Arthur Richardson
abt. 1870-March 20, 1953
Niles Daily Star, Saturday, March 21, 1953, page 1, col. 8, microfilm Niles District Library
AUTO KILLS AGED NILES PEDESTRIAN
Traffic Fatality Second for City Within a Month
Arthur Richardson, 82, Struck Down at East Main and Thirteenth
The second traffic fatality within 30 days within a three block area on East Main street occurred here early Friday night.
Arthur Richardson, 82 of 1306 East Main street, died a 9:20 p.m Friday at Pawating Hospital of injuries suffered when he was struck by an automobile at 8:10 p.m Friday at the intersection of East Main and Thirteenth streets. The death was the 11th traffic fatality in Berrien County this year.
Niles police said Richardson was struck by an automobile driven by Russell J. Leach, 43, of rural route two, Edwardsburg.
Leach told police that he was driving east on Main street and that he did not see Richardson who started across the intersection walking south.
Richardson is believed to have walked directly into the path of Leach's car. He was struck by the front bumper and knocked to the pavement.
Leach estimated that he was driving between 20 and 25 miles an hour, and police verified his statement. Officers said skid marks showed that Leach stopped his car almost immediately after the impact.
Richardson never regained consciousness at Pawating Hospital. His injuries were listed as a skull fracture and a compound fracture of the right leg.
Leach was released on his own recongnizance[sic] and ordered to remain available for contact pending a report by the county coroner.
The last traffic fatality here occurred Freb. 19 two and a half blocks from the scene of the fatality last night. The accident in the 1500 block on East Main street resulted in the death of five-year-old Phyllis Brock, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Brock, 1631 Taft street.
According to Coroner Franklyn G. Rice Jr., Mr. Richardson died from a fractured skull and cerebral concussion suffered in the accident.
He was born in Raleigh, N.C. and came here from Chicago 30 years ago. He was a laborer.
Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Lela Hubbard of Niles; and one brother, Ralph of Battle Creek. A nephew and niece also survive.
Friends may call at the Kiger Funeral Home, where funeral services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Richard Alexander of the Mount Calvary Baptist officiating. Burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.