OBIT: Arthur W. MECHEN, 1916, Blair County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB

Copyright 2020.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/


A. W. MECHEN DEAD OF HEART TROUBLE
Prominent Civil War Veteran and Retired Pennsy Official Passes Away

Arthur W. Mechen, retired chief clerk to the master mechanic of the
Altoona machine shops, and a prominent veteran of the Civil war, died
at 1 o'clock this morning at his home at 708 Lexington avenue, of
heart trouble and complications.  While he had been in failing health
for several years, his death was sudden and unexpected.  He had
retired about 10:00 o'clock, being about as well as usual.  During the
night he was seized with a coughing spell and went into the bath room,
where he expired within a short time.  Dr. O. H. Shaffer was summoned,
but he had passed away before the physician arrived.

Mr. Mechen was born in Shoreham, England, November 19, 1842, going
with his parents in his infancy to the Isle of Wight.  He came to
America with a friend for the purpose of joining the Union armies and
enlisted in Troop H, Sixth Pennsylvania cavalry on August 10, 1864,
serving until June 5, 1865.  He returned to England in 1869, where he
married and returned to America in 1874.

He located in Altoona March 31, 1875 and went to work for the
Pennsylvania Railroad company.  On October 1, 1878 he was transferred
to the position of clerk in the office of the master mechanic.  In
1882 he was made chief clerk to the master mechanic, which position be
held until his retirement on April 1, 1908, on account of ill health.

He took an active part in the arrangements for the Loyal War Governors
conference semi-centennial in Altoona in 1912 and served as secretary
of the memorial committee.  He was a member of the relief association,
of Post 62, Grand Army of the Republic and of St. Luke's Protestant
Episcopal church.

He is survived by his widow and one daughter, Mrs. J. V. Wallberg, of
Hagfors, Smaland, Sweden.  On account of the conditions resulting from
the war it will be impossible to apprise the daughter of his death
immediately.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Tuesday, January 4, 1916, page 14