Russell William Hibbard
Sept. 28, 1928-Jan. 16, 1938
Russell Hibbard, 9, 1st Traffic victim in Berrien in 1938 Child’s injuries fatal;
Inquest called for Tuesday.
Berrien County’s first traffic fatality of 1938 was recorded in Niles early Sunday morning with the death of Russell William Hibbard Jr. in Pawating hospital.
The child, the nine year old son of Mrs. and Mrs. Russell Hibbard, 140 Forest Avenue, died at 3:45 o’clock from head injuries suffered Friday noon when a struck by a car. Lewis Rossow, Route. 4 Niles and employee of the Simplicity Pattern Company, was the driver of the automobile. The accident occurred near the Huron Street intersection of South Third Street.
Inquest called
An inquest, called by coroner Louis J. Kerlikowake, will be held at 10 o’clock Tuesday morning in the Rutherford funeral home. The jury selected by Police chief L.O. Bates will be composed of Lee Howard, A.E. Buchanan, Dave Lowe, Fred Babcock, Charles Umholtz and Hugh Lippert.
Born in Niles Sept. 28, 1928, Russell William was the only boy in a family of four children. Besides his parents he leaves his three younger sisters, Donna, Susan and June.
At the time of the accident he was on his way home from Central school where he was enrolled in Miss Esther Keeler’s fourth grade.
Member of M.E. church.
He was also a member of the Methodist Sunday School and church and of the Cub Scout troop of St. John’s Evangelical Church. Services will be held at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the Rutherford Funeral Home followed by burial in Silverbrook Cemetery. The Rev. T. O. Lee of the First Methodist church will officiate. Friends may call at the Hibbard Home.
Submitted by family member; publication details unknown.