Subscribe..
KILLED ON THE TRACKS
[Welland Telegraph June 19, 1903]
Christian Lieher, an inmate of the Industrial Home, came to a sad and tragic end on the M.C. R. Tracks near Perry on Tuesday evening, At the time the victim was unknown, and it was not until Wednesday morning that he was identified. An east bound freight was running at a high rate of speed just at dusk, when an old man suddenly walked on the track directly in front of the train. He was struck and hurled to one side. When picked up he was dead. A cut on the back of his head and others in front and an arm broken in two places were the results of the blow. Coroner Hopkins of Marshville was summoned, and after viewing the remains ordered them sent to Welland where they were received by Chief Forde and placed in Messrs, Lawrence & Sutherland’s morgue. An effort was made to identify the man, as it was thought from his appearance that he was not a tramp. About 11 o’clock Messrs, Ben Zavitz and Peter Sipp of Ridgeway viewed the remains and identified them as Christian Lieher of Ridgeway, who has lately been an inmate of the Home. A telephone message to the Home revealed the fact that he had absconded early Tuesday morning.
The old man had been a resident of Ridgeway for many years, and a few years ago when his wife died he had considerable property. After his wife’s death his mind became affected and he lost his property and money before his relatives knew of his unwise dealings. Two sons, John and Fred, live in Buffalo, and a daughter, Mrs Elizabeth Rohr, lives in Ridgeway. The sons placed their father in institutions in New York State but he was dissatisfied. Last March he was put in the Industrial Home here. On Monday he asked Keeper Kottmeier for money to go to Humberstone, which was refused him. The next morning he was gone and Mr Kottmeier concluded he had gone to Humberstone. The old man had apparently lost his way and imagined when walking up the M.C.R. tracks that he was going up the G.T.R. to Humberstone. His sons arrived in town Wednesday evening and had the remains moved to Ridgeway for burial. He was 78 years of age. Crown attorney T.D. Cowper decided an inquest unnecessary.
Add A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.