Boyle, Carrie (Hess)

Carrie (Hess) Boyle
Died Nov. 26, 1926

Mrs. Carrie Boyle dies of injury in Fall on Stairs

Pitches head First Down cellar steps at J. R. Miller Home.

Dies at Hospital

Had stopped to visit neighbor who also had been hurt in fall.

Injuries received by Mrs. Carrie Boyle, wife of William E. Boyle, 541 Cherry street, in a fall last evening about 5 o’clock proved fatal this morning at 6:15 at Pawating hospital. The death of Mrs. Boyle is shocking to her relatives and wide circle of acquaintances in the community.

The fatal accident occurred at the home of Joseph H. Miller, 403 S. Fifth Street. Mrs. Boyle had been down town shopping and as she was returning home she stopped at the Miller home to call upon Mrs. Miller, who was injured about 10 days ago by falling down a flight of stairs leading to the cellar. While she was talking to Mrs. Miller, there was a knock a the door and Mrs. Boyle graciously offered to respond to the knock to save Mrs. Miler from leaving her couch. However, instead of opening the door leading to the porch Mrs. Boyle opened the door leading into the cellar, and with her next step she fell down the stairs and struck the cement floor heavily.

Mrs. Miller reached her husband by telephone at a store a few doors away, and called her physician Dr. B.D. Giddling. Mr. Miller realizing the seriousness of Mrs. Boyles condition did not attempt to mover her until the doctor came which was within a few minutes. And she was then carried upstairs.

While she was conscious for a few minutes. Mrs. Boyle soon lapsed into an unconscious condition and did not regain consciousness. It was apparent that she was suffering from a fractured skull, and the physician after making her as comfortable as possible, at 7 o’clock had her removed to Pawating hospital. Dr. Walter Baker of South Bend, called in consultation, diagnosed the case as a fractured skull, also, and although everything possible was done to help her, she died as the hour states.

Mrs. Boyle was born in Buchanan township, a daughter of John and Elizabeth M. (Riffer) Hess, deceased. In 1892 she was married to Mr. Boyle and they went at once to Dowagiac to reside. Later they were located on farms near Niles. About 12 years ago they moved from a farm on Yankee Street to the present home.

Mrs. Boyle is survived by her husband and by the following brother and sisters,  George Hess, Buchanan, Mrs. Katherine Eisele of Portage Prairie, Will, Charles and Henry Hess of Buchanan, and Mrs. Arthur Adams of Michigan City. All these relatives reached the hospital during the night, also Mr. Boyle’s sisters, Mrs. Thomas Huff and Mrs. Flora Townsend of Elgin, Il. His bother, Hugh Boyle and his wife after expected from Detroit this afternoon.

Mrs. Boyle was well known as a gracious friend and neighbor and for her kindness for those in distress, and it is noteworthy that the accident should have befallen her, while engaged in a neighborly and sympathetic call upon one in distress. Much sympathy is expressed for the grief stricken husband and other relatives.

Mrs. Boyle was a member of Dowagiac Hive No. 1, Lacxy Maccabees.

The funeral services will be held at 3:30 o’clock Friday afternoon the Presbyterian church. Burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Troost and Augustine undertaking rooms until Friday afternoon.

Submitted by family member; publication details unknown