Individual Details
Joseph Coler
(20 May 1817 - 18 Apr 1902)
On the 1860 U. S. Census of Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph Coler appears with his wife Olive and children Emily, Hellen, Albert, and William. Joseph's occupation is carpenter. Also is John Coler, age 70, born in Pennsylvania. Perhaps he is Joseph's father.
On the 1870 U. S. Census of Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph appears with his wife Olive and children Helen, Albert and Willie. Joseph is a painter.
On the 1880 U. S. Census of Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph appears with his wife Olive A. and son William. Joseph is a painter and William is a clerk. There is a boarder in the home.
On the 1900 U. S. Census of Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph is a widower living with his daughter Hellen Parish who is a widow. Her occupation is painting, his is art.
From U. S. Gen Web site for Chickasaw Co., Iowa:
24 April 1902
Death by the Cars-- One of the saddest of fatal accidents that has ever happened in Nashua occurred last Thursday noon when Joseph Coler, over 84 years of age and one of Nashua's oldest resident, was struck by the north bound incoming passenger and instantly killed. The accident happened at the curve a half mile south of the station. The old gentleman has been feeble for some time and partially demented, and somehow escaped the surveillance of his daughter and before his absence was noticed he was on the railroad track walking toward the approaching train with his head bent down. Just then the train rounded the curve at almost full speed but Mr. Coler being rather deaf did not hear the warning by Engineer Scroggy until the train was close upon him. Then he started as if to cross to the other side of the track but raising his head and seeing his danger turned to get off the track. He was too late. The upright beam on the side of the pilot struck him full in the chest and he was hurled into eternity. The emergency brake had been applied and the train was soon at a standstill. The body was carefully picked up and placed in the baggage car and brought to the depot where Dr. Horton was summoned without loss of time. However, there was nothing that could be done for the victim. He was past help. Coroner McKone was summoned but he deemed it unnecessary to hold an inquest. His injuries were the right arm, leg, and shoulder and neck broken, his chest crushed in, hip crushed, a long deep gash in his hip and another on his neck, besides abrasions on his hand and face. The remains were transferred to the undertaing rooms, from which, after being embalmed, were taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Helen Parish. Joseph Coler was born in Haynesville, Franklin county, Penn., May 20, 1817, making his age at death 84 years, 10 months and 28 days. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Clark at Dansville, N. Y. In 1855 he moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., and in 1856 he came to Nashua, where he lived until the sad end came. His wife departed this life March 21, 1891. Five children were born to them: Mrs. Emily Tracy, Mrs. Helen M. Parish, Albert A., Delbert and Wm. H. Coler. Delbert died in Grand Rapids, Mich. The other four children survive to mourn their loss. Twenty seven years ago the deceased was converted to God and joined the Congregational church, but owing to physical infirmities he had not been able to enjoy the privileges of the house of God for several years before his death. He was widely known and highly respected by the citizens of Nashua and vicinity, and the vast throng that gathered at the beautiful home of Mrs. Helen M. Parish, his daughter, with whom he had made his home and at which place the funeral services were held, was in itself a beautiful tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. The services were conducted by Rev. A. D. Stevens, of the M. E. church, assisted by Rev. E. Ewell, of the Congregational church Sunday afternoon, April 20, at 2:30. Interment was at Oak Hill. The floral tributes were many and handsome.
On the 1870 U. S. Census of Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph appears with his wife Olive and children Helen, Albert and Willie. Joseph is a painter.
On the 1880 U. S. Census of Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph appears with his wife Olive A. and son William. Joseph is a painter and William is a clerk. There is a boarder in the home.
On the 1900 U. S. Census of Bradford, Chickasaw Co., Iowa, Joseph is a widower living with his daughter Hellen Parish who is a widow. Her occupation is painting, his is art.
From U. S. Gen Web site for Chickasaw Co., Iowa:
24 April 1902
Death by the Cars-- One of the saddest of fatal accidents that has ever happened in Nashua occurred last Thursday noon when Joseph Coler, over 84 years of age and one of Nashua's oldest resident, was struck by the north bound incoming passenger and instantly killed. The accident happened at the curve a half mile south of the station. The old gentleman has been feeble for some time and partially demented, and somehow escaped the surveillance of his daughter and before his absence was noticed he was on the railroad track walking toward the approaching train with his head bent down. Just then the train rounded the curve at almost full speed but Mr. Coler being rather deaf did not hear the warning by Engineer Scroggy until the train was close upon him. Then he started as if to cross to the other side of the track but raising his head and seeing his danger turned to get off the track. He was too late. The upright beam on the side of the pilot struck him full in the chest and he was hurled into eternity. The emergency brake had been applied and the train was soon at a standstill. The body was carefully picked up and placed in the baggage car and brought to the depot where Dr. Horton was summoned without loss of time. However, there was nothing that could be done for the victim. He was past help. Coroner McKone was summoned but he deemed it unnecessary to hold an inquest. His injuries were the right arm, leg, and shoulder and neck broken, his chest crushed in, hip crushed, a long deep gash in his hip and another on his neck, besides abrasions on his hand and face. The remains were transferred to the undertaing rooms, from which, after being embalmed, were taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Helen Parish. Joseph Coler was born in Haynesville, Franklin county, Penn., May 20, 1817, making his age at death 84 years, 10 months and 28 days. In 1845 he was united in marriage to Miss Olive A. Clark at Dansville, N. Y. In 1855 he moved to Grand Rapids, Mich., and in 1856 he came to Nashua, where he lived until the sad end came. His wife departed this life March 21, 1891. Five children were born to them: Mrs. Emily Tracy, Mrs. Helen M. Parish, Albert A., Delbert and Wm. H. Coler. Delbert died in Grand Rapids, Mich. The other four children survive to mourn their loss. Twenty seven years ago the deceased was converted to God and joined the Congregational church, but owing to physical infirmities he had not been able to enjoy the privileges of the house of God for several years before his death. He was widely known and highly respected by the citizens of Nashua and vicinity, and the vast throng that gathered at the beautiful home of Mrs. Helen M. Parish, his daughter, with whom he had made his home and at which place the funeral services were held, was in itself a beautiful tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased. The services were conducted by Rev. A. D. Stevens, of the M. E. church, assisted by Rev. E. Ewell, of the Congregational church Sunday afternoon, April 20, at 2:30. Interment was at Oak Hill. The floral tributes were many and handsome.
Events
| Birth | 20 May 1817 | Haynesborough, Franklin Co., Pennsylvania |  | ||
| Marriage | 1845 | Danville, Broome Co., New York - Olive A. Clark | | ||
| Death | 18 Apr 1902 | Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa | | ||
| Burial | Oak Hill Cemetery, Nashua, Chickasaw Co., Iowa | |
Families
| Spouse | Olive A. Clark (1821 - 1892) |
| Child | Emily "Emma" Coler (1845 - 1923) |
| Child | Helen M. Coler (1847 - 1928) |
| Child | Albert S. Coler (1850 - 1932) |
| Child | Delbert Coler (1855 - 1855) |
| Child | William H. Coler (1859 - 1930) |
Endnotes
1. Abigail Farris & James Clason By Fay Morehouse Medhaug, April 1987, Page 93.
2. Abigail Farris & James Clason By Fay Morehouse Medhaug, April 1987, Page 92 & 93.
3. Abigail Farris & James Clason By Fay Morehouse Medhaug, April 1987, Page 93.
4. U. S. Gen Web Site.