The death certificate of Jacob F. Werner, of Lykens, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, indicates he died on March 10, 1924, and that he was “killed by train; head crushed,” and the death was “accidental.” Werner was a retired shoemaker of Lykens who had also worked at the collieries and conducted both a grocery store and shoe store in the town. His son, Fred Werner, was a partner at the box factory in Lykens, near the railroad tracks where Jacob’s body was found.
A newspaper article appeared on March 14, 1924, in the Lykens Standard, described the death in a more gruesome way:
JACOB WERNER, ON WAY TO POTTSVILLE, THROWN UNDER MOVING TRAIN; DECAPITATED
With his head badly crushed from the Philadelphia and Reading train passing over him, the body of Jacob F. Werner was found along the tracks of that company and in rear of the box factory at this place Monday morning.
Mr. Werner retired Sunday evening in his usual health but did not complain of being ill, altho he spoke thru-out the day of visiting his sister at Pottsville. Monday morning after his son Fred Werner, with whom he resided, had gone to work at Lehr & Werner Box Factory, Mrs. Werner heard her father-in-law go out the house at about 5:15 A. M. and thought he was going to the factory to his son, which he did on numerous occasions.
At about 6:00 A. M., John Beistline, while on his way to the colliery saw the body of a man lying along the tracks, and went into the factory and told Fred Werner about it. He and Beistline went to the scene and neither were able to identify the person because of the head being badly mutilated. Werner at once went to William L. Sansom, Squire, and notified him of the body being found, and he in turn gave advice that the coroner should be notified. in the meantime Miss Elizabeth Fetterhoff notified James D. Helt, Deputy Coroner, who went to the scene of the accident.
Fred Werner, after notifying Sansom went to his home and inquired where his father was. Mrs. Werner stated that she thought he was at the factory. Investigation was immediately made and from clothing worn, and papers in the pockets of his clothing, the dead man was identified as Jacob Werner.
James D. Helt, Deputy Coroner, and member of the Reiff & Helt undertaking establishment of this place, took charge of the body and prepared it for burial.
The accident occurred when the 5:20 A. M. train left this place [Lykens] Monday morning as miners who boarded the train but two minutes before it left, had passed the spot of the accident, and the body was found before the next train arrived. Evidence leads to the belief that Mr. Werner intended going to Pottsville to visit his sister, Mrs. Jacob Harstein and tried to board the train while it was in motion, was thrown under the wheels and crushed. He had clothing on in which he traveled; had the addresses of his sister and niece in Pottsville in his pocket, and an ample supply of money to make the trip.
Several bruises on his body also indicated he was struck by the train and thrown under the wheels which passed over the head about the center of the face.
A coroner’s inquest in the cause of death was held by Deputy Coroner James D. Helt, Tuesday afternoon and a verdict of “accidental death” was announced.
Jacob Frederick Werner, was born in Witenberg [sic], Germany, March 17, 1853, and came to American 52 years ago, settling in Lykens. During his life he worked mostly at his trade as cobbler, but on various occasions was employed at the colliery, and also conducted a grocery store and shoe store here.
November 29, 1874, he married Margaret Kolva who preceded him in death ten years. Since the death of his wife, Mr. Werner made his residence with his children. Surviving are the following: John Werner, Paul Werner and Fred Werner, of this place; Mayme Byerly (Mrs. William Byerly), of Wiconisco; Charles Werner of Philadelphia; and Margaret Swab (Mrs. Harvey E. Swab) of Harrisburg; also one sister, Mrs. Jacob Harstein of Pottsville.
Fraternally he was a member of Lykens Lodge, Knights of Pythias, No. 106; Wiconisco Lodge No. 533, I. O. O. F.; and Lykens Lodge F. A. U. The I. O. O. F had charge of the funeral which was held from the home of Fred Werner Wednesday afternoon, services being conducted by the Rev. A. H. Klick of St. John’s Lutheran Church, after which burial was made in the Odd Fellows’ Cemetery.
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News article from Newspapers.com. Pennsylvania Death Certificate from Ancestry.com.
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