FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
HORRIBLE ACCIDENT
FOUR WELL KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE KILLED OUTRIGHT AND TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED
AUTO STRUCK BY PASSENGER TRAIN
ACCIDENT HAPPENED THREE MILES WEST OF CHATSWORTH YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
INJURED NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE-FUNERAL TOMORROW
NOVEMBER 27, 1914
The worst automobile accident that ever happened in this section of the country occurred yesterday afternoon at about 1:30 o'clock, when the west bound T. P. & W. passenger train hit an auto at a grade crossing three miles west of Chatsworth, killing four persons outright and severely injuring two others. Those killed outright were Lottie, Sarah and Viola Hagaman, the three youngest daughters of John Hagaman, a farmer residing just at the outskirts of the city, and Charles Jobst, a young man of Pontiac. The injured were Miss June Karger, a clerk in the Star Store here and Albert Bollier, a young man of Forrest.
The party were on their way to the home of J. R. Melvin, living northwest of town, Mrs. Melvin being formerly Miss Blanche Hagaman, where they were to partake of their Thanksgiving dinner, and from there they were going to Pontiac to attend a dance in the evening. They were riding in the Bollier car and Albert Bollier was driving. Some of the side curtains being on and the car partially enclosed. Just how the accident happened no one knows, but it is presumed that, owing the to side curtains being on and a strong wind blowing at the time, they did not hear the approaching train.
They had been going west, parallel with the track, the wagon road being only a few feet south of the railroad track at that point so it is difficult to see an approaching train here. From the appearances of the conditions immediately after the accident it would seem that young Bollier saw the train coming and made an effort to stop the auto, at any rate the train crew state that the front wheels of the car were on the track when they first saw it and that the car seemed to be at a standstill. When the train struck the auto it threw it to the south of the track and about 70 feet to the west of the wagon road, and about 25 to 30 feet from the track. The auto was a perfect wreck, nothing being left but a lot of scrap iron.
The bodies of Viola Hagaman and Albert Bollier were lying near the ruins of the auto; that of Sarah Hagaman was lying a short distance farther west and close to the rail; so badly mangles that it was beyond recognition; the bodies of Lottie Hagaman and Charles Jobst were lying close to the rails and but a short distance from the wagon road and June Karger was lying at the edge of the wagon road and farther to the east than any of the others. It is thought that June must have tried to jump from the car, or was thrown out before any of the others were thrown out, while Sarah Hagaman must have been thrown against the train and dragged some distance.
It was an awful sight to see so many mangled bodies lying on the ground and there were many who would not look upon the sight. Emmet Roach and Miller Frobish were returning from Forrest in the Roach auto and were but a short distance from the accident when it occurred and Emmet came direct to Chatsworth after medical assistance and when the new reached here a number of autos immediately started for the scene. After the arrival of a doctor June Karger and Albert Bollier were picked up and brought to the Chatsworth Hospital. The passenger train, after stopping and backing up to the scene of the accident, and leaving a flagman, was run to Forrest where the deputy coroner was notified, cots secured to carry the bodies on and then the train was backed up to where the accident happened and the dead bodies placed aboard and taken to Forrest where the inquest was held.
The accident cast a gloom over the entire community as all the girls in the accident were among the best known young ladies of the community and had a host of friends here, while the young men are quite well known, both having been here often, and they are young men who are highly respected. A large crowd of people drove out to the scene of the accident in autos and rigs, coming from all directions, and the greatest sympathy was expressed for the sorrowing relatives and there were many eyes red from weeping.
After the two who were alive had been brought to the hospital here an examination was made and it was found that June Karger's skull had been fractured in four different places. After allowing her to recover from the shock as much as possible it was decided that an operation was necessary if her life was spared, and four inches of skull bone was removed. She stood the operation quite well but there was but small hopes that she could recover. It was found that the young man, Albert Bollier, had his right hip fractured, his face badly city, had received other bruises and later it was ascertained that he had sustained internal injuries to such an extent that it was thought that he could not live.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls will be held from the Chatsworth Baptist church at 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. the body of Charles Jobst was taken to Pontiac where the funeral will be held.
At the time of our going to press the condition of Miss June Karger is very low and there seems to be no hopes for her recovery. She has not regained consciousness. The condition of Albert Bollier is slightly improved and there is just a chance that he may recover, but still the doctors are not at all sanguine (sic) of this. The entire populace of the city and vicinity is awe stricken over the accident and it is the only subject of conversation and all are cast down over such a catastrophy happening in our midst.
FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
FUNERAL SATURDAY
LARGEST IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CITY OR SURROUNDING COUNRTY
THE INJURED ARE MAKING RAPID GAINS
MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AUTOMOBILES BROUGHT PEOPLE HER LAST SATURDAY TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE HAGAMAN SISTERS-VERY SAD OCCASION
DECEMBER 4, 1914
The sad accident which caused the death of the three Hagaman girls and Charles Jobst, of Pontiac, and the severely injuring of Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, still continues to be the one topic of conversation. The accident was so horrible in its outcome as to shock all and cause a great amount of feeling that it will take a long time to overcome.
The coroners jury was impaneled at Forrest on Friday morning by Coroner W.O. Myers and consisted of the following: Louis Wingfield, foreman; Walter S. Mahew, J.W. Jennings, William Kirk, H. Button and George Schwarswalder.
The crew of the passenger train had been summoned as witnesses. The first witness called was William DeVoe, of Pontiac, who was a passenger on the train. He stated that the first he knew of the accident was when the air brakes were set so hard as to cause a sudden jar and , upon looking out of the car window, he saw the wreck of an automobile and knew an accident had happened. As soon as the train stopped and backed up he stated that he got out and , with other passengers, gave what assistance he could. He also stated that he went with the train to Forrest after stretchers and went to the hotel and secured some sheets with which to cover the bodies.
