Mrs. PT Connour Killed At Railroad Crossing

A distressing accident occurred at railroad crossing known as Baily's Crossing, near Paxton, Indiana, last Friday about 7:15.

A B&O passenger train struck an auto occupied by P.T. Connour, his wife, Serena, son Victor, his wife, and master Verl Connour.

It instantly killed Mrs. Connour and rendered P.T. Connour unconscious for a number of hours.

The party had left home at Lovington, Illinois that morning to visit the aged parents of both of the elders at Sumner, Illinois and detoured to a road leading across the state line in order to get to a hard road. They had just crossed a railroad crossing a few moments before and Peter remarked that they would be safe from trains as they could now see the headlights. Scarcely had the words left his lips when they were upon another crossing. Vic shouted, " THERE'S A TRAIN, JUMP!" He tore off the back curtain and lepted from the auto, his wife following.
The car was then upon the crossing, Peter became excited or scared, killing the engine. The coach completely destroyed the car, carrying it several feet forward.

Mrs. Connour suffered a broken neck, one broken arm, one broken limb, and a bad lick on the temple. There was no doubt that her death was instantaneous. Pete received a hard lick on the head and was unconscious during the night. Other occupants of the car were unhurt. Verl remained in the rear seat for many minutes after the wreck. He crawled out from the mass of ruins, being forgotten by the younger Connours.
They and the train crew were aiding the parents. Verl was unscratched and apparently slept through the awful crash. He was in the bottom of the car wrapped in a heavy comfort. Mr. and Mrs. Connour were given first-aid and taken to the intended destination next day. The accident was learned of with much sorrow in Hull, Illinois.

These people had lived in and near Hull for many years. Mrs. Connour enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.

Miss Serena Preston, born in Richland County, Illinois on March 22, 1870, and met death by accident at Baily's Crossing, near Paxton, Indiana, Jan. 5, 1923, being 52 years, 9 months, and 14 days old.

She was united in marriage to Peter Connour on April 20, 1890 and to the union ten children were born, three preceding mother in death in infancy.

She left to mourn her death: her husband and seven children, two daughters and five sons. They are Van, of Hull, Victor, Virgil, and Vessie all of Lovington, Verl and Viola at home, Mrs. Verna Shinn of Hull, her mother of Olney, five brothers and two sisters. Charles and Sam Preston of Calhoun, Illinois, Earnest of California, Joseph of Wyoming, James of Indiana, Mrs. Alice Clodfellows of Calhoun, Illinois, and Mrs. Libbie Webber of Illinois.

Mrs. Connour was converted and gave her heart to God when she was a small girl. She was later reclaimed at a revival at Antioch Church and was united with the church. After this experience, she felt her need of a deeper work of grace, so she would be able to stand in Hull, Illinois where she made her complete consecration and received the experience if entire satisfaction. Since then she wore the picture of the Blessed Holy Ghost stamped upon her countance every day. Her whole heart and life was set to do the will of her Father and to bless falling humanity. She was a good loving wife and a precious praying mother. "When mother prays, she found sweet rest, when mother prayed her soul was blessed, her heart and mind on Christ was stayed and God was there when Mother prayed."

This account was written by Emma Connour, Virgil's wife, shortly after the accident and was sent to friends and the newspapers in Hull, Illinois and Hannibal, Missouri.