CAR MAN'S NECK BROKEN IN FALL
Charles H. McKinney, Motorman on People's Traction Car, is Killed
SHOCK THROWS HIM FROM ROOF
Climbed on Top of Car to Mend Broken Trolley Rope - Falls Into Hedge Fence
Charles McKinney of 833 Monmouth Boulevard, was killed this afternoon two miles this side of Abingdon when he attempted to mend the trolley rope on a People's Traction car.
The car left Galesburg for Abingdon shortly after 11:30. About 12:20 while opposite Watson's dairy farm the trolley rope broke. The motorman and conductor climbed on the roof of the car to make repairs. While thus engaged McKinney received an electric shock, which caused him to lose his balance and to fall from the top of the car. He was thrown into a hedge fence.
A dozen passengers and the conductor, G.E. Mills, hurried to the assistance of the motorman. He was unconscious. Some thought that the shock had killed him and others that the shock had only thrown him from the car and that he had broken his neck.
A physician was hurriedly summoned and he came full speed with a pulmotor. For an hour and a half the doctor and volunteers worked over the body but their efforts failed to revive the stricken motorman.
Dr. George E. Maley, who attended the stricken motorman, brought the body in his automobile to Horton and Foley's at 2:08 o'clock. The doctor said that McKinney's neck was broken, the fall being sufficient to cause death. There were only a few slight discolorings on the back of the neck. There were very slight signs of life when they started working with the pulmotor. At no time the doctor said was there much hope of reviving him.
LEAVES WIDOW AND 2 CHILDREN
Mr. McKinney was a man about 40 years of age. He has been a resident of Galesburg for several years and leaves a wife, a son and an adopted daughter. The family is well known in Galesburg and the death comes as a great shock to the many friends here.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 2, 1916
FUNERAL OF C.H. M'KINNEY AUG. 5
Funeral services for the late Charles H. McKinney, the People's Traction Company motorman who was accidentally killed yesterday afternoon while engaged in the discharge of his duty, will be held at the home of the deceased, 882 Monmouth Boulevard, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. The body will be taken to Henderson for burial, where another short service will be held at 3 o'clock. Dr. L.F. Dimmitt, pastor of the First Methodist Church, of which Mr. McKinney had been an active member, will have charge of the services.
Charles H. McKinney was born November 10, 1876, in New Boston, Missouri. He spent his early days on a farm with his parents, living on different farms in Iowa and Minnesota until the time of his marriage. On April 14, 1902 he married Miss Minnie Henwood of Marinsburg, Iowa. The marriage took place in Sigourney, IA. Thirteen years ago the couple came to Galesburg where Mr. McKinney had been connected with the Peoples Traction Company prior to his death.
Besides Mrs. McKinney, two sons and a daughter survive to mourn the loss. They are Ida May McKinney and George McKinney of Galesburg and Everett L. McKinney of Twitty, Texas. Mr. McKinney leaves two sisters, Viola Shaffer of New Boston, Missouri and May Christianson of Minneapolis, MN, and brother, John E. McKinney of Rail, Oklahoma. His father, Elijah McKinney and stepmother, Mrs. Mary McKinney, both of Roll, also survive, in addition to many friends in the neighborhoods where he had made his home.
Mr. McKinney was a member of the Methodist Church of Galesburg and also of the local order of Modern Woodmen.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 3, 1916
INQUEST OVER M'KINNEY DEATH
Coroner's Jury Investigates Fatal Accident to Motorman
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAUSED FALL
Evidence Substantiated the Story Published in Evening Mail - Neck Was Broken
TAKE 1 - INQUEST
The coroner's inquest into the death of Charles H. McKinney, who was killed while on his run on the People's Traction Company near Abingdon Wednesday afternoon, were unable to decide from the evidence presented whether Mr. McKinney came to his death as a direct result of the electric shock received from the wire or from the fall from the car after the shock was received.
THE VERDICT
The following verdict was rendered by the jurymen after nearly a half hour of consultation:
We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Charles H. McKinney on oath do find that he came to his death as a result of an electric shock from a wire while working with a trolley pole on the top of one of the cars of the People's Traction Company about 1 1/2 miles north of Abingdon about 12:20 p.m. on August 2, 1916, which shock either produced death by electrocution or caused a fall which resulted in his death.
