OBIT: McClain W. WHITE, 1891, Altoona, Blair County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2009. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/blair/ _________________________________________ INSTANTLY KILLED. BRAKEMAN McCLAIN S. WHITE'S TRAGIC DEATH. He Stepped Off of One Engine directly in Front of Another and Was Run Over, His Neck Being Broken - The Accident Occurred Near the GD Office and Was Unavoidable. THE VERDICT THE CORONER'S JURY RENDERED The Funeral Will Take Place Sunday Afternoon From His Late Residence at 2 O'clock. McClain S. White, a brakeman in the lower yard, was instantly killed between 7 and 8 o'clock yesterday morning near the GD office. The particulars of the unfortunate accident are as follows: White was working under Conductor Harvey Barnett. He was in the cab of his engine and when near GD office he jumped off the engine, but did not notice engine No. 422, Engineer Harry Clark, following. The alarm was given, but the unfortunate brakeman did not hear the warning and before the engine could be stopped he was struck and instantly killed. The engine was stopped as soon as possible when it was found that the body had been forced under the pilot and some difficulty was experienced in getting the remains out. This was finally accomplished and the body was brought to this city and taken to the undertaking establishment of E. B. Tipton. Coroner Poet was immediately notified and impannelled a jury of inquest. An examination of the body showed that the neck had been broken and that the body and limbs were severely contused. After completing the viewing [of] the body the inquest was adjourned until half-past 7 last evening, when upon reassembling several witnesses were examined and a verdict of accidental death was rendered. Mr. White was 22 years of age on the 10th of December, and had been employed as a brakeman for over three years. He was regarded as a careful man and never heedlessly exposed himself to danger. He was well liked by members of his crew and had a large circle of friends in the city, who were greatly shocked to hear of his sudden death. His death is an irreparable loss to his young wife and parents, and they have the sincerest sympathy of the community in their sudden bereavement. He was a son of James H. and Nancy White, of 214 Third avenue. Before his employment by the railroad company he learned his trade, that of a painter, under W. B. Thompkins, whose service he left to go on the road. On December 20, 1889, he was united in marriage with Ella Knepper, daughter of Joseph A. (deceased) and Sadie Knepper, of 410 Third avenue, with whom he made his home. Besides his wife and one small child, he is survived by two brothers and one sister, they being Findley S. White, a conductor in the yard; Charles E. White and Mrs. May Hartzell, of this city. He was a consistent member of the First Lutheran church; of Altoona council No. 152, Junior Order United American Mechanics, and of Elmo castle No. 54, Knights of the Golden Eagle. The body was prepared for burial by Undertaker Tipton. . . will be taken to his late home. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, when the funeral cortege will proceed to the First Lutheran church, where services will be conducted by Rev. E. D. Weigle, the pastor. The interment will be made in Fairview cemetery. Morning Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Friday, January 2, 1891