The fireman of the passenger train was called and stated that he noticed the automobile on the highway some distance ahead of his train, going in the same direction as his train, but that in his opinion the driver of the automobile was not racing with the train, but was going at a fair rate of speed. When the auto was about 150 feet from the train he noticed the auto turn to make the crossing of the railroad track and that the driver did not shut down his speed, but kept on up the highway grade to the tracks which is very steep at that point and from his observation it was apparent that the occupants of the auto did not know that the train was approaching. As he saw them start toward the grade he called to the engineer that there was an automobile on the track, the engineer being on the opposite side of the cab from which the road was, could not see it. Previously the engineer had given the usual crossing signal, and on being notified by the fireman, whistled again. He stated that apparently the engine struck the auto just about the front wheels and the rear end of the auto was thrown toward the train which struck it and then forced it away from the track.
There was other testimony but it was along the same lines as the above and in accordance with the article published in the Plaindealer last week. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls was held from the First Baptist church here on Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.F. Schreiner preaching the funeral sermon, and it was a very sad occasion. The church, which was packed to its utmost capacity, would not held one-fourth the people present-there being at least 200 automobiles here besides the other rigs-and it was the largest funeral ever seen in this section of Illinois. People came from as far as fifty miles away to attend and extend their sympathy to the sorrowing family and it is estimated that at least 3000 people were present.
As the funeral cortege entered the church the casket holding the remains of Viola was first, the pall bearers being Francis Sneyd, Frank Hart, Ray Strawn, James Murtaugh, Clarence Shols and Emmet Roach, all members of her class and school mates and the Misses Ruth and Rachel Glabe, Madge Entwistle, Agnes Slater and Fern Schrock, members of her school class as honorary pall bearers. Following was the casket of Sarah, with Jerome Baldwin, Everett Strawn, Thomas Corbett, Wilmer Frobish, Milford Frobish and Harry Felt, all former school mates, acting in the capacity of pall bearers and following this was the casket of Lottie, with Elmer Kane, Martin Brown, Stephen Herr,Jr., Leo Garrity, John Fischer and James O'Malley, all former school mates, as pall bearers. Following the caskets came the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman, and then her half sisters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Melvin and Mrs. and Mrs. Grover Andrews, and then the other relatives and near friends. The three caskets were placed side by side in the church and were buried beneath a bank of flowers.
The music of the choir and the sermon by Rev. Schreiner was very appropriate and touching. The floral offerings were very profuse and showed the respect in which the young ladies were held in the community and were an expression of loving remembrance upon the part of friends. At the cemetery a vast concourse of people assembled and the services at the grave was very impressive. All that was mortal of those three young ladies was laid to rest in one grave, side by side, and when the last coffin was lowered there were but few dry eyes, and no higher tribute could have been paid to their popularity and the high esteem in which they were held.
This Friday morning we visited the hospital and through the kindness of Dr. Sloan, were allowed to see and talk with Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, and we found them both much improved, being rational and eager to converse, and the doctor informs me that without any complications setting in, they will recover. Neither knows of the injury to the other, or the fatality to the other members of the auto party, and no visitors are allowed with the exception of their friends and relatives.
LOTTIE HAGAMAN was born at Chenoa, Ill., on November 2, 1892, being 22 years and 24 days old at the time of death. When she was but a small child her parents moved to a farm south of Chatsworth and from there to the farm just west of this city and this vicinity was her continuous home. She attended the public schools and St. Patrick's Academy in this city and was the recipient of a teacher's certificate after she graduated. After leaving school she taught school for several years, and last year was teacher of the Grammer department of the Chatsworth public school, resigning this position to take up another vocation. Her's was a sunny and happy disposition and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances.
SARAH ELLEN HAGAMAN was born on a farm south of Chatsworth on July 9, 1894, and was 19 years, 4 months and 18 days old at the time of her demise. She was a student of the Chatsworth public schools and of St. Patrick's Academy and obtained a teachers' certificate after graduating from the eighth grad. She had taught school for the past several years. She was at one time teacher of the school at Wing but, owing to illness, was compelled to resign this position. At the time of death she was teaching what is known as the Murtaugh school, northwest of this city. She was a genial and sociable young lady and had a host of friends in this community.
VIOLA MAY HAGAMAN or, as she was more familiarly known among her associates, "Babe: was the youngest child of the family ]. She was born at Chatsworth on May 5, 1897, being 17 years, 6 months and 22 days old at the time of death. She was a member of the senior class of the Chatsworth High School and would have graduated next June.
After completing her eighth grade she also obtained a teacher's certificate and intended teaching as soon as she had graduated. She also had but a few more lessons to take and would have then graduated in music, being an excellent performer upon the piano. She was a very pleasant young lady and was a pronounced favorite among her schoolmates and the younger people and, like her elder sisters, was highly respected in the community.
CHARLES E. JOBST was born in Chicago on September 6, 1889. He came to Pontiac with his parents when about seven years of age. He was educated in the Pontiac schools. For twelve he had been a trusted employee of the A. M. Legg Shoe company and at the time of death was at the head of the shipping department. He was a very popular young man of Pontiac, was a member of the Pontiac Men's Christian Association and the Knights of Columbus of Pontiac, had for a number of years been a member of the Pontiac "Midget" baseball team and was identified with other athletics. He was absolutely trustworthy in every capacity and his employers placed absolute trust in him.
The funeral was held from St. Mary's Catholic church at Pontiac on Sunday morning, Rev. J.H. Cannon officiating at 10 o'clock solemn high mass, and the body laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery at Pontiac. There was a very large attendance, the capacity of the church being taxed to accommodate those who came to pay respects to the departed. Several from Chatsworth were in attendance at the funeral, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman and Daughter, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Garrity.
