Herman J. Mutz
Nov. 16, 1855-Nov. 26, 1935
Niles Daily Star, Wednesday, November 27, 1935, page 1, col. 1, cont. page 2, col. 7 (microfilm Niles District Library)
Another Victim Killed on M.C. Tracks
HERMAN MUTZ FOUND DEAD NEAR STATION; STRUCK BY FREIGHT
Employe Retired After 40 Years In Service; Victim of Track Tragedy
The second fatality of the week on the Michigan Central tracks here occurred early Tuesday night when Herman J. Mutz, 210 Sycamore street, aged retired employe of the Michigan Central railroad, was found dead near the station.
Mr. Mutz's body was found at 7:45 o'clock last night about 300 feet east of the Michigan Center warehouse;. An opening in the fence at that point provides a short cut for persons who wish to avoid going over the viaduct.
He was apparently bound for a visit to some of his friends when he crossed the track in the path of No. 12, Michigan Central fast train, east bound. His body was by members of the switching crew.
Ernest A. Smith, 1110 North Sixth street, died Monday from an attack of apoplexy and exposure. He lost consciousness and fell off a switch engine last Saturday night, due to a sudden heart attack. He as found beside the tracks after lying two hours in the cold.
Mr. Mutz had worked for the Michigan Central more than 40 years when he was retired on a pension about 10 years ago. He was formerly em- (Continued on Page Two) ployed as a section foreman on the South Bend division.
Born in Germany, Nov. 16, 1855, he came to Niles in 1882 and had lived here more than 50 years. His last work with the railroad was in the track department. Later he worked at Silverbrook cemetery.
Mr. Mutz leaves three children, August Mutz,and Mrs. William Fedore, of Niles, and Rudolph Mutz, of Sturgis. Of his three other children, Mrs. Lena Schnick died in 1919; Mrs. Martha Mutz in 1901, and Mrs. Clara Foss in 1933. Thirteen grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews survive.
In 1878 he was married to Miss Louise Lehmann in Germany, who died several years ago.
The body was brought to the Rutherford-Phillips mortuary, where services will be held Friday at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The Rev. Theo Eisen will officiate and buiral[sic] will be in Silverbrook cemetery.
Mr. Mutz's fraternal affiliations were with the Order of Maintenance of Way of the Michigan Central railroad. He was a member of St. John's Evangelical church of the the brotherhood of that church.