Body Of Illinois Central Engineer Found Near Palestine

A five-day search has ended with the finding of Grover King’s body in the Wabash River. Deputy Crawford County Coroner, George McCarty said King, a 67-year-old Illinois Central Railroad engineer from Palestine, apparently committed suicide, plunging into the river.

King was last seen along the river Sunday, May 17, 1953, a few hours after he had come in from his regular run on the Illinois Central Railroad. His car was found parked near the river and his wallet and glasses were found lying on the bank.

A party of about 30 men had been dragging the river since Sunday. Henry Hayward, a fisherman, pulled King’s body from the Wabash Thursday May 21, about 12 miles below Palestine. Crawford County Sheriff, Everett Alexander said King had been ill.

Grover King, 67 of Palestine, Illinois died May 17, 1953. He was born October 7, 1885 in Cumberland County, Illinois, a son of Joseph W. and Sarah L. (Askew) King. He married Ruby Lee Boyles and she survives. He is also survived by brothers, Ralph and Ed King and sister, Ardys Elder.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Maggie King.

The Edwardsville Intelligencer (Edwardsville, IL)  & Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, IL) Monday, May 18, 1953 & Friday, May 22, 1953