OBITUARIES: Thomas William Michaels; Johnstown Weekly Tribune; 9 
Jul 1915.

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Ellis Michaels.

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Weekly Tribune
Friday, 9 Jul 1915
Page 6

KILLED MAN IN RETURNING FOR COW'S CARCASS

Two Locomotives in charge of Brothers Cut Off Fireman's Head

Lived in Conemaugh

Lilly, July 8 - While flagging two engines coupled together 
that backed up to remove the carcass of a cow that they had 
killed on a crossing, Thomas W. Michaels, of Conemaugh, was run 
down by the same locomotives and his head severed from his body 
last Saturday at this place.

     The two locomotives were in charge of brothers, Harry and 
Joseph Lutz, both of Conemaugh. The carcass of the cow was 
buried by the division foreman, who also took charge of the body 
of Mr. Michaels and later turned it over to Undertaker 
Tickerhoof, Coroner C.A. Fitzgerald will hold an inquest.

     The cow was killed on a crossing about one-half mile west 
of Lilly. After the two engines were brought to a stop, they 
were run back so that the carcass of the bovine might be rolled 
off the tracks. Michaels, a fireman, was left to flag 
approaching trains. He did not respond to calls to return and 
his mangled body was found along the tracks. The head and one 
foot were cut off. It is supposed the locomotives which had 
killed the cow also ran down the fireman as he alighted to act 
as flagman.

     Before locating in Conemaugh, Mr. Michaels was employed on 
the South Fork Branch and previously worked at Pitcairn. Mr. 
Michaels leaves a widow and children in Conemaugh.