Added November 7, 2022
The American Guardian
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
16 Jan 1923, Tue • Page 1
Six Dead After Car Crash With Santa Fe Train
Teachers from Bodine School Were Trying to Beat Passenger To Crossing Apparently – Wright Makes Investigation
The death toll in the accident when the Santa Fe train crashed into a Ford car at South Fifty-first reached six Tuesday, with the deaths of Ruth Howard, 24, a teacher; Etalia McFadden, 24, teacher, and Henry Spencer Maloney, 6-year-old student.
The others dead are Cora Phelan, 29, and Mrs. Opal Darnell, 28, both teachers, and Frank Davis, 10-year-old student. The four women constituted the entire staff of teachers at Bodine school. The two boys were students at the school and were being given a lift home when they met with the fatal accident Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred when the women with the children attempted to cross the tracks before the train arrived. The train, which was traveling at high speed, struck the car and carried it about three-quarters of a mile before stopping, according to witnesses. The engineer, Frank Meyer, stated that he stopped the train as soon as he learned that his train had struck something. According to his statement, the first intimation he had hit the car was when he was struck by flying glass from the windshield of the automobile.
When the train was stopped Meyer and H. Weismeyer, the conductor, and the fireman ran to the front of the engine and found the bodies of Frank Davis and two of the women. The other two women and the Maloney boy had been thrown from the car when the train dragged the Ford down the tracks. The boy was barely alive and Mrs. Darnell was dead. Miss Phelan lived until 7:30 Monday evening, when she succumbed to internal hemorrhaged. Miss McFadden and Miss Howard died at University hospital early Tuesday morning. Henry Maloney died Tuesday morning at a local hospital.
L. K. Wright, county attorney, was investigating the accident to find whether or not the engineer sounded any warning as he neared the crossing. Charges will be filed if it is found that he failed to do so, he said.
Miss Howard and Miss McFadden lived at 1712 West Eighth street, Miss Phelan lived at 29 ½ East Fourth and is survived by her brother E. E. Phelan, 29 ½ East Fourth; an uncle, P. H. Phelan, of Okmulgee, and others whose names could not be learned.
Mrs. Darnell was the wife of T. N. Darnell, 1109 West Twenty-ninth street, and is survived by two brothers, who live here, F. G. Russell and B. B. Russell, besides relatives at Nacoma, Texas.
Frank Davis is survived by his father, E. V. Davis, South Fiftieth street. His mother has been dead for some time.
Funeral arrangements for the victims have not been made.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 1
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX
Personal Investigations By County Attorney Shows No Criminal Angle.
No criminal action will be brought against anyone connected with the fatal Santa Fe crossing tragedy in which six were killed here Monday afternoon, J. K. Wright, county attorney, announced Tuesday afternoon.
Wright, who conducted a personal investigation immediately after the crash, declared there was no evidence of criminal negligence on the part of any member of the train crew and any court action would have to come through the civil courts.
"Immediately after accidents of this nature the county attorney's office is besieged by people who want the county attorney to put someone in jail." Wright said. "It is my policy to investigate these accidents thoroughly as soon as possible and whenever I find evidence of criminal negligence, I will be the first to begin criminal prosecution," Wright declared.
The four women constituted the entire teaching staff of the Bodine, Prairie and Pleasant Valley schools; the two boys, both pupils at Bodine school, were picked up by the teachers
(Continued on Page 9, Column 1)
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 9
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX, WRIGHT FINDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
On their way to the city after school had been dismissed for the day.
Schools Not Opened.
The three schools will not be opened until next Monday, according to Ida M. Hale, county superintendent of public instruction. District school boards of the three schools conferred Tuesday with Mrs. Hale.
Ruth Howard, owner and driver of the automobile and teacher at Pleasant Valley school, had driven by Prairie school, where she picked up Mrs. Opal Darnell, who taught there. Then she started for Bodine school for Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden.
To reach Bodine school she had to cross the Santa Fe tracks and the Norman Interurban tracks. About midway between Bodine school and the Interurban tracks they met Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden walking to catch an interurban.
Destiny at Work
The four then started for town recrossing the Interurban tracks. As they crossed the Santa Fe tracks a second time they were struck by the fast passenger train.