(signed) R.C. WOOLSEY, Foreman, G.E. TEMPLE, R.M. VIRTUE, R.H. STONER, DR. JOHN BOHAN, JOHN CARROLL
THE EVIDENCE
Dr. C.B. Ripley took charge of the inquest in the absence of Coroner G.S. Bower and the following evidence was placed before the jury:
Charles West, first witness, testified as follows:
"I got a message near 1 o'clock that Mr. McKinney had been seriously injured on People's Traction line. We went to the scene of the accident and found Dr. George Maley and Dr. Bradway of Abingdon working over the body. The accident took place 1-4 miles north of Cherry Grove, near Watson Farm. Mr. Mills said they were fixing the trolley pole and heard a noise. When he looked up he saw Mr. McKinney fall from the car. I saw Dr. Maley shake Mr. McKinney's neck back and forth, showing it to be broken. If he had taken hold of the trolley wire and trolley pole while the air motor was on, the shock would have been slight and would have thrown back. We carry voltage of about 500. The shock would have startled him and he might have fallen backward from the car. The only current he could have received would have had a maximum voltage of 500, not sufficient to kill him. There was no chance for him to receive the full 600 volts. We examine men when we employ them but I don't know whether or not Mr. McKinney was ever examined.
George E. Mills, conductor on the car, testified as follows:
"The accident happened about 12:20 o'clock. We were going south and the trolley flew off, breaking the rope. He stopped the car and we saw that pole was badly bent. We took pole off and bent it straight and went on top of car to put the pole back in the rack. We were holding the pole in the air. I felt a shock, sufficient to scare me but not to burn my hand, and heard a groan. When I looked around he was falling through the air. I don't know where the shock could have come from. McKinney had hold of the pole with both hands. The poles carry the feed wire. The high voltage wire runs about the feed wire. I have been with the company for about five years.
The pole dropped onto the top of the car and laid there after McKinney fell. I do not know whether or not he was dead when I saw him soon after the accident, if we had raised the trolley pole, which is 13 feet, 6 inches long, up high enough, it could have touched the high tension wire. He seemed to be a man of sound heart and good in general health. I think it was the shock that caused the death."
Mr. West, re-called, said:
"I don't believe they could have reached the high tension wire with the pole. It is about 15 feet from the top of the car to the high tension wire, which carries 16,500 volts. I saw a charred place on one of the shoes of the deceased."
SHOCK NOT STRONG ENOUGH
M.H. Frank, operating engineer for the local company, said: "I don't think a shock could have been received sufficient to cause death. The burn on the shoe are no evidence that death was caused by the current. From the current Mills got, I don't see how McKinney could have gotten enough to kill him."
Wm. A. Rothgeb corroborated West's testimony. "It is my belief that sufficient current could not have been received to kill Mr. McKinney. I think that if he had been shocked enough to kill him, the burns on his body would have been more serious than they were."
PHYSICIAN'S STORY
Dr. George Maley said: "I was called at 12:20 o'clock yesterday to a place close to the Watson Farm, where a man had been electrocuted. It took me about 20 minutes to make the trip. I found the man at the north end of the street car. I applied the pulmotor and continued for about 1 1/2 hours. I administered three hypodermics and 1/30 grain of strychnine. At no time was I positive of any heart beats although at times I was doubtful. After about 1 1/2 hours work with the pulmotor, I pronounced him dead. There was a small indentation in the ground where he had fallen."
NECK WAS BROKEN
"I then examined the body and am of the opinion that his neck was broken. The only positive diagnosis to show the condition of the neck would be an autopsy. I do not think he was dead when he fell."
Mrs. Lottie P. Hampton of Abingdon, a passenger on the car and a personal friend of Mr. McKinney said, "When the body fell, we thought it was the trolley pole, which had fallen once before. He looked to me as though he was not dead when I first saw him. Dr. Bradway was the first to arrive. Dr. Bradway covered McKinney's face but worked with him after that. It was about 20 minutes after he fell from the car before his face showed signs of discoloration."
Mrs. Nettie A. Johnson, also a passenger on the car, corroborated the testimony of Mrs. Hampton.
ANOTHER PASSENGER
George Goff, a passenger on the car, told practically the same story as the other witnesses. He said, "I saw Mr. McKinney fall and was the first one to reach him. He was practically standing on his head. His head was doubled under his left shoulder and his feet were in the hedge. I raised him and straightened his head out. With 3 or 4 other men we carried him to the end of the car into the shade. We worked with him until the doctor came. I don't think he breathed any while we worked with him. He gasped a couple of times when I first reached him. I think the trolley pole could have reached the high tension wire with little difficulty.
"When he started to fall he made no effort to catch his balance or jump to safety."
W.B. Horton testified that Mr. McKinney's neck was broken. "It was loose jointed and wiggled from side to side," he said.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 4, 1916
BURIAL IN HENDERSON
The remains of Charles H. McKinney, the motorman who was killed at Abingdon Wednesday were taken to Henderson this afternoon following funeral services which were held at the home, 833 Monmouth Boulevard, at one o'clock. Rev. L.P. ... of the First Methodist Church, was in charge. A male quartet from the Methodist Church furnished the music. The Modern Woodmen lodge served as the pallbearers.