HORRIBLE ACCIDENT
FOUR WELL KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE KILLED OUTRIGHT AND TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED
AUTO STRUCK BY PASSENGER TRAIN
ACCIDENT HAPPENED THREE MILES WEST OF CHATSWORTH YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
INJURED NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE-FUNERAL TOMORROW
NOVEMBER 27, 1914
The worst automobile accident that ever happened in this section of the country occurred yesterday afternoon at about 1:30 o'clock, when the west bound T. P. & W. passenger train hit an auto at a grade crossing three miles west of Chatsworth, killing four persons outright and severely injuring two others. Those killed outright were Lottie, Sarah and Viola Hagaman, the three youngest daughters of John Hagaman, a farmer residing just at the outskirts of the city, and Charles Jobst, a young man of Pontiac. The injured were Miss June Karger, a clerk in the Star Store here and Albert Bollier, a young man of Forrest.
The party were on their way to the home of J. R. Melvin, living northwest of town, Mrs. Melvin being formerly Miss Blanche Hagaman, where they were to partake of their Thanksgiving dinner, and from there they were going to Pontiac to attend a dance in the evening. They were riding in the Bollier car and Albert Bollier was driving. Some of the side curtains being on and the car partially enclosed. Just how the accident happened no one knows, but it is presumed that, owing the to side curtains being on and a strong wind blowing at the time, they did not hear the approaching train.
They had been going west, parallel with the track, the wagon road being only a few feet south of the railroad track at that point so it is difficult to see an approaching train here. From the appearances of the conditions immediately after the accident it would seem that young Bollier saw the train coming and made an effort to stop the auto, at any rate the train crew state that the front wheels of the car were on the track when they first saw it and that the car seemed to be at a standstill. When the train struck the auto it threw it to the south of the track and about 70 feet to the west of the wagon road, and about 25 to 30 feet from the track. The auto was a perfect wreck, nothing being left but a lot of scrap iron.
The bodies of Viola Hagaman and Albert Bollier were lying near the ruins of the auto; that of Sarah Hagaman was lying a short distance farther west and close to the rail; so badly mangles that it was beyond recognition; the bodies of Lottie Hagaman and Charles Jobst were lying close to the rails and but a short distance from the wagon road and June Karger was lying at the edge of the wagon road and farther to the east than any of the others. It is thought that June must have tried to jump from the car, or was thrown out before any of the others were thrown out, while Sarah Hagaman must have been thrown against the train and dragged some distance.
It was an awful sight to see so many mangled bodies lying on the ground and there were many who would not look upon the sight. Emmet Roach and Miller Frobish were returning from Forrest in the Roach auto and were but a short distance from the accident when it occurred and Emmet came direct to Chatsworth after medical assistance and when the new reached here a number of autos immediately started for the scene. After the arrival of a doctor June Karger and Albert Bollier were picked up and brought to the Chatsworth Hospital. The passenger train, after stopping and backing up to the scene of the accident, and leaving a flagman, was run to Forrest where the deputy coroner was notified, cots secured to carry the bodies on and then the train was backed up to where the accident happened and the dead bodies placed aboard and taken to Forrest where the inquest was held.
The accident cast a gloom over the entire community as all the girls in the accident were among the best known young ladies of the community and had a host of friends here, while the young men are quite well known, both having been here often, and they are young men who are highly respected. A large crowd of people drove out to the scene of the accident in autos and rigs, coming from all directions, and the greatest sympathy was expressed for the sorrowing relatives and there were many eyes red from weeping.
After the two who were alive had been brought to the hospital here an examination was made and it was found that June Karger's skull had been fractured in four different places. After allowing her to recover from the shock as much as possible it was decided that an operation was necessary if her life was spared, and four inches of skull bone was removed. She stood the operation quite well but there was but small hopes that she could recover. It was found that the young man, Albert Bollier, had his right hip fractured, his face badly city, had received other bruises and later it was ascertained that he had sustained internal injuries to such an extent that it was thought that he could not live.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls will be held from the Chatsworth Baptist church at 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. the body of Charles Jobst was taken to Pontiac where the funeral will be held.
At the time of our going to press the condition of Miss June Karger is very low and there seems to be no hopes for her recovery. She has not regained consciousness. The condition of Albert Bollier is slightly improved and there is just a chance that he may recover, but still the doctors are not at all sanguine (sic) of this. The entire populace of the city and vicinity is awe stricken over the accident and it is the only subject of conversation and all are cast down over such a catastrophy happening in our midst.
FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
FUNERAL SATURDAY
LARGEST IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CITY OR SURROUNDING COUNRTY
THE INJURED ARE MAKING RAPID GAINS
MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AUTOMOBILES BROUGHT PEOPLE HER LAST SATURDAY TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE HAGAMAN SISTERS-VERY SAD OCCASION
DECEMBER 4, 1914
The sad accident which caused the death of the three Hagaman girls and Charles Jobst, of Pontiac, and the severely injuring of Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, still continues to be the one topic of conversation. The accident was so horrible in its outcome as to shock all and cause a great amount of feeling that it will take a long time to overcome.
The coroners jury was impaneled at Forrest on Friday morning by Coroner W.O. Myers and consisted of the following: Louis Wingfield, foreman; Walter S. Mahew, J.W. Jennings, William Kirk, H. Button and George Schwarswalder.
The crew of the passenger train had been summoned as witnesses. The first witness called was William DeVoe, of Pontiac, who was a passenger on the train. He stated that the first he knew of the accident was when the air brakes were set so hard as to cause a sudden jar and , upon looking out of the car window, he saw the wreck of an automobile and knew an accident had happened. As soon as the train stopped and backed up he stated that he got out and , with other passengers, gave what assistance he could. He also stated that he went with the train to Forrest after stretchers and went to the hotel and secured some sheets with which to cover the bodies.