The destiny stern and inexhorable entered into the unfortunate fate of the four school teachers and two pupils was evinced by several unusual facts. First the two pupils were picked up and given a "lift." ordinarily they would have walked home.
Miss Howard went out of her way to give a "lift" to the other teachers. Usually she went straight home.
Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden usually rode home on the Norman interurban. On Monday afternoon they accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Miss Howard lost some time when she stopped for Mrs. Darnell at Prairie school. Mrs. Darnell usually same home on the interurban but on Monday accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Funeral Service Announced.
The interurban tracks were crossed twice and the railroad tracks once with immunity. The second time the tracks were crossed the automobile was struck.
The train was late.
Funeral services for the six victims of the crossing crash will be as follows:
Services for Etoila McFadin, 1732 West Eighth street, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the First Methodist church, Fourth street and Robinson avenue. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Ruth Howard will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon from Street & Draper's chapel. Rev. H. H. Hulton will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Frankie Davis, 10 years old, Fiftieth and Santa Fe, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Rose Hill.
Services for Henry Maroney, 6 years old, Fortieth and Shields street, will be held at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Capitol Hill Catholic church. Rev. James F. McGuire will officiate. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Services for Mrs. Opal Darnell, 27 years old, 1109 West Twenty-night street, will be held at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Service for Cora M. Phelan, 28 years old, 29 ½ East Fourth street, will be held at 8 o'clock Thursday morning from St. Joseph's cathedral. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
∼
Notes from the original contributor-
One of six people that died while crossing the railroad tracks. Others that died
Etolia McFadin, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Ruth Howard, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Frankie Davis 10 yr old, burial in Rose Hill.
Opal Darnell, teacher burial in Fairlawn
Cora Phelan, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Four teachers and two youths died.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
https://ok2explore.health.ok.gov/App/DeathResults
Last Name First Name Middle Name Gender Death Month Death Day Death Year
MARONEY HENRY M 1 15 1923
Death County Oklahoma
It seems the last name was misspelled with the state records as well and yet another spelling of Maroney and should be Monroney.
The American Guardian
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
16 Jan 1923, Tue • Page 1
Six Dead After Car Crash With Santa Fe Train
Teachers from Bodine School Were Trying to Beat Passenger To Crossing Apparently – Wright Makes Investigation
The death toll in the accident when the Santa Fe train crashed into a Ford car at South Fifty-first reached six Tuesday, with the deaths of Ruth Howard, 24, a teacher; Etalia McFadden, 24, teacher, and Henry Spencer Maloney, 6-year-old student.
The others dead are Cora Phelan, 29, and Mrs. Opal Darnell, 28, both teachers, and Frank Davis, 10-year-old student. The four women constituted the entire staff of teachers at Bodine school. The two boys were students at the school and were being given a lift home when they met with the fatal accident Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred when the women with the children attempted to cross the tracks before the train arrived. The train, which was traveling at high speed, struck the car and carried it about three-quarters of a mile before stopping, according to witnesses. The engineer, Frank Meyer, stated that he stopped the train as soon as he learned that his train had struck something. According to his statement, the first intimation he had hit the car was when he was struck by flying glass from the windshield of the automobile.
When the train was stopped Meyer and H. Weismeyer, the conductor, and the fireman ran to the front of the engine and found the bodies of Frank Davis and two of the women. The other two women and the Maloney boy had been thrown from the car when the train dragged the Ford down the tracks. The boy was barely alive and Mrs. Darnell was dead. Miss Phelan lived until 7:30 Monday evening, when she succumbed to internal hemorrhaged. Miss McFadden and Miss Howard died at University hospital early Tuesday morning. Henry Maloney died Tuesday morning at a local hospital.
L. K. Wright, county attorney, was investigating the accident to find whether or not the engineer sounded any warning as he neared the crossing. Charges will be filed if it is found that he failed to do so, he said.
Miss Howard and Miss McFadden lived at 1712 West Eighth street, Miss Phelan lived at 29 ½ East Fourth and is survived by her brother E. E. Phelan, 29 ½ East Fourth; an uncle, P. H. Phelan, of Okmulgee, and others whose names could not be learned.
Mrs. Darnell was the wife of T. N. Darnell, 1109 West Twenty-ninth street, and is survived by two brothers, who live here, F. G. Russell and B. B. Russell, besides relatives at Nacoma, Texas.