A service took place at the Methodist Church at Henderson at 2 o'clock. Rev. Joe Bell officiating. Interment was made in the Henderson Cemetery.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 5, 1916
Charles H. McKinney, Motorman on People's Traction Car, is Killed
SHOCK THROWS HIM FROM ROOF
Climbed on Top of Car to Mend Broken Trolley Rope - Falls Into Hedge Fence
Charles McKinney of 833 Monmouth Boulevard, was killed this afternoon two miles this side of Abingdon when he attempted to mend the trolley rope on a People's Traction car.
The car left Galesburg for Abingdon shortly after 11:30. About 12:20 while opposite Watson's dairy farm the trolley rope broke. The motorman and conductor climbed on the roof of the car to make repairs. While thus engaged McKinney received an electric shock, which caused him to lose his balance and to fall from the top of the car. He was thrown into a hedge fence.
A dozen passengers and the conductor, G.E. Mills, hurried to the assistance of the motorman. He was unconscious. Some thought that the shock had killed him and others that the shock had only thrown him from the car and that he had broken his neck.
A physician was hurriedly summoned and he came full speed with a pulmotor. For an hour and a half the doctor and volunteers worked over the body but their efforts failed to revive the stricken motorman.
Dr. George E. Maley, who attended the stricken motorman, brought the body in his automobile to Horton and Foley's at 2:08 o'clock. The doctor said that McKinney's neck was broken, the fall being sufficient to cause death. There were only a few slight discolorings on the back of the neck. There were very slight signs of life when they started working with the pulmotor. At no time the doctor said was there much hope of reviving him.
LEAVES WIDOW AND 2 CHILDREN
Mr. McKinney was a man about 40 years of age. He has been a resident of Galesburg for several years and leaves a wife, a son and an adopted daughter. The family is well known in Galesburg and the death comes as a great shock to the many friends here.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 2, 1916
FUNERAL OF C.H. M'KINNEY AUG. 5
Funeral services for the late Charles H. McKinney, the People's Traction Company motorman who was accidentally killed yesterday afternoon while engaged in the discharge of his duty, will be held at the home of the deceased, 882 Monmouth Boulevard, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. The body will be taken to Henderson for burial, where another short service will be held at 3 o'clock. Dr. L.F. Dimmitt, pastor of the First Methodist Church, of which Mr. McKinney had been an active member, will have charge of the services.
Charles H. McKinney was born November 10, 1876, in New Boston, Missouri. He spent his early days on a farm with his parents, living on different farms in Iowa and Minnesota until the time of his marriage. On April 14, 1902 he married Miss Minnie Henwood of Marinsburg, Iowa. The marriage took place in Sigourney, IA. Thirteen years ago the couple came to Galesburg where Mr. McKinney had been connected with the Peoples Traction Company prior to his death.
Besides Mrs. McKinney, two sons and a daughter survive to mourn the loss. They are Ida May McKinney and George McKinney of Galesburg and Everett L. McKinney of Twitty, Texas. Mr. McKinney leaves two sisters, Viola Shaffer of New Boston, Missouri and May Christianson of Minneapolis, MN, and brother, John E. McKinney of Rail, Oklahoma. His father, Elijah McKinney and stepmother, Mrs. Mary McKinney, both of Roll, also survive, in addition to many friends in the neighborhoods where he had made his home.
Mr. McKinney was a member of the Methodist Church of Galesburg and also of the local order of Modern Woodmen.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 3, 1916
INQUEST OVER M'KINNEY DEATH
Coroner's Jury Investigates Fatal Accident to Motorman
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAUSED FALL
Evidence Substantiated the Story Published in Evening Mail - Neck Was Broken
TAKE 1 - INQUEST
The coroner's inquest into the death of Charles H. McKinney, who was killed while on his run on the People's Traction Company near Abingdon Wednesday afternoon, were unable to decide from the evidence presented whether Mr. McKinney came to his death as a direct result of the electric shock received from the wire or from the fall from the car after the shock was received.
THE VERDICT
The following verdict was rendered by the jurymen after nearly a half hour of consultation:
We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Charles H. McKinney on oath do find that he came to his death as a result of an electric shock from a wire while working with a trolley pole on the top of one of the cars of the People's Traction Company about 1 1/2 miles north of Abingdon about 12:20 p.m. on August 2, 1916, which shock either produced death by electrocution or caused a fall which resulted in his death.
