OBIT: Jacob GEARHART, 1900, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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JACOB GEARHART KILLED.
Fatal Accident to Foreman of Laborers in Machine Shop Yard.
IT OCCURRED YESTERDAY MORNING.
Well Known Throughout the City and Had Been in Employ of the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company Since 1858.
A SOLDIER IN THE CIVIL WAR.

  Jacob Gearhart, foreman of laborers in the Altoona machine shop yard, 
and a well known and respected resident of the Seventh ward, was run 
down by an engine in the shop yard near the Pittsburg division 
roundhouse at 10.25 o'clock yesterday morning, and received injuries 
which resulted in his death at the Altoona hospital at 2.45 o'clock 
yesterday afternoon.
  Foreman Gearhart had been superintending some work in the vicinity of 
the coal wharf near the round house named.  He was about to move away 
when the accident which cost him his life occurred.  He attempted to 
cross a track leading from the wharf when an engine pulled out and he 
stepped to one side.  He failed to notice the approach of engine 224, 
which was backing away from the wharf and stepping on the track was 
knocked down by the tank, which passed partly over him.  He was caught 
by the water scoop and dragged a short distance before the engineman 
was aware of the accident.  He was removed from under the tank and 
several of the men under his charge picked him up and carried him to 
the Sixteenth street gate.  The ambulance being out of service he was 
quickly removed to the hospital in the police patrol.  An examination 
showed that his lower jaw and the base of the skull had been fractured, 
the right arm crushed to the shoulder and almost ground off, the left 
side of the chest crushed in and badly bruised.
  He never regained consciousness and passed away at 2.45 o'clock, 
while several members of his family were at his bedside.
  Jacob Gearhart resided at 120 Howard avenue.  He was born in Baden, 
Germany, November 4, 1833.  He came to America in 1851 and located at 
Hollidaysburg.  In 1858 he came to Altoona and entered the employ of 
the Pennsylvania Railroad company as assistant foreman of laborers in 
the machine shop yard.  After six years of faithful work he was made 
foreman, which position he held at the time of his death.  During the 
time of his service he had watched with interest the growth of the 
shops, and at times has had as many as 250 men under his charge.
  He was married March 10, 1857, at Hollidaysburg to Miss Mary McCaw, 
who preceded him to the grave a year ago last October.  He had been 
connected with the Lutheran church for more than thirty years and at 
his death was a member of the Fourth congregation in this city.  He 
belonged to no orders, but was a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Relief association.  When the civil war broke out he answered the call 
for volunteers and served in the construction corps with distinction 
until mustered out at its close.
  Mr. Gearhart has resided in the Seventh ward since his coming to 
Altoona, and served two terms in the city councils as the 
representative of that ward. 
  He is survived by these children: George, of near Duncansville; John 
F., William C., Mary C., wife of Jacob Segmiller; Elmer D., S. Edward, 
all of Altoona; Harry, of Pittsburg; J. Albert, of Philadelphia, and 
Franklin B., a student at Lehigh college.  Also by one brother, Fred W. 
Gearhart, of Altoona.  The funeral will take place on Thursday 
afternoon, services being held at the house at 2.30 o'clock, to be 
conducted by Rev. D. S. Lentz.  Interment in Fairview cemetery.

Morning Tribune, Wednesday, January 10, 1900

FUNERAL OF JACOB GEARHART.

  The funeral of Jacob Gearhart, who died at the hospital yesterday 
afternoon from injuries received by being struck by an engine in the 
yard, will take place from his late residence, 130 Howard avenue, at 
2:20 o'clock tomorrow afternoon; interment in Fairview cemetery.

Altoona Mirror, Wednesday, January 10, 1900, page 8