Hewitt, W. H. (1861-1917)

HEWITT, ARNOLD

Posted By: Cass County Coordinator (email)
Date: 9/9/2022 at 14:26:24

Unknown newspaper and date, likely early October, 1917:

W. H. HEWITT KILLED

Struck By C. B. & Q. Fast Mail Train In Villisca Last Sunday. Was Visiting Relatives.

A pall of gloom was spread over this community last Sunday afternoon about one o'clock p. m. by the sudden news flashed over the wires that our esteemed fellow townsman, W. H. Hewitt, who had with his wife and son, G. M., and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Arnold, autoed to Villisca that morning to spend the day visiting his half-brother, Mark Sheridan, had been struck by the fast mail train there at 11:12 o'clock and received injuries from which he died at 2 p.m. without regaining consciousness.

After going to Villisca Messrs. Hewitt, Hewitt and Arnold had gone with Mr. J. H. Fritz of that city to inspect the oil tanks across the railroad tracks in the city. When returning to the Sheridan home they were cut off from crossing the tracks by an east bound freight train, and were walking along between the main track and a switch when the west bound fast mail whipped into the station. Mark warned his father who was close to the track, walking westward, to beware. Mr. Hewitt became confused and jumped right onto the track in front of the fast moving train and was struck by the pilot of the engine and carried some seventy-five feet and dropped. Mr. Hewitt was carried into the baggage room and Dr. Lomas of that city rendered prompt attention. The injured man was taken to the office of Dr Lomas where it was found his back was broken between the shoulder blades and

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the engine and carried some seventy-five feet and dropped. Mr. Hewitt was carried into the baggage room and Dr. Lomas of that city rendered prompt attention. The injured man was taken to the office of Dr. Lomas where it was found his back was broken between the shoulder blades and his left leg broken. Other minor injuries were also sustained. Mr. Hewitt died at 2 p.m. The body was taken to the undertaking parlors of Smith & Wickersham where it was prepared for burial and was brought to Massena Monday in their auto hearse.

The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the M. E. church, conducted by Rev. O. R. Phipps. Interment in the Massena cemetery.

The floral offerings were very profuse, elaborate and beautiful the one appealing most to the family being a massive design representing a lyre encircled by a crescent, the mute testimonial of esteem of the Massena business men, farmers and neighbors, purchased by a popular subscription. The lyre was of pink carnations while the crescent was of white roses and carnations on a base of easter lillies [sic lilies] and white carnations.

One other offering also deserves especial mention. It was a beautiful piece from the Pennsylvania Oil Co.

At the time of his death Mr. Hewitt was local agent for the Pennsylvania Oil Co. in this city.

The singing was by a special choir composed of the following: Messrs. Amos Warfield, Charles Robinson and W. H. Langworthy. Mesdames Aden Hosfelt, Wray Wilson, F. A. Slocum and H. E. Marlowe.

The bearers were: Zane Scott [ crossed out, added Geo. Arnold ], W. J. Luke, Henry Coleman, Art Buboltz, W. C. McCurdy and H. E. Marlowe.

William Henry Hewitt was born in Jo Daviess county, Ill., July 27, 1861. Removed with his parents at about four years to Tipton, Ia. Then for a time lived in Montgomery county; then in Adams county. Removed to Hanover, Ill., where on the 8th of August, 1883, he was married to Miss
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[Remainder of article is missing, was not included in the contribution]

NOTE: Contributed by Philip Preston. Unknown newspaper, possibly the Massena Echo ?