(signed) R.C. WOOLSEY, Foreman, G.E. TEMPLE, R.M. VIRTUE, R.H. STONER, DR. JOHN BOHAN, JOHN CARROLL
THE EVIDENCE
Dr. C.B. Ripley took charge of the inquest in the absence of Coroner G.S. Bower and the following evidence was placed before the jury:
Charles West, first witness, testified as follows:
"I got a message near 1 o'clock that Mr. McKinney had been seriously injured on People's Traction line. We went to the scene of the accident and found Dr. George Maley and Dr. Bradway of Abingdon working over the body. The accident took place 1-4 miles north of Cherry Grove, near Watson Farm. Mr. Mills said they were fixing the trolley pole and heard a noise. When he looked up he saw Mr. McKinney fall from the car. I saw Dr. Maley shake Mr. McKinney's neck back and forth, showing it to be broken. If he had taken hold of the trolley wire and trolley pole while the air motor was on, the shock would have been slight and would have thrown back. We carry voltage of about 500. The shock would have startled him and he might have fallen backward from the car. The only current he could have received would have had a maximum voltage of 500, not sufficient to kill him. There was no chance for him to receive the full 600 volts. We examine men when we employ them but I don't know whether or not Mr. McKinney was ever examined.
George E. Mills, conductor on the car, testified as follows:
"The accident happened about 12:20 o'clock. We were going south and the trolley flew off, breaking the rope. He stopped the car and we saw that pole was badly bent. We took pole off and bent it straight and went on top of car to put the pole back in the rack. We were holding the pole in the air. I felt a shock, sufficient to scare me but not to burn my hand, and heard a groan. When I looked around he was falling through the air. I don't know where the shock could have come from. McKinney had hold of the pole with both hands. The poles carry the feed wire. The high voltage wire runs about the feed wire. I have been with the company for about five years.
The pole dropped onto the top of the car and laid there after McKinney fell. I do not know whether or not he was dead when I saw him soon after the accident, if we had raised the trolley pole, which is 13 feet, 6 inches long, up high enough, it could have touched the high tension wire. He seemed to be a man of sound heart and good in general health. I think it was the shock that caused the death."
Mr. West, re-called, said:
"I don't believe they could have reached the high tension wire with the pole. It is about 15 feet from the top of the car to the high tension wire, which carries 16,500 volts. I saw a charred place on one of the shoes of the deceased."
SHOCK NOT STRONG ENOUGH
M.H. Frank, operating engineer for the local company, said: "I don't think a shock could have been received sufficient to cause death. The burn on the shoe are no evidence that death was caused by the current. From the current Mills got, I don't see how McKinney could have gotten enough to kill him."
Wm. A. Rothgeb corroborated West's testimony. "It is my belief that sufficient current could not have been received to kill Mr. McKinney. I think that if he had been shocked enough to kill him, the burns on his body would have been more serious than they were."
PHYSICIAN'S STORY
Dr. George Maley said: "I was called at 12:20 o'clock yesterday to a place close to the Watson Farm, where a man had been electrocuted. It took me about 20 minutes to make the trip. I found the man at the north end of the street car. I applied the pulmotor and continued for about 1 1/2 hours. I administered three hypodermics and 1/30 grain of strychnine. At no time was I positive of any heart beats although at times I was doubtful. After about 1 1/2 hours work with the pulmotor, I pronounced him dead. There was a small indentation in the ground where he had fallen."
NECK WAS BROKEN
"I then examined the body and am of the opinion that his neck was broken. The only positive diagnosis to show the condition of the neck would be an autopsy. I do not think he was dead when he fell."
Mrs. Lottie P. Hampton of Abingdon, a passenger on the car and a personal friend of Mr. McKinney said, "When the body fell, we thought it was the trolley pole, which had fallen once before. He looked to me as though he was not dead when I first saw him. Dr. Bradway was the first to arrive. Dr. Bradway covered McKinney's face but worked with him after that. It was about 20 minutes after he fell from the car before his face showed signs of discoloration."
Mrs. Nettie A. Johnson, also a passenger on the car, corroborated the testimony of Mrs. Hampton.
ANOTHER PASSENGER
George Goff, a passenger on the car, told practically the same story as the other witnesses. He said, "I saw Mr. McKinney fall and was the first one to reach him. He was practically standing on his head. His head was doubled under his left shoulder and his feet were in the hedge. I raised him and straightened his head out. With 3 or 4 other men we carried him to the end of the car into the shade. We worked with him until the doctor came. I don't think he breathed any while we worked with him. He gasped a couple of times when I first reached him. I think the trolley pole could have reached the high tension wire with little difficulty.
"When he started to fall he made no effort to catch his balance or jump to safety."
W.B. Horton testified that Mr. McKinney's neck was broken. "It was loose jointed and wiggled from side to side," he said.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 4, 1916
BURIAL IN HENDERSON
The remains of Charles H. McKinney, the motorman who was killed at Abingdon Wednesday were taken to Henderson this afternoon following funeral services which were held at the home, 833 Monmouth Boulevard, at one o'clock. Rev. L.P. ... of the First Methodist Church, was in charge. A male quartet from the Methodist Church furnished the music. The Modern Woodmen lodge served as the pallbearers.