The fireman of the passenger train was called and stated that he noticed the automobile on the highway some distance ahead of his train, going in the same direction as his train, but that in his opinion the driver of the automobile was not racing with the train, but was going at a fair rate of speed. When the auto was about 150 feet from the train he noticed the auto turn to make the crossing of the railroad track and that the driver did not shut down his speed, but kept on up the highway grade to the tracks which is very steep at that point and from his observation it was apparent that the occupants of the auto did not know that the train was approaching. As he saw them start toward the grade he called to the engineer that there was an automobile on the track, the engineer being on the opposite side of the cab from which the road was, could not see it. Previously the engineer had given the usual crossing signal, and on being notified by the fireman, whistled again. He stated that apparently the engine struck the auto just about the front wheels and the rear end of the auto was thrown toward the train which struck it and then forced it away from the track.
There was other testimony but it was along the same lines as the above and in accordance with the article published in the Plaindealer last week. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls was held from the First Baptist church here on Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.F. Schreiner preaching the funeral sermon, and it was a very sad occasion. The church, which was packed to its utmost capacity, would not held one-fourth the people present-there being at least 200 automobiles here besides the other rigs-and it was the largest funeral ever seen in this section of Illinois. People came from as far as fifty miles away to attend and extend their sympathy to the sorrowing family and it is estimated that at least 3000 people were present.
As the funeral cortege entered the church the casket holding the remains of Viola was first, the pall bearers being Francis Sneyd, Frank Hart, Ray Strawn, James Murtaugh, Clarence Shols and Emmet Roach, all members of her class and school mates and the Misses Ruth and Rachel Glabe, Madge Entwistle, Agnes Slater and Fern Schrock, members of her school class as honorary pall bearers. Following was the casket of Sarah, with Jerome Baldwin, Everett Strawn, Thomas Corbett, Wilmer Frobish, Milford Frobish and Harry Felt, all former school mates, acting in the capacity of pall bearers and following this was the casket of Lottie, with Elmer Kane, Martin Brown, Stephen Herr,Jr., Leo Garrity, John Fischer and James O'Malley, all former school mates, as pall bearers. Following the caskets came the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman, and then her half sisters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Melvin and Mrs. and Mrs. Grover Andrews, and then the other relatives and near friends. The three caskets were placed side by side in the church and were buried beneath a bank of flowers.
The music of the choir and the sermon by Rev. Schreiner was very appropriate and touching. The floral offerings were very profuse and showed the respect in which the young ladies were held in the community and were an expression of loving remembrance upon the part of friends. At the cemetery a vast concourse of people assembled and the services at the grave was very impressive. All that was mortal of those three young ladies was laid to rest in one grave, side by side, and when the last coffin was lowered there were but few dry eyes, and no higher tribute could have been paid to their popularity and the high esteem in which they were held.
This Friday morning we visited the hospital and through the kindness of Dr. Sloan, were allowed to see and talk with Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, and we found them both much improved, being rational and eager to converse, and the doctor informs me that without any complications setting in, they will recover. Neither knows of the injury to the other, or the fatality to the other members of the auto party, and no visitors are allowed with the exception of their friends and relatives.
LOTTIE HAGAMAN was born at Chenoa, Ill., on November 2, 1892, being 22 years and 24 days old at the time of death. When she was but a small child her parents moved to a farm south of Chatsworth and from there to the farm just west of this city and this vicinity was her continuous home. She attended the public schools and St. Patrick's Academy in this city and was the recipient of a teacher's certificate after she graduated. After leaving school she taught school for several years, and last year was teacher of the Grammer department of the Chatsworth public school, resigning this position to take up another vocation. Her's was a sunny and happy disposition and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances.
SARAH ELLEN HAGAMAN was born on a farm south of Chatsworth on July 9, 1894, and was 19 years, 4 months and 18 days old at the time of her demise. She was a student of the Chatsworth public schools and of St. Patrick's Academy and obtained a teachers' certificate after graduating from the eighth grad. She had taught school for the past several years. She was at one time teacher of the school at Wing but, owing to illness, was compelled to resign this position. At the time of death she was teaching what is known as the Murtaugh school, northwest of this city. She was a genial and sociable young lady and had a host of friends in this community.
VIOLA MAY HAGAMAN or, as she was more familiarly known among her associates, "Babe: was the youngest child of the family ]. She was born at Chatsworth on May 5, 1897, being 17 years, 6 months and 22 days old at the time of death. She was a member of the senior class of the Chatsworth High School and would have graduated next June.
After completing her eighth grade she also obtained a teacher's certificate and intended teaching as soon as she had graduated. She also had but a few more lessons to take and would have then graduated in music, being an excellent performer upon the piano. She was a very pleasant young lady and was a pronounced favorite among her schoolmates and the younger people and, like her elder sisters, was highly respected in the community.
CHARLES E. JOBST was born in Chicago on September 6, 1889. He came to Pontiac with his parents when about seven years of age. He was educated in the Pontiac schools. For twelve he had been a trusted employee of the A. M. Legg Shoe company and at the time of death was at the head of the shipping department. He was a very popular young man of Pontiac, was a member of the Pontiac Men's Christian Association and the Knights of Columbus of Pontiac, had for a number of years been a member of the Pontiac "Midget" baseball team and was identified with other athletics. He was absolutely trustworthy in every capacity and his employers placed absolute trust in him.
The funeral was held from St. Mary's Catholic church at Pontiac on Sunday morning, Rev. J.H. Cannon officiating at 10 o'clock solemn high mass, and the body laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery at Pontiac. There was a very large attendance, the capacity of the church being taxed to accommodate those who came to pay respects to the departed. Several from Chatsworth were in attendance at the funeral, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman and Daughter, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Garrity.
FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
HORRIBLE ACCIDENT
FOUR WELL KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE KILLED OUTRIGHT AND TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED
AUTO STRUCK BY PASSENGER TRAIN
ACCIDENT HAPPENED THREE MILES WEST OF CHATSWORTH YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
INJURED NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE-FUNERAL TOMORROW
NOVEMBER 27, 1914
The worst automobile accident that ever happened in this section of the country occurred yesterday afternoon at about 1:30 o'clock, when the west bound T. P. & W. passenger train hit an auto at a grade crossing three miles west of Chatsworth, killing four persons outright and severely injuring two others. Those killed outright were Lottie, Sarah and Viola Hagaman, the three youngest daughters of John Hagaman, a farmer residing just at the outskirts of the city, and Charles Jobst, a young man of Pontiac. The injured were Miss June Karger, a clerk in the Star Store here and Albert Bollier, a young man of Forrest.
The party were on their way to the home of J. R. Melvin, living northwest of town, Mrs. Melvin being formerly Miss Blanche Hagaman, where they were to partake of their Thanksgiving dinner, and from there they were going to Pontiac to attend a dance in the evening. They were riding in the Bollier car and Albert Bollier was driving. Some of the side curtains being on and the car partially enclosed. Just how the accident happened no one knows, but it is presumed that, owing the to side curtains being on and a strong wind blowing at the time, they did not hear the approaching train.
They had been going west, parallel with the track, the wagon road being only a few feet south of the railroad track at that point so it is difficult to see an approaching train here. From the appearances of the conditions immediately after the accident it would seem that young Bollier saw the train coming and made an effort to stop the auto, at any rate the train crew state that the front wheels of the car were on the track when they first saw it and that the car seemed to be at a standstill. When the train struck the auto it threw it to the south of the track and about 70 feet to the west of the wagon road, and about 25 to 30 feet from the track. The auto was a perfect wreck, nothing being left but a lot of scrap iron.
The bodies of Viola Hagaman and Albert Bollier were lying near the ruins of the auto; that of Sarah Hagaman was lying a short distance farther west and close to the rail; so badly mangles that it was beyond recognition; the bodies of Lottie Hagaman and Charles Jobst were lying close to the rails and but a short distance from the wagon road and June Karger was lying at the edge of the wagon road and farther to the east than any of the others. It is thought that June must have tried to jump from the car, or was thrown out before any of the others were thrown out, while Sarah Hagaman must have been thrown against the train and dragged some distance.
It was an awful sight to see so many mangled bodies lying on the ground and there were many who would not look upon the sight. Emmet Roach and Miller Frobish were returning from Forrest in the Roach auto and were but a short distance from the accident when it occurred and Emmet came direct to Chatsworth after medical assistance and when the new reached here a number of autos immediately started for the scene. After the arrival of a doctor June Karger and Albert Bollier were picked up and brought to the Chatsworth Hospital. The passenger train, after stopping and backing up to the scene of the accident, and leaving a flagman, was run to Forrest where the deputy coroner was notified, cots secured to carry the bodies on and then the train was backed up to where the accident happened and the dead bodies placed aboard and taken to Forrest where the inquest was held.
The accident cast a gloom over the entire community as all the girls in the accident were among the best known young ladies of the community and had a host of friends here, while the young men are quite well known, both having been here often, and they are young men who are highly respected. A large crowd of people drove out to the scene of the accident in autos and rigs, coming from all directions, and the greatest sympathy was expressed for the sorrowing relatives and there were many eyes red from weeping.
After the two who were alive had been brought to the hospital here an examination was made and it was found that June Karger's skull had been fractured in four different places. After allowing her to recover from the shock as much as possible it was decided that an operation was necessary if her life was spared, and four inches of skull bone was removed. She stood the operation quite well but there was but small hopes that she could recover. It was found that the young man, Albert Bollier, had his right hip fractured, his face badly city, had received other bruises and later it was ascertained that he had sustained internal injuries to such an extent that it was thought that he could not live.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls will be held from the Chatsworth Baptist church at 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. the body of Charles Jobst was taken to Pontiac where the funeral will be held.
At the time of our going to press the condition of Miss June Karger is very low and there seems to be no hopes for her recovery. She has not regained consciousness. The condition of Albert Bollier is slightly improved and there is just a chance that he may recover, but still the doctors are not at all sanguine (sic) of this. The entire populace of the city and vicinity is awe stricken over the accident and it is the only subject of conversation and all are cast down over such a catastrophy happening in our midst.
FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
FUNERAL SATURDAY
LARGEST IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CITY OR SURROUNDING COUNRTY
THE INJURED ARE MAKING RAPID GAINS
MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AUTOMOBILES BROUGHT PEOPLE HER LAST SATURDAY TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE HAGAMAN SISTERS-VERY SAD OCCASION
DECEMBER 4, 1914
The sad accident which caused the death of the three Hagaman girls and Charles Jobst, of Pontiac, and the severely injuring of Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, still continues to be the one topic of conversation. The accident was so horrible in its outcome as to shock all and cause a great amount of feeling that it will take a long time to overcome.
The coroners jury was impaneled at Forrest on Friday morning by Coroner W.O. Myers and consisted of the following: Louis Wingfield, foreman; Walter S. Mahew, J.W. Jennings, William Kirk, H. Button and George Schwarswalder.
The crew of the passenger train had been summoned as witnesses. The first witness called was William DeVoe, of Pontiac, who was a passenger on the train. He stated that the first he knew of the accident was when the air brakes were set so hard as to cause a sudden jar and , upon looking out of the car window, he saw the wreck of an automobile and knew an accident had happened. As soon as the train stopped and backed up he stated that he got out and , with other passengers, gave what assistance he could. He also stated that he went with the train to Forrest after stretchers and went to the hotel and secured some sheets with which to cover the bodies.
