GILLIS, Elbert - Fountain County INGenWeb Project

Seldom if ever does the Veedersburg News go to press without recording the death of some of its subscribers, friends and loyal supporters. Today it is our sad lot to chronicle the most unfortunate demise of Elbert Gillis, a fellow townsman and a personal friend. The accident that resulted in Mr. Gillis' death occurred at the factory of the Veedersburg Paver Company about 3 o'clock p.m. Monday of this week. And the facts as nearly as we can ascertain them at this time are about as follows. The cars of shale when run in on the factory's switch are shoved through the dumping shed onto a part of the switch that extends south beyond the shed and at an include sufficient that when the breaks are off the cars will run back again to the dumping shed on their own weight. It was Mr. Gillis' duty as an employee of the company to board these cars, loosen the break, let the cars back to the dumping shed and set the break again where the shale is to be dumped. It was while in the discharge of this duty that the accident occurred; in letting loose the break it is thought that Mr. Gillis allowed it to turn further than he intended and when he went to set it again he gave the wheel a wrench and having to turn it further than he expected, became overbalanced and fell to the track striking the railing on his abdomen. He was found unconscious. Dr. WH Ross was called and at first it was thought that since no bones were broken the accident would not be fatal. But a specialist was called from Crawfordsville and after thoroughly examining it was found that the ?? crushed and that internal hemorrhaging would soon result fatally and that an operation could bring no relief. Mr. Gillis died at his home Tuesday evening at 4 o'clock. Elbert Gillis, the son of George and Susan Gillis was born near Alamo in Montgomery County of this state on the 26th day of May 1865 being at the time of his death 49 years 5 months and 15 days. He was married in 1883 to Mary Applegate to this union was born one daughter, Freida who is now 18. The family came to this city about 15 years ago and Mr. Gillis became an employee of the Old Wabash Clay factory where he has found constant employment ever since. About 8 years ago Mr. Gillis sustained a broken ankle while working at the factory and was a cripple for several months. He is survived by his widow; Mrs. Mary Gillis and his daughter, Miss Freda, both of this city; also by his father, one brother and one sister, two half brothers and 3 half sisters and a host of friends. He became a member of the United Brethren Church about 8 years ago. Mr. Gillis lived an honorable upright life always ready to render service in time of need. His soul was filled with sunshine ever ready to forgive and forget, never losing an opportunity to help a neighbor and a friend and all those who came to him for assistance. He was a devoted husband and father, his one great thought and desire being to make a happy home. Funeral services were held from the UB Church at 1:30 Thursday conducted by the pastor, Rev HW Robbins. Interment at Rockfield Cemetery. --kz