A service took place at the Methodist Church at Henderson at 2 o'clock. Rev. Joe Bell officiating. Interment was made in the Henderson Cemetery.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 5, 1916
CAR MAN'S NECK BROKEN IN FALL
Charles H. McKinney, Motorman on People's Traction Car, is Killed
SHOCK THROWS HIM FROM ROOF
Climbed on Top of Car to Mend Broken Trolley Rope - Falls Into Hedge Fence
Charles McKinney of 833 Monmouth Boulevard, was killed this afternoon two miles this side of Abingdon when he attempted to mend the trolley rope on a People's Traction car.
The car left Galesburg for Abingdon shortly after 11:30. About 12:20 while opposite Watson's dairy farm the trolley rope broke. The motorman and conductor climbed on the roof of the car to make repairs. While thus engaged McKinney received an electric shock, which caused him to lose his balance and to fall from the top of the car. He was thrown into a hedge fence.
A dozen passengers and the conductor, G.E. Mills, hurried to the assistance of the motorman. He was unconscious. Some thought that the shock had killed him and others that the shock had only thrown him from the car and that he had broken his neck.
A physician was hurriedly summoned and he came full speed with a pulmotor. For an hour and a half the doctor and volunteers worked over the body but their efforts failed to revive the stricken motorman.
Dr. George E. Maley, who attended the stricken motorman, brought the body in his automobile to Horton and Foley's at 2:08 o'clock. The doctor said that McKinney's neck was broken, the fall being sufficient to cause death. There were only a few slight discolorings on the back of the neck. There were very slight signs of life when they started working with the pulmotor. At no time the doctor said was there much hope of reviving him.
LEAVES WIDOW AND 2 CHILDREN
Mr. McKinney was a man about 40 years of age. He has been a resident of Galesburg for several years and leaves a wife, a son and an adopted daughter. The family is well known in Galesburg and the death comes as a great shock to the many friends here.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 2, 1916
FUNERAL OF C.H. M'KINNEY AUG. 5
Funeral services for the late Charles H. McKinney, the People's Traction Company motorman who was accidentally killed yesterday afternoon while engaged in the discharge of his duty, will be held at the home of the deceased, 882 Monmouth Boulevard, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. The body will be taken to Henderson for burial, where another short service will be held at 3 o'clock. Dr. L.F. Dimmitt, pastor of the First Methodist Church, of which Mr. McKinney had been an active member, will have charge of the services.
Charles H. McKinney was born November 10, 1876, in New Boston, Missouri. He spent his early days on a farm with his parents, living on different farms in Iowa and Minnesota until the time of his marriage. On April 14, 1902 he married Miss Minnie Henwood of Marinsburg, Iowa. The marriage took place in Sigourney, IA. Thirteen years ago the couple came to Galesburg where Mr. McKinney had been connected with the Peoples Traction Company prior to his death.
Besides Mrs. McKinney, two sons and a daughter survive to mourn the loss. They are Ida May McKinney and George McKinney of Galesburg and Everett L. McKinney of Twitty, Texas. Mr. McKinney leaves two sisters, Viola Shaffer of New Boston, Missouri and May Christianson of Minneapolis, MN, and brother, John E. McKinney of Rail, Oklahoma. His father, Elijah McKinney and stepmother, Mrs. Mary McKinney, both of Roll, also survive, in addition to many friends in the neighborhoods where he had made his home.
Mr. McKinney was a member of the Methodist Church of Galesburg and also of the local order of Modern Woodmen.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 3, 1916
INQUEST OVER M'KINNEY DEATH
Coroner's Jury Investigates Fatal Accident to Motorman
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAUSED FALL
Evidence Substantiated the Story Published in Evening Mail - Neck Was Broken
TAKE 1 - INQUEST
The coroner's inquest into the death of Charles H. McKinney, who was killed while on his run on the People's Traction Company near Abingdon Wednesday afternoon, were unable to decide from the evidence presented whether Mr. McKinney came to his death as a direct result of the electric shock received from the wire or from the fall from the car after the shock was received.
THE VERDICT
The following verdict was rendered by the jurymen after nearly a half hour of consultation:
We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Charles H. McKinney on oath do find that he came to his death as a result of an electric shock from a wire while working with a trolley pole on the top of one of the cars of the People's Traction Company about 1 1/2 miles north of Abingdon about 12:20 p.m. on August 2, 1916, which shock either produced death by electrocution or caused a fall which resulted in his death.