The fireman of the passenger train was called and stated that he noticed the automobile on the highway some distance ahead of his train, going in the same direction as his train, but that in his opinion the driver of the automobile was not racing with the train, but was going at a fair rate of speed. When the auto was about 150 feet from the train he noticed the auto turn to make the crossing of the railroad track and that the driver did not shut down his speed, but kept on up the highway grade to the tracks which is very steep at that point and from his observation it was apparent that the occupants of the auto did not know that the train was approaching. As he saw them start toward the grade he called to the engineer that there was an automobile on the track, the engineer being on the opposite side of the cab from which the road was, could not see it. Previously the engineer had given the usual crossing signal, and on being notified by the fireman, whistled again. He stated that apparently the engine struck the auto just about the front wheels and the rear end of the auto was thrown toward the train which struck it and then forced it away from the track.
There was other testimony but it was along the same lines as the above and in accordance with the article published in the Plaindealer last week. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls was held from the First Baptist church here on Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.F. Schreiner preaching the funeral sermon, and it was a very sad occasion. The church, which was packed to its utmost capacity, would not held one-fourth the people present-there being at least 200 automobiles here besides the other rigs-and it was the largest funeral ever seen in this section of Illinois. People came from as far as fifty miles away to attend and extend their sympathy to the sorrowing family and it is estimated that at least 3000 people were present.
As the funeral cortege entered the church the casket holding the remains of Viola was first, the pall bearers being Francis Sneyd, Frank Hart, Ray Strawn, James Murtaugh, Clarence Shols and Emmet Roach, all members of her class and school mates and the Misses Ruth and Rachel Glabe, Madge Entwistle, Agnes Slater and Fern Schrock, members of her school class as honorary pall bearers. Following was the casket of Sarah, with Jerome Baldwin, Everett Strawn, Thomas Corbett, Wilmer Frobish, Milford Frobish and Harry Felt, all former school mates, acting in the capacity of pall bearers and following this was the casket of Lottie, with Elmer Kane, Martin Brown, Stephen Herr,Jr., Leo Garrity, John Fischer and James O'Malley, all former school mates, as pall bearers. Following the caskets came the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman, and then her half sisters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Melvin and Mrs. and Mrs. Grover Andrews, and then the other relatives and near friends. The three caskets were placed side by side in the church and were buried beneath a bank of flowers.
The music of the choir and the sermon by Rev. Schreiner was very appropriate and touching. The floral offerings were very profuse and showed the respect in which the young ladies were held in the community and were an expression of loving remembrance upon the part of friends. At the cemetery a vast concourse of people assembled and the services at the grave was very impressive. All that was mortal of those three young ladies was laid to rest in one grave, side by side, and when the last coffin was lowered there were but few dry eyes, and no higher tribute could have been paid to their popularity and the high esteem in which they were held.
This Friday morning we visited the hospital and through the kindness of Dr. Sloan, were allowed to see and talk with Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, and we found them both much improved, being rational and eager to converse, and the doctor informs me that without any complications setting in, they will recover. Neither knows of the injury to the other, or the fatality to the other members of the auto party, and no visitors are allowed with the exception of their friends and relatives.
LOTTIE HAGAMAN was born at Chenoa, Ill., on November 2, 1892, being 22 years and 24 days old at the time of death. When she was but a small child her parents moved to a farm south of Chatsworth and from there to the farm just west of this city and this vicinity was her continuous home. She attended the public schools and St. Patrick's Academy in this city and was the recipient of a teacher's certificate after she graduated. After leaving school she taught school for several years, and last year was teacher of the Grammer department of the Chatsworth public school, resigning this position to take up another vocation. Her's was a sunny and happy disposition and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances.
SARAH ELLEN HAGAMAN was born on a farm south of Chatsworth on July 9, 1894, and was 19 years, 4 months and 18 days old at the time of her demise. She was a student of the Chatsworth public schools and of St. Patrick's Academy and obtained a teachers' certificate after graduating from the eighth grad. She had taught school for the past several years. She was at one time teacher of the school at Wing but, owing to illness, was compelled to resign this position. At the time of death she was teaching what is known as the Murtaugh school, northwest of this city. She was a genial and sociable young lady and had a host of friends in this community.
VIOLA MAY HAGAMAN or, as she was more familiarly known among her associates, "Babe: was the youngest child of the family ]. She was born at Chatsworth on May 5, 1897, being 17 years, 6 months and 22 days old at the time of death. She was a member of the senior class of the Chatsworth High School and would have graduated next June.
After completing her eighth grade she also obtained a teacher's certificate and intended teaching as soon as she had graduated. She also had but a few more lessons to take and would have then graduated in music, being an excellent performer upon the piano. She was a very pleasant young lady and was a pronounced favorite among her schoolmates and the younger people and, like her elder sisters, was highly respected in the community.
CHARLES E. JOBST was born in Chicago on September 6, 1889. He came to Pontiac with his parents when about seven years of age. He was educated in the Pontiac schools. For twelve he had been a trusted employee of the A. M. Legg Shoe company and at the time of death was at the head of the shipping department. He was a very popular young man of Pontiac, was a member of the Pontiac Men's Christian Association and the Knights of Columbus of Pontiac, had for a number of years been a member of the Pontiac "Midget" baseball team and was identified with other athletics. He was absolutely trustworthy in every capacity and his employers placed absolute trust in him.
The funeral was held from St. Mary's Catholic church at Pontiac on Sunday morning, Rev. J.H. Cannon officiating at 10 o'clock solemn high mass, and the body laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery at Pontiac. There was a very large attendance, the capacity of the church being taxed to accommodate those who came to pay respects to the departed. Several from Chatsworth were in attendance at the funeral, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman and Daughter, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Garrity.
