OBIT: Martin G. HAMMEL, 1925, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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MARTIN G. HAMMEL

A well known retired conductor of the Altoona railroad yards, residing 
at 1804 Fifth avenue, died suddenly at 5.15 o'clock yesterday afternoon 
while aboard a Pennsylvania railroad passenger train, enroute home from 
Wilkinsburg, Pa., where he attended the funeral of a friend, the late 
Roller U. Baird, who was a former Altoona resident. There were a number 
of other Altoona people on the train and had conversed with Mr. Hammel 
a short time prior to his death. He had complained of a severe pain in 
his stomach and had been given medicine by the train crew. He was found 
dead in a seat in the passenger coach just as the train was approaching 
the Johnstown station. The lifeless body was taken from the train in 
Johnstown and removed to an undertaking establishment there. Mr. Hammel 
had gone to Wilkinsburg yesterday morning and he seemed in his usual 
good health when he departed from his home. He was one of the city's 
best known citizens and had lived in Altoona all his life. He was born 
at Hutchison's crossing on June 18, 1854. He began his service with the 
railroad company on March 18, 1870, as a track laborer on the Middle 
division, working intermittently in that capacity until June 26, 1876, 
when he entered the transportation service as a brakeman. He was 
promoted to be a conductor on June 1, 1887, and was thus engaged until 
his retirement on June 1, 1924. He was prominently identified with the 
Railroad Young Men's Christian association in this city from its 
earliest days and he served as president of the association from 1891 
to 1899. Following his retirement as president he was chosen assistant 
recording secretary and served in that capacity for several years, 
later being elected a member of the board and serving there until a few 
years ago. He was married to Lile Hartle in this city on Jan. 13, 1881. 
The widow survives as do also two children, George, at home, and Mrs. 
Bertha Flegal of Duncansville. He is also survived by one brother, J.I. 
Hammel of Altoona; two sisters, Mrs. Jerome Franks of East Juniata and 
Miss Mary E. Hammel of Altoona, and three grandsons, George, Martin G. 
and Maurice Flegal. The body was brought to this city today and was 
removed to the late residence this afternoon. Friends may view the body 
at any time prior to the funeral, which will be held at 2 o'clock 
Monday afternoon in First Church of God. Interment will be made in Rose 
Hill cemetery.

Altoona Mirror, Friday, 4 September 1925