Macoupin County IL Archives Obituaries.....Lemons, Henry December 22, 1919
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Matthew Ferricks Rlferricks2@aol.com May 22, 2006, 1:19 am

Girard Gazette, December 24, 1919
Henry Lemons Killed in Auto Wreck

Henry Lemons, aged 66 years 10 months and 21 days, a prominent retired farmer 
of this city, was killed and his son-in-law, Otis Brubaker slightly injured, 
Monday about noon, when the auto in which they were riding was struck by a 
south bound Northwestern freight train.

The accident happened at the crossing near the Dresing farm two miles west of 
this city.  Mr. Lemons and Brubaker had been out to the latters home a few 
miles on west of the crossing and were returning to town.  Mr. Lemons was 
driving the car which was a new Ford sedan, which he had just recently 
purchased, this being the third time he had driven it.  as they approached the 
crossing Mr. Brubaker called his attention to the approaching train and he 
brought the car to a stop a few feet from the track.  The car hesitated a few 
moments and then Mr. Lemons either failed to throw out the high speed clutch or 
pushed his foot too far forward on the low speed clutch, in either case the car 
proceeded on to the track in front of the coming train.  Seeing his predicament 
he became confused and stalled the engine with the car on the track.  The pilot 
of the locomotive struck the car just about the center.  The impact broke all 
the plate glass windows and in some matter threw both occupants clear of the 
wreck.  After making a couple of revolutions in the air Mr. Brubaker 
practically landed on his feet, and seeing Mr. Lemons lying face downward 
nearby went to his assistance.  He turned him over and as soon as assistance 
arrived helped to carry him to the home of Walter Brubaker nearby.  Mr. Lemons 
skull was crushed in about the forehead and his right arm broken, with possibly 
other bodily injuries not ascertained.  He was still breathing when carried 
into the Brubaker home, but died immediately afterwards, having been 
unconscious all the time.

After the strain of the excitement had subsided Mr. Brubaker found that he had 
sustained a sprained ankle and other bodily bruises which began to act painful 
(damaged).  The body is beyond repairs and the chassis will require complete 
demolishing in order to straighten the bent section of the frame and axels.

An inquest was held Tuesday afternoon which returned a verdict in accordance 
with the above facts.

The death of Mr. Lemons is unusually sorrowful.  He had just this fall 
completed many years of hard labor on his farm west of this city.  (damaged) 
him a home on North Third (damaged) and prepared to enjoy the (damaged) of his 
work.  To the latter (damaged) purchased the latest model in (damaged) comfort 
and convenience, but (damaged) reversed his plans and (damaged) over his 
bereaved family.

(damaged) was born in St. Louis (damaged) 1853.  He was placed (damaged) an 
asylum in his infancy and never knew the loving care of a mother.  At the age 
of seven years he became a member of the W. C. Roach family of Bird township, 
this county, and grew to maturity under the favorable conditions of this home.  
His education was received at the district school and at the age of seventeen 
he began working out among the farmers of the township.  In 1877 he engaged in 
farming on his own account near this city and three years later took up his 
residence on the farm from which he moved this fall, having improved it from 
that time to time until it was one of the best farm home in this community.

On the 8th of August, 1877, he was married to Miss Mary E. Roach, daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. John F. Roach of this city.  Eight children were born to the 
union, namely Mrs. Marion Riffey, John R. both of this city, Calvin C. of 
California; H. Coy, of near Illiopolis; Roscoe H., who died a few years ago; 
Mrs. Mattie Carroll, of Springfield, Mo.; Mrs. Ernest Stewart and Mrs. Ota 
Brubaker of this city:  who with the exception of the one son with the aged 
widow survive him.

Mr. Lemons was a member of the Girard Baptist church and has been active in 
attendance on church services.  He was a man of unfaltering business honesty 
and held the esteem and confidence of all his neighbors and business 
associates.  It is truly unfortunate that he was not permitted the pleasure of 
a few years of quiet enjoyment among his children and grandchildren.

The funeral services were held at the Baptist church yesterday afternoon at 2 
o’clock, conducted by Rev. J. R. Hastings and interment made in the Girard 
cemetery.

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