George Ernest Morris
June 23, 1888*-June 18, 1926
Niles Daily Star, Friday, June 18, 1926, page 1 col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
GEORGE MORRIS IS KILLED BY M.C. BY TRAIN
Was Serving as Timekeeper With Ballast Gang.
BODY CRUSHED BY FAST FLYER
Is Hurled Across Tracks As He Stepped From Another
George Morris, son of Mrs. Daisy Morris, 416 S. Ninth street, was almost instantly killed this afternoon about 1 o'clock by Michigan Central passenger train, No. 10, eastbound and due in Niles at 1:03. The accident occurred a short distance west on the company's right of way below the Buchanan bridge near Clay street.
While full details of the accident are lacking as there were no eye witnesses so far as learned this afternoon, it is thought Mr. Morris stepped from one track to another to avoid a westbound freight train and directly in the path of No. 10, one of the fastest trains on the road. There is a curve at this place which partially obscures the view of an approaching train, and at the same time the passing of the westbound train added to the confusion of noise and Mr. Morris did not hear No. 10 approaching.
With him were two Mexican members of the track gang which is engaged in ballasting the roadbed of the railway right of way, and over which Mr. Morris was timekeeper. The two men jumped and avoided the oncoming train, jumping to the opposite side of the tracks from which Mr. Morris was picked up after the accident, and they did not see the train hit him.
From the appearance of the body the train struck Mr. Morris on the right side and the force of the impact hurled him clear of the tracks. The right leg was almost completely crushed and the left leg also was broken, while the right side of this body was lacerated, the skull fractured and the right side of his face disfigured. Evidently the wheels of the train did not pass over him as no parts of the body were amputated.
The news of the tragedy was conveyed down town quickly and police, ambulance and many private cars were rushed to the scene. Coroner Hardy Langston empanelled a jury at the scene, who after viewing the body adjourned to meet in his office tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. The train was brought to a stop as quickly as possible, but no statements were secured from the train crew, but they will probably testify at the inquest tomorrow.
The news of the tragic death spread quickly, shocking the many friends of the young man. His brother, Richard, employed at the postoffice was notified and he conveyed the announcement to the widowed mother who is in a state of collapse.
George Morris was born in Niles in 1888, a son of Ernest and Daisy Brown Morris. His father died a number of years ago. During the world war and before the United States engaged in the war, George joined the French engineers. After he was overseas and when the United States entered the war he secured a transfer from the French to the American forces and served until the close of the war in active service. He returned to Niles in July, 1918, and almost at once entered the employ of Claude Huff as an assistant in the tire department. On last January 1, he left the employ of Mr. Huff to work for the railway company and had since been so employed.
The deceased is survived by his mother, three brothers, Harry, of Seattle, Wash.; Richard and Robert Morris, and by one sister, Miss Genevieve Morris. The brother, Harry, had been expected in Niles this week for his annual vacation, and it is thought he is already on the way here.
The brother, Robert, is employed by the Michigan Central.
The deceased was a member of the Niles lodge of Elks. He was widely known in Niles. He was gifted as an entertainer in various lines and had for years participated in home talent entertainments, with such success that he had often been advised to seek larger fields for his talent. He won friends readily and retained them and leaves many to mourn his death.
The funeral plans have not been completed.
Niles Daily Star, Tuesday, June 22, 1926, page 4 col. 2, microfilm Niles District Library
The body of George Morris will be removed from the Rutherford Funeral home to the family home on Ninth street tomorrow morning and the funeral services will be held at 10:30 o'clock at the home. The Elk lodge will assist in the services at the house, and LaRue Messenger Post, American Legion, will assist at the committal services at Silver Brook Cemetery.
*DOB from WWI Draft Registration@ Ancestry.com