Frank Davis is survived by his father, E. V. Davis, South Fiftieth street. His mother has been dead for some time.
Funeral arrangements for the victims have not been made.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 1
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX
Personal Investigations By County Attorney Shows No Criminal Angle.
No criminal action will be brought against anyone connected with the fatal Santa Fe crossing tragedy in which six were killed here Monday afternoon, J. K. Wright, county attorney, announced Tuesday afternoon.
Wright, who conducted a personal investigation immediately after the crash, declared there was no evidence of criminal negligence on the part of any member of the train crew and any court action would have to come through the civil courts.
"Immediately after accidents of this nature the county attorney's office is besieged by people who want the county attorney to put someone in jail." Wright said. "It is my policy to investigate these accidents thoroughly as soon as possible and whenever I find evidence of criminal negligence, I will be the first to begin criminal prosecution," Wright declared.
The four women constituted the entire teaching staff of the Bodine, Prairie and Pleasant Valley schools; the two boys, both pupils at Bodine school, were picked up by the teachers
(Continued on Page 9, Column 1)
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 9
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX, WRIGHT FINDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
On their way to the city after school had been dismissed for the day.
Schools Not Opened.
The three schools will not be opened until next Monday, according to Ida M. Hale, county superintendent of public instruction. District school boards of the three schools conferred Tuesday with Mrs. Hale.
Ruth Howard, owner and driver of the automobile and teacher at Pleasant Valley school, had driven by Prairie school, where she picked up Mrs. Opal Darnell, who taught there. Then she started for Bodine school for Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden.
To reach Bodine school she had to cross the Santa Fe tracks and the Norman Interurban tracks. About midway between Bodine school and the Interurban tracks they met Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden walking to catch an interurban.
Destiny at Work
The four then started for town recrossing the Interurban tracks. As they crossed the Santa Fe tracks a second time they were struck by the fast passenger train.
The destiny stern and inexhorable entered into the unfortunate fate of the four school teachers and two pupils was evinced by several unusual facts. First the two pupils were picked up and given a "lift." ordinarily they would have walked home.
Miss Howard went out of her way to give a "lift" to the other teachers. Usually she went straight home.
Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden usually rode home on the Norman interurban. On Monday afternoon they accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Miss Howard lost some time when she stopped for Mrs. Darnell at Prairie school. Mrs. Darnell usually same home on the interurban but on Monday accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Funeral Service Announced.
The interurban tracks were crossed twice and the railroad tracks once with immunity. The second time the tracks were crossed the automobile was struck.
The train was late.
Funeral services for the six victims of the crossing crash will be as follows:
Services for Etoila McFadin, 1732 West Eighth street, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the First Methodist church, Fourth street and Robinson avenue. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Ruth Howard will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon from Street & Draper's chapel. Rev. H. H. Hulton will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Frankie Davis, 10 years old, Fiftieth and Santa Fe, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Rose Hill.
Services for Henry Maroney, 6 years old, Fortieth and Shields street, will be held at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Capitol Hill Catholic church. Rev. James F. McGuire will officiate. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Services for Mrs. Opal Darnell, 27 years old, 1109 West Twenty-night street, will be held at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Service for Cora M. Phelan, 28 years old, 29 ½ East Fourth street, will be held at 8 o'clock Thursday morning from St. Joseph's cathedral. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
∼
Notes from the original contributor-
One of six people that died while crossing the railroad tracks. Others that died
Etolia McFadin, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Ruth Howard, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Frankie Davis 10 yr old, burial in Rose Hill.
Opal Darnell, teacher burial in Fairlawn
Cora Phelan, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Four teachers and two youths died.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
https://ok2explore.health.ok.gov/App/DeathResults
Last Name First Name Middle Name Gender Death Month Death Day Death Year
MARONEY HENRY M 1 15 1923
Death County Oklahoma
It seems the last name was misspelled with the state records as well and yet another spelling of Maroney and should be Monroney.
Added November 7, 2022
The American Guardian
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
16 Jan 1923, Tue • Page 1
Six Dead After Car Crash With Santa Fe Train
Teachers from Bodine School Were Trying to Beat Passenger To Crossing Apparently – Wright Makes Investigation
The death toll in the accident when the Santa Fe train crashed into a Ford car at South Fifty-first reached six Tuesday, with the deaths of Ruth Howard, 24, a teacher; Etalia McFadden, 24, teacher, and Henry Spencer Maloney, 6-year-old student.
