The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1891-01-02
EDWARD AWLEYS FATE

EDW ARD HAWLE1'SFA FATE
Returning from his daily trip to the
creamery at Newtown Saturday, Decem-
Der 9th, Edward b., son of William r..
Hawley and the team he drove were
killed at the crossing near Patrick Hou-
lihan's, about half a mile east Of Haw-
leyville, by the 10 50 passenger train
north. The train came to stop as
soon as possible, but, having seen the
young man leap from the sled, went on
to the station, where the accident was re-
ported. Edwards father, SO often and
sadly afflicted, CHANGED to be at HaWley-
vile and, fearing that it might be his
son and team, drove directly to the spot,
where he arrived shortly after employees
of the road, who took a short cut down
the track. Edward was found lying
in the railroad ditch, II or 10 feet from
the crossing, face down in the bloody
snow, close by Il small rock. with his
head frightfully crushed, though he was
still gasping. The wreck of the sled,
milk cans and a bag of grain were strewn
about him., The off horse was hurled
about two rods and rolled from the New
England siding, where it struck, into the
ditch between the Housatonic and New
England tracks, while the other was
pushed along the rail several rods and
forced to one side, both apparently hav-
ing been instantly killed. With the help
of those present, Mr. Hawley sorrowfully
conveyed his son to Homer A. Hawley's,
fearing that his wife, who has been dam
gerously i'll might be made worse by the
dreadful accident. Edward did not re-
gain consciousness, but lbreathed few
minutes after his removal to the house.
AS it was deemed best to hold cOro-
ner's inquest, to determine, II possible,
upon whom the responsibility of death
should fall, Coroner Doten of Bridge
port summoned witnesses on both sides,
Tuesday. The railroad employees given
a hearing at O'Clock in the coroner's
office at Bridgeport were Benjamin Ben
ham, the engineer, Henry Lamont, the
fireman and Supervisor +. NJ. Cogill. Ben
ham swore that he blew the whistle as
usual on that trip and that he was look
ing ahead. AS he rounded the curve
just below the crossing he saw horses on
the track and applied the brakes. but
could not stop before he struck them.
The horses were thrown aside. Benham
said, swell, now they'll say. ! did not
whistle" s'But you did, rejoined Fire
man Lamont, ssyou whistled at the post"
The train was stopped, but, as the occu-
pant of the sled had been seen to jump,
and was supposed to be safe, it proceed
ed to Hawleyville, where the killing of
couple of horses was reported. Fireman
Henry Lamont corrobOrated Benham's
story. Cogill said that he was in the
rear car and noticed with surprise that
the air brakes were set with great force
Immediately after a whistle. He was
told that a team had been run into and
the horses hurt, but the driver was seen
to jump. All three witnesses were posi-
tive that the whistle sounded properly.
On the other side, four witnesses were
heard before the coroner at Homer A.
Hawley's, Tuesday evening. Howard
Andrews of Whisconier, passenger on
the train, said that he did not hear the
whistle before the train stopped, al
though he was listening intently. IL. G..
Crawford of Stony Hill, "a second passen-
ger, did not hear the whistle. Both were
certain that it was not sounded although
difficult matter to make oath to. HO-
mer A. Hawley crossed the track just
ahead of Edward, though not aware that
he followed. He heard no whistle, but,
as he was crossing the rails, saw the
smoke of Il locomotive not far away. He
was short distance from the track
when the train stopped for an instant,
then went on and was positive that no
whistle was sounded after the train left
the tunnel. lie had listened intentIy,
knowing that the train was due. Asa N.
Hawley testified that he was one of a
party who found Edward lying beside
the track, gasping and bleeding, but un-
concious. Coroner Doten said to BEE
reporter that he should defer rendering
ii verdict for several days, that new evil
dence in regard to the whistle might be
introduced, but none of Importance has
come to light. IS If we accord to the rail-
road men us full weight as to others who
testified" said the coroner, ''the prepon-
derance of evidence would seem to be
that the whistle sounded; for the wit
nesses for the railroad were positive in
their statements, while those on the 9TH
err side lacked that directness necessary
to full Conviction
The funeral, Wednesday, at Mr. Haw-
ley's sad home, was largely attended,
Rev G. Il. Linsley officiating. Beautiful
Gala lilies; bouquet from former
schoolmates and young friends; a cross
presented by Mr. and Mrs George w.
Stuart; an anchor from Mrs Asa N.
Hawley and a wreath were placed about
the casket, which was borne by five cOus-
ms of Edward: Asa, Willis, Arthur,
Clarence Ernest Hawley and Henry Fan
cher. The internent was in the family
lot at Lands End.
Edward Hawley was 10 years and six
months of age, the oldest living child of
a large family and the dependence of his
father in carrying on an extensive dairy
and farm. But just out eff school and
with life just opening before him, it is
inexpressibly sad that his life is cut
short so ruthlessly. Among his compan-
ions, a congenial friend in the home, a
son and brother in whom confidenc was
not misplaced; the whole community
pauses in plying, sympathetic sorrow
as it hears of the suffering of the afflict-