Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1913-09-08
N. v. Clayton, George W Wells, H. H.
Powell, j. E. Mcpherson, and r. F.

Green. :. ....s,s, ,,,.,.'
The jury looked at the bodies and
inspected the scene of the accident,
and adjournment was taken by the
acting coroner until o'clock this aft
ternoon. The jury will meet at De-
maine's undertaking establishment
where the inquest will be held. Th>
testimony of the members of the
trains crew, together with several
other witnesses, will be heard.
The bodies of the two men were re-
moved to Dernaine's and prepared for
burial.
! Mr.. Peck and his companion, Mr..
iZell, left Alexandria only "a few mlnu-
/! tes before they met their death. 1t
had been their custom almost every
Sunday to take days automobile
trip, and yesterday morning they had
started for Washington, intending to
60 to some nearby place in the coun-
/ try to spend the day.
News of the accident soon spread
throughout Alexandria, and during
.. The day hundreds of people visited
the scene and looked upon the debris.
Even before the bodies of the unfort-
unate men had been removed several
hundred persons had gathered about.
Numerous amateur photographers
were on hand.
The railroad people yesterday af-
ternoon held an investigation of the
affair. This took place at the Alexan-
Gria office of the company, and was
conducted by Superintendent Emmert.
The crossing where the accident oc-
Cured is regarded as One of the most
dangerous in Alexandria county. On
the south side of the tracks there is
an embankment about fifteen feet
high, and there is also considerable
elevation on the west side. This
makes it next to impossible for the
driver of vehicle going north to
see an approaching train.
The question Of getting the railway
company to place watchman at this
crossing was taken up by the AleNan-
dria Automobile Association at d re-
cent meeting, and the secretary was
instructed to write a letter to the rail-
way company. This was done, but no
action, it is said, followed :, second
letter was then sent.
William H. Peck was thirty-eight
years old, and one of AleXandrla's S
leading retail grocers. He also was in
the coal and wood business. He leaves
two young sons. He was native of
Fairfax county, but had lived in Alex
andra most of his life. Mr.. Peck had
accumulated large realty holdings.
having built the majority Of the
houses in the section of the city where
he lived.
He carried heavy life insurance,
which is said to consist or $4,000 ac-
cident insurance, and $4,000 ordinary
life.
i Mr.. Peck was a member of AleXan-
dria Lodge No. 1853, Benevolent and
Protective Order of Elks, and also Of
Tent No. 2, Knights of Maccabees and
Columbia Steam Fire Engine Com
pany.
Mr. Zell was thirty five years old
and besides his wife, leaves five small
children. He was carpenter, and at
the time of his death was employee
as packer at the plant of the Old
: Dominion Glass Company. He lived
at 7O5 north Payne street, Alexandria
He was member Of James W Jack
son Council, Junior Order of United
American Mechanics. and members
of that organization will attend The
/ funeral.
Mrs. Zell, at the time of the accl
dent, was visiting at GIencaryn
Fairfax county. She reached home
at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, com
! pletely prostrated at the news of th'
accident.
! Mr.. Peck's funenal will take place
tomorrow afternoon at , O'clock from
Sharon Chapel, Fairfax county, ant
will be conducted by the Rev. S. A
Wallis. of the Theological Seminary
}. Mr.. Zell's funeral will be held at 4 81
), o'clock tomorrow afternoon from nj
: residence, 705 Payne street.
A lodge of sorrow will be held b,
| Alexandria Lodge of Elks tonight "a
s o'clock to take action on Mr.. Peck
death. The funeral services tomor
. row will be under the auspices of tha
: order.
NOTICE Jr. 0. u. A. NJ.