The others dead are Cora Phelan, 29, and Mrs. Opal Darnell, 28, both teachers, and Frank Davis, 10-year-old student. The four women constituted the entire staff of teachers at Bodine school. The two boys were students at the school and were being given a lift home when they met with the fatal accident Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred when the women with the children attempted to cross the tracks before the train arrived. The train, which was traveling at high speed, struck the car and carried it about three-quarters of a mile before stopping, according to witnesses. The engineer, Frank Meyer, stated that he stopped the train as soon as he learned that his train had struck something. According to his statement, the first intimation he had hit the car was when he was struck by flying glass from the windshield of the automobile.
When the train was stopped Meyer and H. Weismeyer, the conductor, and the fireman ran to the front of the engine and found the bodies of Frank Davis and two of the women. The other two women and the Maloney boy had been thrown from the car when the train dragged the Ford down the tracks. The boy was barely alive and Mrs. Darnell was dead. Miss Phelan lived until 7:30 Monday evening, when she succumbed to internal hemorrhaged. Miss McFadden and Miss Howard died at University hospital early Tuesday morning. Henry Maloney died Tuesday morning at a local hospital.
L. K. Wright, county attorney, was investigating the accident to find whether or not the engineer sounded any warning as he neared the crossing. Charges will be filed if it is found that he failed to do so, he said.
Miss Howard and Miss McFadden lived at 1712 West Eighth street, Miss Phelan lived at 29 ½ East Fourth and is survived by her brother E. E. Phelan, 29 ½ East Fourth; an uncle, P. H. Phelan, of Okmulgee, and others whose names could not be learned.
Mrs. Darnell was the wife of T. N. Darnell, 1109 West Twenty-ninth street, and is survived by two brothers, who live here, F. G. Russell and B. B. Russell, besides relatives at Nacoma, Texas.
Frank Davis is survived by his father, E. V. Davis, South Fiftieth street. His mother has been dead for some time.
Funeral arrangements for the victims have not been made.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 1
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX
Personal Investigations By County Attorney Shows No Criminal Angle.
No criminal action will be brought against anyone connected with the fatal Santa Fe crossing tragedy in which six were killed here Monday afternoon, J. K. Wright, county attorney, announced Tuesday afternoon.
Wright, who conducted a personal investigation immediately after the crash, declared there was no evidence of criminal negligence on the part of any member of the train crew and any court action would have to come through the civil courts.
"Immediately after accidents of this nature the county attorney's office is besieged by people who want the county attorney to put someone in jail." Wright said. "It is my policy to investigate these accidents thoroughly as soon as possible and whenever I find evidence of criminal negligence, I will be the first to begin criminal prosecution," Wright declared.
The four women constituted the entire teaching staff of the Bodine, Prairie and Pleasant Valley schools; the two boys, both pupils at Bodine school, were picked up by the teachers
(Continued on Page 9, Column 1)
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 9
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX, WRIGHT FINDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
On their way to the city after school had been dismissed for the day.
Schools Not Opened.
The three schools will not be opened until next Monday, according to Ida M. Hale, county superintendent of public instruction. District school boards of the three schools conferred Tuesday with Mrs. Hale.
Ruth Howard, owner and driver of the automobile and teacher at Pleasant Valley school, had driven by Prairie school, where she picked up Mrs. Opal Darnell, who taught there. Then she started for Bodine school for Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden.
To reach Bodine school she had to cross the Santa Fe tracks and the Norman Interurban tracks. About midway between Bodine school and the Interurban tracks they met Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden walking to catch an interurban.
Destiny at Work
The four then started for town recrossing the Interurban tracks. As they crossed the Santa Fe tracks a second time they were struck by the fast passenger train.
The destiny stern and inexhorable entered into the unfortunate fate of the four school teachers and two pupils was evinced by several unusual facts. First the two pupils were picked up and given a "lift." ordinarily they would have walked home.
Miss Howard went out of her way to give a "lift" to the other teachers. Usually she went straight home.
Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden usually rode home on the Norman interurban. On Monday afternoon they accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Miss Howard lost some time when she stopped for Mrs. Darnell at Prairie school. Mrs. Darnell usually same home on the interurban but on Monday accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Funeral Service Announced.
The interurban tracks were crossed twice and the railroad tracks once with immunity. The second time the tracks were crossed the automobile was struck.
The train was late.
Funeral services for the six victims of the crossing crash will be as follows:
Services for Etoila McFadin, 1732 West Eighth street, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the First Methodist church, Fourth street and Robinson avenue. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Ruth Howard will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon from Street & Draper's chapel. Rev. H. H. Hulton will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Frankie Davis, 10 years old, Fiftieth and Santa Fe, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Rose Hill.
Services for Henry Maroney, 6 years old, Fortieth and Shields street, will be held at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Capitol Hill Catholic church. Rev. James F. McGuire will officiate. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Services for Mrs. Opal Darnell, 27 years old, 1109 West Twenty-night street, will be held at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Service for Cora M. Phelan, 28 years old, 29 ½ East Fourth street, will be held at 8 o'clock Thursday morning from St. Joseph's cathedral. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
∼
Notes from the original contributor-
One of six people that died while crossing the railroad tracks. Others that died
Etolia McFadin, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Ruth Howard, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Frankie Davis 10 yr old, burial in Rose Hill.
Opal Darnell, teacher burial in Fairlawn
Cora Phelan, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Four teachers and two youths died.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
https://ok2explore.health.ok.gov/App/DeathResults
Last Name First Name Middle Name Gender Death Month Death Day Death Year
MARONEY HENRY M 1 15 1923
Death County Oklahoma
It seems the last name was misspelled with the state records as well and yet another spelling of Maroney and should be Monroney.
The American Guardian
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
16 Jan 1923, Tue • Page 1
Six Dead After Car Crash With Santa Fe Train
Teachers from Bodine School Were Trying to Beat Passenger To Crossing Apparently – Wright Makes Investigation
The death toll in the accident when the Santa Fe train crashed into a Ford car at South Fifty-first reached six Tuesday, with the deaths of Ruth Howard, 24, a teacher; Etalia McFadden, 24, teacher, and Henry Spencer Maloney, 6-year-old student.
The others dead are Cora Phelan, 29, and Mrs. Opal Darnell, 28, both teachers, and Frank Davis, 10-year-old student. The four women constituted the entire staff of teachers at Bodine school. The two boys were students at the school and were being given a lift home when they met with the fatal accident Monday afternoon.
The accident occurred when the women with the children attempted to cross the tracks before the train arrived. The train, which was traveling at high speed, struck the car and carried it about three-quarters of a mile before stopping, according to witnesses. The engineer, Frank Meyer, stated that he stopped the train as soon as he learned that his train had struck something. According to his statement, the first intimation he had hit the car was when he was struck by flying glass from the windshield of the automobile.
When the train was stopped Meyer and H. Weismeyer, the conductor, and the fireman ran to the front of the engine and found the bodies of Frank Davis and two of the women. The other two women and the Maloney boy had been thrown from the car when the train dragged the Ford down the tracks. The boy was barely alive and Mrs. Darnell was dead. Miss Phelan lived until 7:30 Monday evening, when she succumbed to internal hemorrhaged. Miss McFadden and Miss Howard died at University hospital early Tuesday morning. Henry Maloney died Tuesday morning at a local hospital.
L. K. Wright, county attorney, was investigating the accident to find whether or not the engineer sounded any warning as he neared the crossing. Charges will be filed if it is found that he failed to do so, he said.
Miss Howard and Miss McFadden lived at 1712 West Eighth street, Miss Phelan lived at 29 ½ East Fourth and is survived by her brother E. E. Phelan, 29 ½ East Fourth; an uncle, P. H. Phelan, of Okmulgee, and others whose names could not be learned.
Mrs. Darnell was the wife of T. N. Darnell, 1109 West Twenty-ninth street, and is survived by two brothers, who live here, F. G. Russell and B. B. Russell, besides relatives at Nacoma, Texas.
Frank Davis is survived by his father, E. V. Davis, South Fiftieth street. His mother has been dead for some time.
Funeral arrangements for the victims have not been made.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 1
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX
Personal Investigations By County Attorney Shows No Criminal Angle.
