Phillip Max Whalen
June 24, 1886-Dec. 17, 1943
KILLS PEDESTRIAN
PHILLIP WHALEN, 57, STRICKEN DOWN ON NORTH FIFTH STREET
Ernest Wegner, 29, Dowagiac, to Face Inquest Monday Night
Phillip Max Whalen, 57, who lived a quarter mile north of Niles on M-40, was killed instantly at 6:30 this morning on North Fifth street 300 feet inside city limits when struck by a car driven by Ernest T. Wegner, 29, Dowagiac.
Whalen, an employe of the Berrien county highway department, was reported to be walking on the road going toward Niles when the accident occurred.
Police reports said Wegner was attempting to pass another car when his auto struck Whalen. Two unidentified men from the other car summoned police.
Riding with Wegner at the time were his bride of one day, Dulcia Wegner, and his uncle, Charles Wegner.
Coroner William Pifer said Whalen died instantly of a broken neck.
Jurors were sworn in this morning and an inquest was set for 7:30 Monday night. The jury includes George Kickins, Fred Mattix, Frank Strunk, Howard Churchill, W.R. Duddington and Chester Overcash.
First in 18 Months
Whalen's death was the first traffic fatality in Niles since July 1, 1942, when Mrs. Bessie Otteson was injured fatally by an overturning truck at Front and Main Street.
Whalen lived in a tenant house on the Homer Womble farm and at the time of the accident was on his way to the Berrien county highway garage on Lake street.
He was born in Niles township June 24, 1886, and lived in this area his lifetime.
Surviving are a brother, Forrest Whalen, Flint; and four sisters, Mrs. Kathryn Smith and Mrs. L.N. Curtis, Oakland, Calif., Mrs. Eva Harra, Three Rivers, and Mrs. Grace Higgins, near Niles.
The body was taken to the Price and Kiger chapel, where friends may call by Saturday night. Services will be conducted there Monday afternoon at 2:30 by the Rev. J.K. Hoffmaster. Burial will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Niles Daily Star, Friday, December 17*,1943, page 1, col. 6, *Front page is mislabeled Dec. 24), microfilm Niles District Library