(signed) R.C. WOOLSEY, Foreman, G.E. TEMPLE, R.M. VIRTUE, R.H. STONER, DR. JOHN BOHAN, JOHN CARROLL
THE EVIDENCE
Dr. C.B. Ripley took charge of the inquest in the absence of Coroner G.S. Bower and the following evidence was placed before the jury:
Charles West, first witness, testified as follows:
"I got a message near 1 o'clock that Mr. McKinney had been seriously injured on People's Traction line. We went to the scene of the accident and found Dr. George Maley and Dr. Bradway of Abingdon working over the body. The accident took place 1-4 miles north of Cherry Grove, near Watson Farm. Mr. Mills said they were fixing the trolley pole and heard a noise. When he looked up he saw Mr. McKinney fall from the car. I saw Dr. Maley shake Mr. McKinney's neck back and forth, showing it to be broken. If he had taken hold of the trolley wire and trolley pole while the air motor was on, the shock would have been slight and would have thrown back. We carry voltage of about 500. The shock would have startled him and he might have fallen backward from the car. The only current he could have received would have had a maximum voltage of 500, not sufficient to kill him. There was no chance for him to receive the full 600 volts. We examine men when we employ them but I don't know whether or not Mr. McKinney was ever examined.
George E. Mills, conductor on the car, testified as follows:
"The accident happened about 12:20 o'clock. We were going south and the trolley flew off, breaking the rope. He stopped the car and we saw that pole was badly bent. We took pole off and bent it straight and went on top of car to put the pole back in the rack. We were holding the pole in the air. I felt a shock, sufficient to scare me but not to burn my hand, and heard a groan. When I looked around he was falling through the air. I don't know where the shock could have come from. McKinney had hold of the pole with both hands. The poles carry the feed wire. The high voltage wire runs about the feed wire. I have been with the company for about five years.
The pole dropped onto the top of the car and laid there after McKinney fell. I do not know whether or not he was dead when I saw him soon after the accident, if we had raised the trolley pole, which is 13 feet, 6 inches long, up high enough, it could have touched the high tension wire. He seemed to be a man of sound heart and good in general health. I think it was the shock that caused the death."
Mr. West, re-called, said:
"I don't believe they could have reached the high tension wire with the pole. It is about 15 feet from the top of the car to the high tension wire, which carries 16,500 volts. I saw a charred place on one of the shoes of the deceased."
SHOCK NOT STRONG ENOUGH
M.H. Frank, operating engineer for the local company, said: "I don't think a shock could have been received sufficient to cause death. The burn on the shoe are no evidence that death was caused by the current. From the current Mills got, I don't see how McKinney could have gotten enough to kill him."
Wm. A. Rothgeb corroborated West's testimony. "It is my belief that sufficient current could not have been received to kill Mr. McKinney. I think that if he had been shocked enough to kill him, the burns on his body would have been more serious than they were."
PHYSICIAN'S STORY
Dr. George Maley said: "I was called at 12:20 o'clock yesterday to a place close to the Watson Farm, where a man had been electrocuted. It took me about 20 minutes to make the trip. I found the man at the north end of the street car. I applied the pulmotor and continued for about 1 1/2 hours. I administered three hypodermics and 1/30 grain of strychnine. At no time was I positive of any heart beats although at times I was doubtful. After about 1 1/2 hours work with the pulmotor, I pronounced him dead. There was a small indentation in the ground where he had fallen."
NECK WAS BROKEN
"I then examined the body and am of the opinion that his neck was broken. The only positive diagnosis to show the condition of the neck would be an autopsy. I do not think he was dead when he fell."
Mrs. Lottie P. Hampton of Abingdon, a passenger on the car and a personal friend of Mr. McKinney said, "When the body fell, we thought it was the trolley pole, which had fallen once before. He looked to me as though he was not dead when I first saw him. Dr. Bradway was the first to arrive. Dr. Bradway covered McKinney's face but worked with him after that. It was about 20 minutes after he fell from the car before his face showed signs of discoloration."
Mrs. Nettie A. Johnson, also a passenger on the car, corroborated the testimony of Mrs. Hampton.
ANOTHER PASSENGER
George Goff, a passenger on the car, told practically the same story as the other witnesses. He said, "I saw Mr. McKinney fall and was the first one to reach him. He was practically standing on his head. His head was doubled under his left shoulder and his feet were in the hedge. I raised him and straightened his head out. With 3 or 4 other men we carried him to the end of the car into the shade. We worked with him until the doctor came. I don't think he breathed any while we worked with him. He gasped a couple of times when I first reached him. I think the trolley pole could have reached the high tension wire with little difficulty.
"When he started to fall he made no effort to catch his balance or jump to safety."
W.B. Horton testified that Mr. McKinney's neck was broken. "It was loose jointed and wiggled from side to side," he said.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 4, 1916
BURIAL IN HENDERSON
The remains of Charles H. McKinney, the motorman who was killed at Abingdon Wednesday were taken to Henderson this afternoon following funeral services which were held at the home, 833 Monmouth Boulevard, at one o'clock. Rev. L.P. ... of the First Methodist Church, was in charge. A male quartet from the Methodist Church furnished the music. The Modern Woodmen lodge served as the pallbearers.