No criminal action will be brought against anyone connected with the fatal Santa Fe crossing tragedy in which six were killed here Monday afternoon, J. K. Wright, county attorney, announced Tuesday afternoon.
Wright, who conducted a personal investigation immediately after the crash, declared there was no evidence of criminal negligence on the part of any member of the train crew and any court action would have to come through the civil courts.
"Immediately after accidents of this nature the county attorney's office is besieged by people who want the county attorney to put someone in jail." Wright said. "It is my policy to investigate these accidents thoroughly as soon as possible and whenever I find evidence of criminal negligence, I will be the first to begin criminal prosecution," Wright declared.
The four women constituted the entire teaching staff of the Bodine, Prairie and Pleasant Valley schools; the two boys, both pupils at Bodine school, were picked up by the teachers
(Continued on Page 9, Column 1)
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
The Daily Oklahoman
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
17 Jan 1923, Wed • Page 9
NO NEGLECT IN DEATH OF SIX, WRIGHT FINDS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE
On their way to the city after school had been dismissed for the day.
Schools Not Opened.
The three schools will not be opened until next Monday, according to Ida M. Hale, county superintendent of public instruction. District school boards of the three schools conferred Tuesday with Mrs. Hale.
Ruth Howard, owner and driver of the automobile and teacher at Pleasant Valley school, had driven by Prairie school, where she picked up Mrs. Opal Darnell, who taught there. Then she started for Bodine school for Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden.
To reach Bodine school she had to cross the Santa Fe tracks and the Norman Interurban tracks. About midway between Bodine school and the Interurban tracks they met Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden walking to catch an interurban.
Destiny at Work
The four then started for town recrossing the Interurban tracks. As they crossed the Santa Fe tracks a second time they were struck by the fast passenger train.
The destiny stern and inexhorable entered into the unfortunate fate of the four school teachers and two pupils was evinced by several unusual facts. First the two pupils were picked up and given a "lift." ordinarily they would have walked home.
Miss Howard went out of her way to give a "lift" to the other teachers. Usually she went straight home.
Miss Phelan and Miss McFadden usually rode home on the Norman interurban. On Monday afternoon they accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Miss Howard lost some time when she stopped for Mrs. Darnell at Prairie school. Mrs. Darnell usually same home on the interurban but on Monday accepted a ride from Miss Howard.
Funeral Service Announced.
The interurban tracks were crossed twice and the railroad tracks once with immunity. The second time the tracks were crossed the automobile was struck.
The train was late.
Funeral services for the six victims of the crossing crash will be as follows:
Services for Etoila McFadin, 1732 West Eighth street, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the First Methodist church, Fourth street and Robinson avenue. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Ruth Howard will be held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon from Street & Draper's chapel. Rev. H. H. Hulton will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
Services for Frankie Davis, 10 years old, Fiftieth and Santa Fe, will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Rose Hill.
Services for Henry Maroney, 6 years old, Fortieth and Shields street, will be held at 10:30 o'clock Wednesday morning at the Capitol Hill Catholic church. Rev. James F. McGuire will officiate. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Services for Mrs. Opal Darnell, 27 years old, 1109 West Twenty-night street, will be held at 4 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from Perrine & McAtee's chapel. Burial will be at Fairlawn cemetery.
Service for Cora M. Phelan, 28 years old, 29 ½ East Fourth street, will be held at 8 o'clock Thursday morning from St. Joseph's cathedral. Burial will be at Rose Hill cemetery.
∼
Notes from the original contributor-
One of six people that died while crossing the railroad tracks. Others that died
Etolia McFadin, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Ruth Howard, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery
Frankie Davis 10 yr old, burial in Rose Hill.
Opal Darnell, teacher burial in Fairlawn
Cora Phelan, teacher burial in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Four teachers and two youths died.
∼
Added November 7 , 2022
https://ok2explore.health.ok.gov/App/DeathResults
Last Name First Name Middle Name Gender Death Month Death Day Death Year
MARONEY HENRY M 1 15 1923
Death County Oklahoma
It seems the last name was misspelled with the state records as well and yet another spelling of Maroney and should be Monroney.
Inscription
Last name typo on stone as Moroney should be Monroney.
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