Wright, Lloyd 1895-1915

WRIGHT

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke --Volunteer
Date: 9/30/2015 at 22:04:32

Source: Hawarden Independent (7-8-1915)

Born: May 4, 1895
Died: 1915

LLOYD WRIGHT INSTANTLY KILLED BY MILWAUKEE PASSENGER TRAIN

A fatal automobile accident, in which Lloyd Wright was instantly killed and Walter Scott and W.W. Hall were slightly injured, occurred Tuesday afternoon when the Ford car driven by Mr. Scott, was struck by the south bound Milwaukee passenger train at the crossing near the Samuel Johnson home three miles north of Hawarden. While this is not an especially dangerous crossing and the view of the track is unobstructed for nearly a mile, yet it is apparent that not one of the three occupants of the automobile observed the oncoming train until it was too late to avert the disaster.

Mr. Scott was taking Mr. Hall to the Armstrong camp on the Sioux river four miles northwest of town, where Mr. Hall has been camping for some time, and Lloyd Wright had accompanied them for a pleasure ride. Mr. Scott was driving and Mr. Hall occupied the front seat with him and Lloyd was in the rear seat. The automobile was headed west and Mr. Scott and Mr. Hall both state that they did not see or hear the train until it was almost upon them. Mr. Scott then tried to head his car into the ditch, but it was too late and the pilot of the engine struck the car right at the front wheel and the front end of the car was completely wrecked. The car was turned completely around but was not turned over. Mr. Scott jumped just as the train struck and landed clear of the car. Mr. Hall was thrown out and the car top fell upon him. Neither were injured to any extent and how they escaped being instantly killed is a mystery.

Lloyd Wright occupied the rear seat and as this portion of the automobile was not damaged in any way it is also a mystery how he came to lose his life, while the other two men who occupied what appears to have been the real danger point escaped with only slight injuries. His body was thrown a distance of twelve or fifteen feet and struck against the cattle guard at the south side of the road. His skull was fractured and his neck was broken, so death was instantaneous. There were bruises upon the body from head to foot.

The passenger train was immediately brought to a stop and the injured men and the body of the dead lad were brought to Hawarden. The engineer and fireman state that they gave the usual whistle for the crossing and their statements were corroborated by parties who were working near where the accident occurred. The fireman states that when about 100 or 150 feet from the crossing he saw the automobile was not coming to a stop and he called to the engineer that he would hit them. The engineer at once applied the air to his train and blew a danger signal, but with the train running at a speed of thirty-five miles an hour it all came so suddenly that there was no possible chance to avoid the collision.

An inquest was held yesterday by Dr. A.J. Meyer, county coroner, and the verdict of the jury was that the deceased met with an accidental death and that no blame attached to anyone for the casualty.

Lloyd C. Wright was born in Ireton, Iowa, May 4, 2895. He came with his parents to Hawarden when a small child, and with the exception of a few months has made his home in this city since that time. His father died about ten years ago and since then he and his brother Robert have made their home here with their uncle, Israel Wood. Lloyd was an unusually bright and active young man. Always industrious, always pleasant and courteous, he ever won the good will and friendship of all who came in contract with him. For some time he had been assisting in the management of the Lyric motion picture theatre and operated the picture machine. He had commenced to save his earnings and just a few weeks ago began to provide for the future by taking out a modest life insurance policy. His future seemed so full of promise that it is sad indeed that his young life should thus be ruthlessly stricken by the hand of death.

He leaves a mother, whose address at the present time cannot be obtained, one brother and one sister, besides many relatives to mourn his death.

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church this afternoon, Reverend C.H. Young preaching the funeral sermon .Interment was made in Grace Hill Cemetery.