Field - Ella - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

About 6 o’clock Sunday evening, Aug. 9, Miss Ella Field, formerly of this city, while crossing the Rock Island railroad tracks at Normal Park, Ills., on her way home from the city, was struck by the out coming limited express train on that road at the Park Station, sustaining injuries from which she died Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11:15 a.m.  Miss Field was a teacher and artist by profession, her art work being in the line of landscape painting. She had pursued her studies and work in Chicago the larger portion of her time during the last few years. Several weeks ago, with a view of spending the heated term there and taking some needed rest, she sought the quiet of the beautiful suburb, Normal Park, where she was making her home at the time of the sad accident which caused her death. The circumstances connected with the accident are these: On Sunday afternoon she went to the city to call on some relatives who were visiting in the city from Marietta, O., and to see them off on their return trip. In the evening she returned to Normal Park on a cable car and alighted just opposite the Rock Island depot. A long freight train was passing at the time, and she had to wait until it passed before crossing the double track at that point. After it had passed she stepped across the tracks and was just in the act of stepping on the depot platform when she was struck by the engine of the fast express which was coming down the inner track at a lightning speed. The noise made by the freight prevented her from haring the express, and the express being on the other side of the freight could not be seen. She was struck on the right arm and side, crushing the arm and shoulder and breaking many ribs loose from the spinal column. As soon as possible she was removed to her rooms, nearby, and all was done that medicine and surgical aid could do, but without avail. She was unconscious most at the time until she died.  The first relative who reached her was Walter Hogan, who telegraphed others. Mr. O. S. Douglas, of Covington, Ind., and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wilcox, of this city, who were in Winterset, Ia., at the time, hastened to her side, but were not able to do more than prepare her body for burial. An inquest was held by the coroner and a jury, who, after hearing the testimony of witnesses, returned a verdict that her death was the result of gross carelessness on the part of the railroad.  The funeral occurred at 2 o’clock p.m. Thursday, the 13th, from the residence of Col. Wilcox, at the corner of Hill and State Streets, this city. It was a sad funeral and was attended by a host of friends. Many relatives from abroad were present. The service, which was short, but touching, was conducted by Prof. N. Butler.—Champaign Gazette.  Miss Field mentioned above was a cousin of Mrs. I. N. Morgan, of this city. She had many friends here and the recital of her tragic death will be read with painful interest. -s