OBIT: Robert SPADE, 1899, Cresson, Cambria County, PA

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Altoona Tribune
Thursday, February 16, 1899

FOUND CRUSHED TO DEATH.

Robert Spade Discovered Dead By a Train Crew, Early Thursday Morning, Near 
Cresson.

  Robert Spade, a track hand on the Pennsylvania railroad, was killed some time Wednesday 
night on the railroad about a mile west of Cresson station.  The remains, which were horribly 
mutilated, were found lying on the westbound track at 3.30 o'clock Thursday morning by the 
men on a "snapper" en route from Gallitzin to Conemaugh.

  Mr. Spade was employed by John Wenderoth's gang, and was detailed Wednesday night to 
keep the snow and ice off a switch some distance west of Cresson.  Another man was working at 
another switch about a mile below.  At an early hour yesterday morning the latter started for 
Cresson, and on his way searched for Spade, but could not find him.  When Spade's companion 
arrived at Cresson he notified the officials there that Space was missing, and not long after his 
remains were picked up and taken to the Cresson deadhouse.  The remains were frozen stiff, and 
it is thought he may have been killed by St. Louis express.

  Another theory is that the man was frozen to death while tending the switch and afterward run 
over and mutilated by a passing train.  In view of the very intense cold and exposed situation of 
the point where he was stationed, this is not deemed improbable, and it is believed by many that 
even if he were not frozen to death, the cold was probably largely responsible for his violent end, 
he perhaps being numbed by the cold or suffering so from it that he did not notice the approach 
of the train.

  Spade was 35 years of age.  He leaves a wife and 3-year-old son residing at Cresson.