Frank E. Higbee
June 1, 1848*-Dec. 19, 1910
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, December 19, 1910, page 1, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
FRANK HIGBEE DIES BY FALL
Fell Down Stairs at Mich. Central Freight House
FOUND UNCONSCIOUS
Never Rallied; Was Resident of Bertrand
Frank E. Higby died at 4:30 o'clock at Dr. Van Noppen's sanitarium as a result of injuries received from a fall.
Frank E. Higbee, aged 65, a well known Bertrand township farmer, was found lying unconscious about 11:30 a.m. today at the bottom of the stairs leading into the basement of the Michigan Central freight house.
Just how Mr. Higbee came to be there is not positively known, but it is presumed that he mistook the door leading into the basement area way for the door going into the office of the freight house, and stepping forward without looking lost his balance and plunged headlong down the stairs to the basement floor, striking on his head.
So far as outward appearances went Mr. Higbee was not seriously injured there being only slight scalp wounds to show for his fall.
Dr. Giddings, regular surgeon for the Michigan Central railroad company, responded to the call and dressed the injured man's wounds and had him removed to Dr. VanNoppen's hospital.
Higbee has not since revived but continues in a state of deep unconsciousness, and both surgeons were of the opinion this afternoon that his injury from concession would be fatal before many hours.
Higbee's wife died several years ago and he has a family of children.
This is the second accident of nearly the same nature that has occurred at the M.C. freight hours.
Dudley Hicks, the milk man was victim of the previous accident.
Hick's injuries however, were far less serious than Higbee's and he recovered promptly. He sued the railroad company for damages but settled out of court.
Niles Daily Star, Monday, December 19, 1910, page 1, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library
FRANK HIGBEE MET SUDDEN DEATH
FOUND AT MICHIGAN CENTRAL FREIGHT HOUSE
FELL DOWN CELLAR STEPS
Came to Niles This Morning and Was Sending a Christmas Present to Chicago
Frank Higbee, 63 years old and a resident of Bertrand was found unconscious and in a dying condition in the basement of the Michigan Central freight office, just before noon today. It is supposed, that he fell down the basement steps. He was taken to Dr. VanNoppen's sanitarium by Dr. Giddings, who was called to attend his injuries. His skull was fractured.
He died at 4:25 this afternoon.
Mr. Higbee came to Niles this morning and purchased a graphaphone and went to the Michigan Central depot about 10 a.m. to lave it sent by freight to his daughter, Mrs. H.L. Barrett of Chicago.
It is supposed that while at the office he wondered about, casually observing the surroundings, when he stepped into the entrance-way of the cellar, which is almost hidden from view by the darkness of that portion of the building, and fell headlong.
One of the office men went to the basement to fix the furnace fire and discovered Mr. Higbee.
He was a farm laborer and had worked for Peter Malone the past summer. The deceased was a son of the late D.C. Higbee of Bertrand, who for many years was postmaster and conducted a general store there. A brother arrived this afternoon from South Bend.
*DOB/DOD from Michigan Death Certificate