Albert W. Steimley
May 3, 1885-July 11, 1912
Niles Daily Sun, Thursday, July 11, 1912 page 1, col. 7-8, microfilm Niles District Library
ALBERT STEIMLEY, A CAR REPAIRER, KILLED TODAY IN MICH. CENT. YARDS
Was caught between freight cars while in peromance[sic] of duty
A CAREFUL WORKMAN
Fourth fatal accident in this vicinity in two days
Albert Steimley, a car repairer employed by the Michigan Central railroad company in John Nagle's department, was killed this morning while in the performance of his duties.
The fatal accident occurred about 7:30 a.m. Just west of the Fifth Street viaduct.
Just how the accident occurred is not definitely known, but as near as con be ascertained Steimley stepped in between two freight cars to but in a new counterpin in the coupler.
At the moment that Steimley stepped between the cars a switch engine backing down in the yards struck the line of freight cars on which Mr. Steimley was working and it is thought the was pinched and crushed between the bumpers and fell upon the tracks between the cars.
Both of Steimley's arm were found to be crushed and also his left leg below the knee, where the trucks of the car had run over him.
The only eye witness of the tragedy was John Helmick, also a car repairer, who was with Steimley as a helper.
This was Helmick's first day's employment as a car repairer and the horrible tragedy enacted before his eyes when he saw his fellow employe knocked down and crushed to death under the wheels so completely unnerved him that he suffered a complete nervous collapse and has been under the doctor's care ever since at the home of Mrs. J. A. Mark, his step sister, at 313 Pokagon.
Helmick was able to tell a little of the accident to Steimley's brother but his own condition became so bad that he had to be placed under the influence of opiates and his condition is considered serious.
The body of Steimley was removed to Price's undertaking rooms and was laid beside that of Fred Rau, the last electrocution victim of yesterday, and the morgue presented a grewsome[sic] sight with the bodies of two young mend whose lives were taken so quickly and tragically by accidents of an entirely different nature.
Mr. Steimley was 26 years old. He was married and is survived by a young wife and an infant child. Mrs. Steimley was Miss Emma Gottschalk of Michigan City Oaks before marriage.
The young man was born in Niles and is survived by his father, Boswell Steimley and two brothers, Edward and Charles Steimley, their home being at 899 north Fifth street.
The following jury was impanelled by Chief Francis to investigate this latest tragedy: George A. Forler, August Asmus, Jos Pettit, Lawrence Boler, Carl Hosfelt and Gus Pammel.
After viewing the body they adjourned to Saturday morning at 9 o'clock when they will meet at the council room to take testimony of witnesses.
Mr. Steimley had been employed by the Michigan Central for over six years and all but about six months of that time, when he went to Michigan City, he has worked in the Niles yards.
He was considered a good workman, careful and competent, and was an industrious young man, and highly thought of by his friends and fellow workmen.
Mrs. Esther Parkinson of Buchanan, an aunt of Mrs. F.W. Knott of this city, was walking over the viaduct and was an eye witness of the tragic death.
The switch engine which kicked the cars resulting int eh death of Steimley was in charge of Ex-Ald. John Walker.
Note: DOB from Michigan Death Certificate