Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1903-04-24
A Fatal Accident.

On Thursday of last week Schaaf Johns
son Of Rev. and Mrs. A. s. Johns, of Wash
ington city, met with fatal accident by be
ing crushed under the wheels of a moving
street car in that city. Rev. Mr.. Johns wa.
for number of years rector of Christ P. E
Church, at this place, and also at Ascension
Church, Gaithersburg. He and his family
have the deep sympathy of our people in
their sad bereavement.
Washington Star, Of Thursday evening,
gave the following particulars OF the fright
full occurrence:
A shocking street car accident, which re-
suited In the almost instant death of Schaafi
Johns, the twelve year old son of Rev. DR..
and Mrs. Arthur s. Johns of 800 G street
southeast, occurred about 1880 o'clock this
morning on the line OF the Washington
Traction Railway Company at the corner of
Connecticut avenue and l. street northwest.
From the accounts Of eye witnesses to the
affair, which vary slightly as to details, the
boy was attempting to board q southbound
street car while it was in motion and fell
beneath the front wheels of the trailer
When he was extricated il was found that
he had sustained a fracture of the skull and
the bones of his neck and chest had been
terribly crushed. He lived but few mo-
ments after being removed from beneath
the wheels.
The father of the boy, Rev. DR.. Johns, is
rector OF Christ Church, in Southeast Wash
ington. 1t was stated that Schaaf had gone
on an errand for Bessie Baldwin, who was
visiting with Mrs. Johns, to her sister, who
resides at 1898 L street northwest. He was
49,. l. IL LA1
him bundle Of clothing which Miss Bald.
win had asked her sister to send TO her.
Car No. 157, in charge of Conductor K. d.
Richter, with VIM. P. Wise as motorman,
was running south along Connecticut ave-
nue.. The car stopped on the north side of
l. street. Several persons who were near
the scene of the accident stated that the boy
was standing on the northwest corner of the
street and did not attempt TO board the Cur
until after it had started. Others stated that
Schaaf ran east along l. street and en-
deavored to jump onto the front platform of
the trailer from the west side. Whatever
the details, he slipped beneath the front
wheels, which passed over his body.
A passenger on the front platform OF the
trailer noticed the boy fall and pulled the
bell rope. The motorman Immediately set
the brakes and stopped the car about thirty
feet from the south side OF the crossing.
Underneath the rear wheels Of the trailer,
mangled and torn, lay the almost lifeless
| form OF the unfortunate boy. 1t was some
time before he could be extricated, and the
car had to be literally lifted off the boy.
His mangled form was carried into loco
mobile establishment on Connecticut ave.
nue., and the ambulance from the Emer-
gency Hospital was summoned. When the
physicians arrived they stated that the boy
was dead, having expired before they reach
ed him.
As the boy was a stranger in that neigh
borhood considerable delay was experienced
in Identifying him. A letter addressed to
"Miss Bessie Baldwin, kindness of Schaaff,"
was found in one OF the pockets of his coat,
and, with the aid of directory, the address
of the lady to whom the letter was sent was
found. Upon inquiry at the Lenox, the ad.
dress given in the directory, it was found
that Miss Bessie Baldwin was visiting with
Mrs. Johns, and that Schaaf had just left
the place with note and bundle Of cloth
ing for Miss Baldwin.
Mr.. ii. j. Meader, a grocer near the resi-
dence of DR.. Johns, was telephoned Of the
accident and went 10 the ministers resi-
dence. DIR. Johns was absent at the time,
but Mr. Meader gently broke the news to
WITS. JOnusb anu JOBolueI Win IteNs III
Meyer, assistant rector OF Christ Church,
accompanied her TO the scene OF the sad &C.
cldent The bereaved mother stood the trial
bravely, restraining her emotions with wo'
manly courage. Messengers sent TO various
parts OF the city were unable 70 find DIR.
Johns, and with the assistance of DIR. Meyer,
the mother arranged for the removal of the
body. 1t was taken to Speares undertake
ing establish ment and prepared for burial,
alter which 1t was conveyed TO the home.
Schaaff Johns was the youngest son OF
DR.. and Mrs. Johns. He attended public
school, and was crucifer Ia Christ Church,
and among his many friends was regarded
as a manly young fellow, with many splendid
traits OF character. His death is a crushing
blow 10 his parents and relatives.