Clark County NV Archives Obituaries.....Umbaugh, Willa November 6, 1938
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Gerry Perry missgerry@cox.net January 27, 2013, 12:49 am

Las Vegas Age. 11/11/1938
SPEEDING TRAIN TAKES TWO LIVES

Los Angeles Limited Train No. 9, east bound, struck the automobile in which 
were J. H. Umbaugh and his ten year old daughter, Willa, at 7:37 Thursday 
morning, killing Mr. Umbaugh instantly and injuring Willa so terribly that she 
died while being taken to the hospital.

Mr. Umbaugh, as was his usual custom, was bringing Willa from his ranch to Las 
Vegas grade school. Driving from the ranch toward Las Vegas by way of 
Charleston Boulevard, neither occupant of the car apprently saw the 
approaching train although the view of the railroad each way is unobstructed.  
The train was about two hours late and usually there is no train nearing the 
crossing at that time.

However, the uncertain and erratic finger of fate retarded the speeding train 
just enough so that it would reach that particular crossing at a particular 
second and, at the same time brought the car onto the railroad track just in 
time to be caught up and crushed by the pilot of the engine.

The whistle of the engine and the bell were both sounding.  The fireman, B. V. 
Smith, from his side of the cab, saw the approaching automobile coming toward 
the track at a speed of 15 or 20 miles an hour and supposed it was about to 
stop close to the rails.  Seeing that the car made no attempt to stop, Smith 
called to Mr. Salt, engineer, who immediately set the emergency brakes, but it 
was impossible for him to avoid the accident.

The car was carried 1147 feet before it struck a switch standard and was 
knocked loose.  The train came to a stop a short distance father on.

Both the victims were still in the car.  It was necessary to break the doors 
to get them out.  Mr. Umbaugh was already dead.  The girl lived but a few 
moments, dieing [sic] as the ambulence was taking her crushed body to the 
hospital.

Mr. Umbaugh, jeweler, 225 Fremont street, Las Vegas, was a prominent 
businessman of the city.  He was about 50 years of age, lovable and congenial 
and had hundreds of close friends who sincerely mourn his untimely death.  He 
was a leader in the Masonic order, a member of the local Shrine Club.

Willa Umbaugh, adopted daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Umbaugh, was a member of the 
6B class of Las Vegas grammar schools.  Her classmates were greatly shocked by 
the news of her death.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, at the First Methodist 
church, with Rev. Ford Gilbert officiating.

Additional Comments:
The information provided for publication was provided by an outside source and 
is not proven to be correct


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