HORRIBLE ACCIDENT
FOUR WELL KNOW YOUNG PEOPLE KILLED OUTRIGHT AND TWO SERIOUSLY INJURED
AUTO STRUCK BY PASSENGER TRAIN
ACCIDENT HAPPENED THREE MILES WEST OF CHATSWORTH YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
INJURED NOT EXPECTED TO LIVE-FUNERAL TOMORROW
NOVEMBER 27, 1914
The worst automobile accident that ever happened in this section of the country occurred yesterday afternoon at about 1:30 o'clock, when the west bound T. P. & W. passenger train hit an auto at a grade crossing three miles west of Chatsworth, killing four persons outright and severely injuring two others. Those killed outright were Lottie, Sarah and Viola Hagaman, the three youngest daughters of John Hagaman, a farmer residing just at the outskirts of the city, and Charles Jobst, a young man of Pontiac. The injured were Miss June Karger, a clerk in the Star Store here and Albert Bollier, a young man of Forrest.
The party were on their way to the home of J. R. Melvin, living northwest of town, Mrs. Melvin being formerly Miss Blanche Hagaman, where they were to partake of their Thanksgiving dinner, and from there they were going to Pontiac to attend a dance in the evening. They were riding in the Bollier car and Albert Bollier was driving. Some of the side curtains being on and the car partially enclosed. Just how the accident happened no one knows, but it is presumed that, owing the to side curtains being on and a strong wind blowing at the time, they did not hear the approaching train.
They had been going west, parallel with the track, the wagon road being only a few feet south of the railroad track at that point so it is difficult to see an approaching train here. From the appearances of the conditions immediately after the accident it would seem that young Bollier saw the train coming and made an effort to stop the auto, at any rate the train crew state that the front wheels of the car were on the track when they first saw it and that the car seemed to be at a standstill. When the train struck the auto it threw it to the south of the track and about 70 feet to the west of the wagon road, and about 25 to 30 feet from the track. The auto was a perfect wreck, nothing being left but a lot of scrap iron.
The bodies of Viola Hagaman and Albert Bollier were lying near the ruins of the auto; that of Sarah Hagaman was lying a short distance farther west and close to the rail; so badly mangles that it was beyond recognition; the bodies of Lottie Hagaman and Charles Jobst were lying close to the rails and but a short distance from the wagon road and June Karger was lying at the edge of the wagon road and farther to the east than any of the others. It is thought that June must have tried to jump from the car, or was thrown out before any of the others were thrown out, while Sarah Hagaman must have been thrown against the train and dragged some distance.
It was an awful sight to see so many mangled bodies lying on the ground and there were many who would not look upon the sight. Emmet Roach and Miller Frobish were returning from Forrest in the Roach auto and were but a short distance from the accident when it occurred and Emmet came direct to Chatsworth after medical assistance and when the new reached here a number of autos immediately started for the scene. After the arrival of a doctor June Karger and Albert Bollier were picked up and brought to the Chatsworth Hospital. The passenger train, after stopping and backing up to the scene of the accident, and leaving a flagman, was run to Forrest where the deputy coroner was notified, cots secured to carry the bodies on and then the train was backed up to where the accident happened and the dead bodies placed aboard and taken to Forrest where the inquest was held.
The accident cast a gloom over the entire community as all the girls in the accident were among the best known young ladies of the community and had a host of friends here, while the young men are quite well known, both having been here often, and they are young men who are highly respected. A large crowd of people drove out to the scene of the accident in autos and rigs, coming from all directions, and the greatest sympathy was expressed for the sorrowing relatives and there were many eyes red from weeping.
After the two who were alive had been brought to the hospital here an examination was made and it was found that June Karger's skull had been fractured in four different places. After allowing her to recover from the shock as much as possible it was decided that an operation was necessary if her life was spared, and four inches of skull bone was removed. She stood the operation quite well but there was but small hopes that she could recover. It was found that the young man, Albert Bollier, had his right hip fractured, his face badly city, had received other bruises and later it was ascertained that he had sustained internal injuries to such an extent that it was thought that he could not live.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls will be held from the Chatsworth Baptist church at 1:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. the body of Charles Jobst was taken to Pontiac where the funeral will be held.
At the time of our going to press the condition of Miss June Karger is very low and there seems to be no hopes for her recovery. She has not regained consciousness. The condition of Albert Bollier is slightly improved and there is just a chance that he may recover, but still the doctors are not at all sanguine (sic) of this. The entire populace of the city and vicinity is awe stricken over the accident and it is the only subject of conversation and all are cast down over such a catastrophy happening in our midst.
FROM THE CHATSWORTH PLAINDEALER
FUNERAL SATURDAY
LARGEST IN THE HISTORY OF THIS CITY OR SURROUNDING COUNRTY
THE INJURED ARE MAKING RAPID GAINS
MORE THAN TWO HUNDRED AUTOMOBILES BROUGHT PEOPLE HER LAST SATURDAY TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF THE HAGAMAN SISTERS-VERY SAD OCCASION
DECEMBER 4, 1914
The sad accident which caused the death of the three Hagaman girls and Charles Jobst, of Pontiac, and the severely injuring of Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, still continues to be the one topic of conversation. The accident was so horrible in its outcome as to shock all and cause a great amount of feeling that it will take a long time to overcome.
The coroners jury was impaneled at Forrest on Friday morning by Coroner W.O. Myers and consisted of the following: Louis Wingfield, foreman; Walter S. Mahew, J.W. Jennings, William Kirk, H. Button and George Schwarswalder.
The crew of the passenger train had been summoned as witnesses. The first witness called was William DeVoe, of Pontiac, who was a passenger on the train. He stated that the first he knew of the accident was when the air brakes were set so hard as to cause a sudden jar and , upon looking out of the car window, he saw the wreck of an automobile and knew an accident had happened. As soon as the train stopped and backed up he stated that he got out and , with other passengers, gave what assistance he could. He also stated that he went with the train to Forrest after stretchers and went to the hotel and secured some sheets with which to cover the bodies.
