Wiltgen, John 1877-1892

WILTGEN, THEISEN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 7/3/2010 at 10:35:26

From the Alton Democrat of Sep 3, 1892
Killed by the Cars..
While driving across the C. St. P.M.&O. railroad track south of town four miles last Tuesday, John Wiltgen was struck by an engine and instantly killed, his neck being broken. It seems he was working for Mr. Jonas and was driving a wagon with hay rack across the track, the road being a private one contructed by Mr. Jonas. He stopped his team to allow the 4 o'clock passenger tain to pass and then drove upon the track, watching the train as it rapdly disappeared. The engine, running alone and following closely after the passenger struck the wagon, mashed it into splinters and threw Wiltgen 120 feet into the air beaking his neck and killing him instantly. The horses escaped uninjured. Mrs. Jonas, the engineer and fireman were the only ones who witnessed the awful accident. Coroner Quigley came over Wednesday but postponed the inquest until Thursday. John Wiltgen was 15 years of age, the son of Peter Wiltjen of this city and all unite in expressing sympathy to the afflicted relatives. (John is believed to be the son of Peter Wiltgen 1850-1908 and Katherine Theisen 1854-1903 both buried in St. Mary's Cemetery at Alton IA.)