From the Elizabethville Echo of 29 March 1900 came the news of a fatal accident along the railroad tracks at Elizabethville, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania:
A very sad accident occurred on the Lykens Valley Railroad,at this place [Elizabethville], on Wednesday afternoon, in which Joseph Keen, one of the oldest citizens of this community lost his life. Mr. Keen had been to the post office and was returning to his home at Conrad Keilman’s immediately east of town, when he was struck by Day’s train coming west, and was instantly killed. He was walking upon the ends of the sills, and being partially deaf, it is supposed he did not hear the oncoming train until it was upon him. He was carried about thirty feet and was thrown upon the side track of Buffington and Enders, with his scull crushed, and his neck broken. He was eighty four years of age on the fourth of July last and has been a resident of this plac for more than sixty years. The old gentleman was a familiar figure upon our streets, and each one has a kind word for him.
Coroner Krause came to town this morning and held an inquest. The jury, consisting of Attorney M. E. Stroup, B. W. Romberger, A. P. Buffington, Dr. C.. B. Stroup, Charles Koppenhaver, and A. H. Smith, after hearing several witnesses, rendered a verdict in accordance with the facts in the case.
The deceased was the father of Mrs. Keilman of this place, and Joseph Keen Jr., of Millersburg.
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