The fireman of the passenger train was called and stated that he noticed the automobile on the highway some distance ahead of his train, going in the same direction as his train, but that in his opinion the driver of the automobile was not racing with the train, but was going at a fair rate of speed. When the auto was about 150 feet from the train he noticed the auto turn to make the crossing of the railroad track and that the driver did not shut down his speed, but kept on up the highway grade to the tracks which is very steep at that point and from his observation it was apparent that the occupants of the auto did not know that the train was approaching. As he saw them start toward the grade he called to the engineer that there was an automobile on the track, the engineer being on the opposite side of the cab from which the road was, could not see it. Previously the engineer had given the usual crossing signal, and on being notified by the fireman, whistled again. He stated that apparently the engine struck the auto just about the front wheels and the rear end of the auto was thrown toward the train which struck it and then forced it away from the track.
There was other testimony but it was along the same lines as the above and in accordance with the article published in the Plaindealer last week. The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
The funeral of the three Hagaman girls was held from the First Baptist church here on Saturday afternoon, Rev. H.F. Schreiner preaching the funeral sermon, and it was a very sad occasion. The church, which was packed to its utmost capacity, would not held one-fourth the people present-there being at least 200 automobiles here besides the other rigs-and it was the largest funeral ever seen in this section of Illinois. People came from as far as fifty miles away to attend and extend their sympathy to the sorrowing family and it is estimated that at least 3000 people were present.
As the funeral cortege entered the church the casket holding the remains of Viola was first, the pall bearers being Francis Sneyd, Frank Hart, Ray Strawn, James Murtaugh, Clarence Shols and Emmet Roach, all members of her class and school mates and the Misses Ruth and Rachel Glabe, Madge Entwistle, Agnes Slater and Fern Schrock, members of her school class as honorary pall bearers. Following was the casket of Sarah, with Jerome Baldwin, Everett Strawn, Thomas Corbett, Wilmer Frobish, Milford Frobish and Harry Felt, all former school mates, acting in the capacity of pall bearers and following this was the casket of Lottie, with Elmer Kane, Martin Brown, Stephen Herr,Jr., Leo Garrity, John Fischer and James O'Malley, all former school mates, as pall bearers. Following the caskets came the parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman, and then her half sisters and their husbands, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Melvin and Mrs. and Mrs. Grover Andrews, and then the other relatives and near friends. The three caskets were placed side by side in the church and were buried beneath a bank of flowers.
The music of the choir and the sermon by Rev. Schreiner was very appropriate and touching. The floral offerings were very profuse and showed the respect in which the young ladies were held in the community and were an expression of loving remembrance upon the part of friends. At the cemetery a vast concourse of people assembled and the services at the grave was very impressive. All that was mortal of those three young ladies was laid to rest in one grave, side by side, and when the last coffin was lowered there were but few dry eyes, and no higher tribute could have been paid to their popularity and the high esteem in which they were held.
This Friday morning we visited the hospital and through the kindness of Dr. Sloan, were allowed to see and talk with Miss June Karger and Alfred Bollier, and we found them both much improved, being rational and eager to converse, and the doctor informs me that without any complications setting in, they will recover. Neither knows of the injury to the other, or the fatality to the other members of the auto party, and no visitors are allowed with the exception of their friends and relatives.
LOTTIE HAGAMAN was born at Chenoa, Ill., on November 2, 1892, being 22 years and 24 days old at the time of death. When she was but a small child her parents moved to a farm south of Chatsworth and from there to the farm just west of this city and this vicinity was her continuous home. She attended the public schools and St. Patrick's Academy in this city and was the recipient of a teacher's certificate after she graduated. After leaving school she taught school for several years, and last year was teacher of the Grammer department of the Chatsworth public school, resigning this position to take up another vocation. Her's was a sunny and happy disposition and her friends were numbered by her acquaintances.
SARAH ELLEN HAGAMAN was born on a farm south of Chatsworth on July 9, 1894, and was 19 years, 4 months and 18 days old at the time of her demise. She was a student of the Chatsworth public schools and of St. Patrick's Academy and obtained a teachers' certificate after graduating from the eighth grad. She had taught school for the past several years. She was at one time teacher of the school at Wing but, owing to illness, was compelled to resign this position. At the time of death she was teaching what is known as the Murtaugh school, northwest of this city. She was a genial and sociable young lady and had a host of friends in this community.
VIOLA MAY HAGAMAN or, as she was more familiarly known among her associates, "Babe: was the youngest child of the family ]. She was born at Chatsworth on May 5, 1897, being 17 years, 6 months and 22 days old at the time of death. She was a member of the senior class of the Chatsworth High School and would have graduated next June.
After completing her eighth grade she also obtained a teacher's certificate and intended teaching as soon as she had graduated. She also had but a few more lessons to take and would have then graduated in music, being an excellent performer upon the piano. She was a very pleasant young lady and was a pronounced favorite among her schoolmates and the younger people and, like her elder sisters, was highly respected in the community.
CHARLES E. JOBST was born in Chicago on September 6, 1889. He came to Pontiac with his parents when about seven years of age. He was educated in the Pontiac schools. For twelve he had been a trusted employee of the A. M. Legg Shoe company and at the time of death was at the head of the shipping department. He was a very popular young man of Pontiac, was a member of the Pontiac Men's Christian Association and the Knights of Columbus of Pontiac, had for a number of years been a member of the Pontiac "Midget" baseball team and was identified with other athletics. He was absolutely trustworthy in every capacity and his employers placed absolute trust in him.
The funeral was held from St. Mary's Catholic church at Pontiac on Sunday morning, Rev. J.H. Cannon officiating at 10 o'clock solemn high mass, and the body laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery at Pontiac. There was a very large attendance, the capacity of the church being taxed to accommodate those who came to pay respects to the departed. Several from Chatsworth were in attendance at the funeral, among whom were Mr. and Mrs. John Hagaman and Daughter, Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Garrity.
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