Scott - Elbert - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Last evening word was circulated over the city like wild fire in a field that Elbert Scott, son of Uriah Scott, had been killed by the cars at Wilders, on the Kankakee River.

A telegram had been received by Wm. M. Scott, stating that Elbert was dead, and for him to come up on the night train and bring a casket. Also O. M. Gregg was requested to locate Mr. Scott, father of Elbert, and inform him of the sad affair. Mr. Scott was reached at Gibson City, Ills., and immediately started home. W. M. Scott went on the night train to Wilders, accompanied by C. M. Scott, who arrived there at 6 o’clock. They wired back that they would arrive upon the afternoon train today.

The accident happened at Wilders, and came about under these circumstances: He was in the habit of riding up to the post office, from where the train stops at the cottages, to get the mail. Yesterday when the passenger going north started up, he was not right at the train and running he caught the car railing and jumped on the front steps of the baggage car. He got on the train all right, but before he could swing himself clear, he was struck in the back by a railing that runs from the cottages to the railroad—something similar to the fence of a common cattle guard. This knocked him from the car step and under the moving train, the train then being upon the Kankakee River Bridge. Several persons witnessed the accident, and soon a large crowd was gathered around, but from the nature of the accident it was evident that he lived but a very short time, and never knew what hurt him. The wounds upon his body showed that the train had cut his left leg in two in two parts, from his toes to the hip, a large hole had been made in his back, his head was badly bruised, his back was broken and his left shoulder crushed. Mrs. Scott was there very soon after the accident and bore up under the terrible ordeal in a wonderful manner. The oldest son had gone to Michigan City to purchase supplies, returning at midnight. Elbert was a favorite with every person at or near Wilders.

The funeral will occur tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock at the residence, and will be conducted by Rev. G. W. Switzer, in case he can be here.

Elbert Scott is the second son of Uriah M. Scott and wife, who reside on West College Street. The family has been at Wilders, on the Kankakee, for two or three weeks enjoying an outing and fishing. Elbert was just coming into manhood, and was a favorite with everybody, being honest, open hearted and kind, and of a generous and amiable nature. He has been a carrier boy on The Journal for many months, and was very careful in his work. He was 15 years old.