A service took place at the Methodist Church at Henderson at 2 o'clock. Rev. Joe Bell officiating. Interment was made in the Henderson Cemetery.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 5, 1916
Charles H. McKinney, Motorman on People's Traction Car, is Killed
SHOCK THROWS HIM FROM ROOF
Climbed on Top of Car to Mend Broken Trolley Rope - Falls Into Hedge Fence
Charles McKinney of 833 Monmouth Boulevard, was killed this afternoon two miles this side of Abingdon when he attempted to mend the trolley rope on a People's Traction car.
The car left Galesburg for Abingdon shortly after 11:30. About 12:20 while opposite Watson's dairy farm the trolley rope broke. The motorman and conductor climbed on the roof of the car to make repairs. While thus engaged McKinney received an electric shock, which caused him to lose his balance and to fall from the top of the car. He was thrown into a hedge fence.
A dozen passengers and the conductor, G.E. Mills, hurried to the assistance of the motorman. He was unconscious. Some thought that the shock had killed him and others that the shock had only thrown him from the car and that he had broken his neck.
A physician was hurriedly summoned and he came full speed with a pulmotor. For an hour and a half the doctor and volunteers worked over the body but their efforts failed to revive the stricken motorman.
Dr. George E. Maley, who attended the stricken motorman, brought the body in his automobile to Horton and Foley's at 2:08 o'clock. The doctor said that McKinney's neck was broken, the fall being sufficient to cause death. There were only a few slight discolorings on the back of the neck. There were very slight signs of life when they started working with the pulmotor. At no time the doctor said was there much hope of reviving him.
LEAVES WIDOW AND 2 CHILDREN
Mr. McKinney was a man about 40 years of age. He has been a resident of Galesburg for several years and leaves a wife, a son and an adopted daughter. The family is well known in Galesburg and the death comes as a great shock to the many friends here.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 2, 1916
FUNERAL OF C.H. M'KINNEY AUG. 5
Funeral services for the late Charles H. McKinney, the People's Traction Company motorman who was accidentally killed yesterday afternoon while engaged in the discharge of his duty, will be held at the home of the deceased, 882 Monmouth Boulevard, Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock. The body will be taken to Henderson for burial, where another short service will be held at 3 o'clock. Dr. L.F. Dimmitt, pastor of the First Methodist Church, of which Mr. McKinney had been an active member, will have charge of the services.
Charles H. McKinney was born November 10, 1876, in New Boston, Missouri. He spent his early days on a farm with his parents, living on different farms in Iowa and Minnesota until the time of his marriage. On April 14, 1902 he married Miss Minnie Henwood of Marinsburg, Iowa. The marriage took place in Sigourney, IA. Thirteen years ago the couple came to Galesburg where Mr. McKinney had been connected with the Peoples Traction Company prior to his death.
Besides Mrs. McKinney, two sons and a daughter survive to mourn the loss. They are Ida May McKinney and George McKinney of Galesburg and Everett L. McKinney of Twitty, Texas. Mr. McKinney leaves two sisters, Viola Shaffer of New Boston, Missouri and May Christianson of Minneapolis, MN, and brother, John E. McKinney of Rail, Oklahoma. His father, Elijah McKinney and stepmother, Mrs. Mary McKinney, both of Roll, also survive, in addition to many friends in the neighborhoods where he had made his home.
Mr. McKinney was a member of the Methodist Church of Galesburg and also of the local order of Modern Woodmen.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 3, 1916
INQUEST OVER M'KINNEY DEATH
Coroner's Jury Investigates Fatal Accident to Motorman
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAUSED FALL
Evidence Substantiated the Story Published in Evening Mail - Neck Was Broken
TAKE 1 - INQUEST
The coroner's inquest into the death of Charles H. McKinney, who was killed while on his run on the People's Traction Company near Abingdon Wednesday afternoon, were unable to decide from the evidence presented whether Mr. McKinney came to his death as a direct result of the electric shock received from the wire or from the fall from the car after the shock was received.
THE VERDICT
The following verdict was rendered by the jurymen after nearly a half hour of consultation:
We, the undersigned jurors, sworn to inquire into the death of Charles H. McKinney on oath do find that he came to his death as a result of an electric shock from a wire while working with a trolley pole on the top of one of the cars of the People's Traction Company about 1 1/2 miles north of Abingdon about 12:20 p.m. on August 2, 1916, which shock either produced death by electrocution or caused a fall which resulted in his death.
