pg. 5
Rapid City, SD