Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-04-17
P|TMAN LOSES LIFE
EmpIoye of Street Railway
Company Struck by Car.
RAISED HIS HEAD TOO SOON
Edward Neviaser Beneath Vehicle at
Time of Accident.
VETERAN OF THE SPANISH WAR
Coroner Holds Inquest-Record Of
Deceased in Military Service
of United States.
RAISED HIS HEAD TOO SOON
VETERAN OF THE SPANISH WAR

a fatal accident occurred this morn
ing about O'Clock in the plow pit of
the Washington Railway and Electric
Company on Brightwood avenue between
w street and Barry place. the victim
being Edward Neviaser, thirty-six
years of age, veteran of the
Spanish-American war. He was en-
ployed there as pitman. and while
car 321 was over the pit he raised his
head too soon. There had been delay in
starting the car. 1t is said. and Neviaser
undoubtedly thought there was trouble
with the leads. AS he raised his head
to examine the leads the car started and
broke his neck. A number of persons
We're standing In the vicinity of the pit
at the time, and one of them, ]. %. Nauck
of 2223 7th street, in front of whose
house the accident occurred, called To
Motorman Lee Cox to stop the car. but
the vehicle moved far enough ahead to In
fiict the fatal Injuries.
Thinking Neviaser might be alive, en-
ployes Of the railway company and others
sent word to the police of the eighth pre-
cinct. asking for assistance. The patroi
wagon was soon the scene and the
form Of the pitman hurried to Freedmen's
Hospital. There the physicians announced
that life was extinct Later the body was
removed to the morgue where an In
quest was held at noon.
Death Due to Accident.
Six witnesses testified at the coroner's
inquest. The jury rendered verdict that
death was due to accident
Conductor Walter Weaver and Motor
man Cox were among the witnesses called
by Coroner hewitt. They told the jury
that their car reached the pit on time,
and the pitman made the change from
the underground to the overhead system.
Pitman Neviaser, they said. gave them
two gongs to go ahead, and when the car
did not move Immediately he called Go
ahead" The car started, and man on
the sidewalk shouted that the pitman had
been killed. Motorman Cox said he
stopped the car after it had moved about
two feet. 1t was stated by the members
of the crew that they were not in posi-
ton to see the pitman. and there was
nothing to warn them of danger.
J. d. Nauck explained that he witnessed
the occurrence. and said he called 70 the
motorman. but 1t was too late to save the
pitman's life. Nauck added that he did
not hear the gong, but did hear Nevtaser
say "All right: go ahead The car was
little slow making start, and the pit
man got up and reached for the leads.
Then the car started and the pitgnan was
killed.
Guy Smith and William Rome. coiored,
were also examined. They were on the
pavement and witnessed the accident:
Each declared he heard the pitman call
to the crew to go ahead, and each thought
the accident resulted from the pitman
becoming anxious over the delay In the
starting of the car. and reaching for the
leads to make certain he had performed
his work properly.
Deputy Coroner Glazebrook testified tnat
he performed an autopsy and found the
neck of the victim was broken. His head
was injured, but the skull was not frac-
tured.
Native Of Russia.
Born at Dadtnov, province of KovnO.
Russia, thirty-six years ago, Nevfaser
came to this country when he was about
sixteen years of age. He located In Bal
timore. where he had friends and rela
tives, and engaged in business as trav-
cling salesman. He served two full en-
listments. one in the cavalry and one in
the artillery. AT the expiration of his
service in the cavalry his troop was en-
gagged In active service In the Philip
pines and he remained there. Both of his
discharges show that he served faithfully
and that his character was excellent.
Neviasers first enlistment was in Bat
terry L, Sd Regiment, Coast Artillery,
March 49, 1892. for FIVE years. At the ex-
piration of mis- term he changed to the
cavalry as q member of Troop c, 4th Cav
airy.
The oath of August. 1898, he participated
in an exciting skirmish with the insur-
gents at Cavite. Six months later he took
part In thet battle OF Manila, which was
followed byl fights at Colevean and Santa
Cruz, the divalryman taking an impor-
place. From April 81 to May IS, 1899.
Nevaiser was q member of the expedi-
ton under Maj Gen. Lawton. and during
the early part of the next month he par
ticipated In a battle near Antfpolo, Island
Of LuZon.
Employe at Navy Yard.
Returning to this country Neviaser
found no trouble getting position in the
navy yard here. but when discharges
were ordered several months ago he was
included. He sought position with the
street railway company until he could get
another place under the government. Yes
terday morning he went to the District
building with Detective Jacob Berman.
his cousin, and made application for a
position as driver of team in the en-
gineer department. While making out his
application he remarked TO his cousin
that he did not like the place ne had with
the railway company. being constantly In
fear of meeting with an accident.
Neviaser left his home shortly befor.
O'Clock this morning to go to work. being
due at the pit at O'clock. He kissed his
wife goodbye before leaving. When in
formed OF the accident later in the day
the news proved severe shock to her.
1t IL likely that the funeral will take
place next Sunday afternoon under the
auspices of the local Spanish War Vet
Grams.
H, was also AN honored member of Col.
Theodore Roosevelt Garrison, Army and
Navy Union. and a special meeting of
tina. organization will lie held to take suit
able action In the premises.
The funeral services will probably be
held Sunday and Cen Nelson A. Miles
Camp No. /, Spanish War Veterans. will
have charge of the arrangements. Roose-
Welt Garrison, Army and Navy Union,
will also participate, it Is said
UNION OF INTERESTS.