(signed) R.C. WOOLSEY, Foreman, G.E. TEMPLE, R.M. VIRTUE, R.H. STONER, DR. JOHN BOHAN, JOHN CARROLL
THE EVIDENCE
Dr. C.B. Ripley took charge of the inquest in the absence of Coroner G.S. Bower and the following evidence was placed before the jury:
Charles West, first witness, testified as follows:
"I got a message near 1 o'clock that Mr. McKinney had been seriously injured on People's Traction line. We went to the scene of the accident and found Dr. George Maley and Dr. Bradway of Abingdon working over the body. The accident took place 1-4 miles north of Cherry Grove, near Watson Farm. Mr. Mills said they were fixing the trolley pole and heard a noise. When he looked up he saw Mr. McKinney fall from the car. I saw Dr. Maley shake Mr. McKinney's neck back and forth, showing it to be broken. If he had taken hold of the trolley wire and trolley pole while the air motor was on, the shock would have been slight and would have thrown back. We carry voltage of about 500. The shock would have startled him and he might have fallen backward from the car. The only current he could have received would have had a maximum voltage of 500, not sufficient to kill him. There was no chance for him to receive the full 600 volts. We examine men when we employ them but I don't know whether or not Mr. McKinney was ever examined.
George E. Mills, conductor on the car, testified as follows:
"The accident happened about 12:20 o'clock. We were going south and the trolley flew off, breaking the rope. He stopped the car and we saw that pole was badly bent. We took pole off and bent it straight and went on top of car to put the pole back in the rack. We were holding the pole in the air. I felt a shock, sufficient to scare me but not to burn my hand, and heard a groan. When I looked around he was falling through the air. I don't know where the shock could have come from. McKinney had hold of the pole with both hands. The poles carry the feed wire. The high voltage wire runs about the feed wire. I have been with the company for about five years.
The pole dropped onto the top of the car and laid there after McKinney fell. I do not know whether or not he was dead when I saw him soon after the accident, if we had raised the trolley pole, which is 13 feet, 6 inches long, up high enough, it could have touched the high tension wire. He seemed to be a man of sound heart and good in general health. I think it was the shock that caused the death."
Mr. West, re-called, said:
"I don't believe they could have reached the high tension wire with the pole. It is about 15 feet from the top of the car to the high tension wire, which carries 16,500 volts. I saw a charred place on one of the shoes of the deceased."
SHOCK NOT STRONG ENOUGH
M.H. Frank, operating engineer for the local company, said: "I don't think a shock could have been received sufficient to cause death. The burn on the shoe are no evidence that death was caused by the current. From the current Mills got, I don't see how McKinney could have gotten enough to kill him."
Wm. A. Rothgeb corroborated West's testimony. "It is my belief that sufficient current could not have been received to kill Mr. McKinney. I think that if he had been shocked enough to kill him, the burns on his body would have been more serious than they were."
PHYSICIAN'S STORY
Dr. George Maley said: "I was called at 12:20 o'clock yesterday to a place close to the Watson Farm, where a man had been electrocuted. It took me about 20 minutes to make the trip. I found the man at the north end of the street car. I applied the pulmotor and continued for about 1 1/2 hours. I administered three hypodermics and 1/30 grain of strychnine. At no time was I positive of any heart beats although at times I was doubtful. After about 1 1/2 hours work with the pulmotor, I pronounced him dead. There was a small indentation in the ground where he had fallen."
NECK WAS BROKEN
"I then examined the body and am of the opinion that his neck was broken. The only positive diagnosis to show the condition of the neck would be an autopsy. I do not think he was dead when he fell."
Mrs. Lottie P. Hampton of Abingdon, a passenger on the car and a personal friend of Mr. McKinney said, "When the body fell, we thought it was the trolley pole, which had fallen once before. He looked to me as though he was not dead when I first saw him. Dr. Bradway was the first to arrive. Dr. Bradway covered McKinney's face but worked with him after that. It was about 20 minutes after he fell from the car before his face showed signs of discoloration."
Mrs. Nettie A. Johnson, also a passenger on the car, corroborated the testimony of Mrs. Hampton.
ANOTHER PASSENGER
George Goff, a passenger on the car, told practically the same story as the other witnesses. He said, "I saw Mr. McKinney fall and was the first one to reach him. He was practically standing on his head. His head was doubled under his left shoulder and his feet were in the hedge. I raised him and straightened his head out. With 3 or 4 other men we carried him to the end of the car into the shade. We worked with him until the doctor came. I don't think he breathed any while we worked with him. He gasped a couple of times when I first reached him. I think the trolley pole could have reached the high tension wire with little difficulty.
"When he started to fall he made no effort to catch his balance or jump to safety."
W.B. Horton testified that Mr. McKinney's neck was broken. "It was loose jointed and wiggled from side to side," he said.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 4, 1916
BURIAL IN HENDERSON
The remains of Charles H. McKinney, the motorman who was killed at Abingdon Wednesday were taken to Henderson this afternoon following funeral services which were held at the home, 833 Monmouth Boulevard, at one o'clock. Rev. L.P. ... of the First Methodist Church, was in charge. A male quartet from the Methodist Church furnished the music. The Modern Woodmen lodge served as the pallbearers.
A service took place at the Methodist Church at Henderson at 2 o'clock. Rev. Joe Bell officiating. Interment was made in the Henderson Cemetery.
GALESBURG EVENING-MAIL: AUGUST 5, 1916
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