William A. Rau
Abt 1899-March 23, 1919
Niles Daily Sun, Monday, March 24, 1919, page 4, col. 5, microfilm Niles District Library
WILLIAM RAU ELECTROCUTED
Grandson of Mrs. John Rau Touched Live Wire
William A. Rau, aged 20 years, a grandson of Mrs. John Ray, 406 Brookfield street, west Niles, was electrocuted while at work at the plant of Vacuum Ice Co. in South Bend Sunday morning when he came in contact with a live trolley wire of an electric crane and was electrocuted, 440 volts passing through his body.
No one was present when the accident occurred, but according to employes of the plant, Mr. Rau was working near the crane, which was idle at the time, with the switch out, which left the current on. He had evidently attempted to do some oiling near the trolley wire and his hand came in contact with it, the current killing him instantly. When found, one arm was thrown across the live wire and both hands were burned severely. He was immediately taken to his home. Mr. Rau had been in the employ of the company for a year, but had recently taken a position in the machinery department of the plant.
The funeral arrangements have not been completed but the body will be brought to Niles probably on Wednesday afternoon for burial.
The young man was born in Niles. He was a son of John Rau, whose death occurred in Florida about a year ago. The death by electrocution of William Rau, was the second in the family by electrocution, the young man's uncle, the late Fred Rau, son of Mrs. John Rau, and a brother of Nick Rau, Mesdames Ed. Larson and Frank Butts of Niles, having been killed in a similar manner seven years ago when he came in contact with a live wire at the city hall in Niles. The young man is survived by his mother, Mrs. Alfred Blodgett, who was formerly Miss Grace Lambert, a sister of Jack Lambert.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, March 25, 1919, page 4, col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
Funeral services for William E. [sic] Rau, who was electrocuted in South Bend Sunday morning were held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the residence. Rev. R. Everett Carr officiated. The body was brought to his city, burial taking place in Silver Brook cemetery.