The dead body of H. F. Griffith was found by the side of the railroad track about a quarter of a mile south of the Florence depot early yesterday morning, and was taken to Omaha by coroner Brailey of Douglas county. Frank had been visiting his father-in-law, F. C. Arnold, who lives on a farm near this city and was evidently “bumming” his way back to Omaha where he was working. His mother, Mrs. Emily Griffith, lives over at Harlan, Ia., and in all probability interment will be made at that place. Before “booze” got the best of him, Frank used to be one of the best carpenters in Blair, but since that time he has had a decidedly checkered career. He was twice sent to the “bug house” as he called it, from the effects of drink and a year or so ago his wife obtained a divorce from him. She is now living over in Dexterville and their two children were recently placed in homes in Council Bluffs.

#2-13 Apr., 1904 - The Pilot - H. F. “Frank” Griffith

FRANK GRIFFITH’S SAD FATE

Frank Griffith, a well known local character, met with a horrible death last Monday night. He was struck by the northbound freight train on the M. & O. railroad, midway between Florence and Elkhorn Junction, and was instantly killed. Early Tuesday morning the section crew inspecting the track were horrified at discovering the remains of a human being strewn along the right of way. The gruesome discovery was reported to Coronor Bailey, who had the fragments of the body gathered up and removed to the city morgue at Florence. The body was mangled beyond recognition, but through a letter found in a pocket of the clothes, it was identified as being Frank Griffith, a carpenter residing at the Klondike hotel, Omaha. Griffith resided in Blair for a number of years and was regarded as a very clever mechanic. His last employment in this city was the laying of the new cement sidewalk in front of the Pilot building, considered by be the best walk of its kind in the city and speaking volumes for the skill of the unfortunate man. Griffith was of the type known as “a good fellow” and was his own worst enemy. T. F. Bracken stated last evening that he had met Griffith in Omaha on Monday night and at that time the man was perfectly sober and seemed bright and cheerful, notwithstanding rumors of the contrary. It is surmised that Frank intended coming to Blair and in attempting to board the train, missed the side ladder and was hurled to his death. Griffith had been divorced from his wife and was the father of three children who are residing with his mother in Harlan, Iowa. It is not known just what disposition will be made of the body up to the moment of going to press.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair, Nebraska Public Library~~~

Find a Grave Memorial #82543659