OBIT: H. Dalton COOK, 1916, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Keith Petenbrink.

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Cook, H. Dalton

KILLED AT R. R. CROSSING - H. Dalton Cook of This Place meets Death in Auto, 
Near Hyndman, Large Funeral on Sunday. The death of H. Dalton Cook, of this 
place, being run down by a passenger train on the Pennsylvania railroad one mile 
south of Bard at 10:30 a. m. on Friday made many hearts sad, and caused almost 
unbearable anguish to his wife and five little children and to his parents Mr. 
and Mrs. J. M. Cook, the latter thus being bereft of their only son, their only 
child. Mr. Cook who is a member of the well-known candy manufacturing company, 
J. M. Cook and Son Company, was out in his auto soliciting orders and had left 
Bard a few minutes ahead of the time the passenger train was due going south. He 
had come to that part of the highway which for a mile or more is parallel to the 
railroad and very close to it. At the railroad crossing there is a bank about 6 
feet in height which prevents one on the public road from seeing the approach of 
trains from the north. Mr. Cook there being no warning whistle nor of bell, was 
crossing the railroad when the engine struck the machine and hurled its occupant 
about forty feet, fracturing his head and mutilating the body badly, causing 
instant death. The remains were taken on to Hyndman and given in charge of 
Undertaker Sides. The automobile was completely demolished. The father of the 
unfortunate man and his cousin Ralph D. Pfahler went to Hyndman on Friday 
afternoon and on Saturday morning on the early train started to bring home the 
lifeless form. Owing to a wrecked train in the Sand Patch tunnel, the remains 
were hauled by wagon around the tunnel to a train waiting on this side and on 
arrival in Meyersdale were taken to the home of his parents on Broadway. H. 
Dalton Cook was aged 38 years, 10 months and 13 days. He was a man of more than 
ordinary attainments, and of a cheery disposition. He was held in the highest 
esteem by all who knew him. Just lately the writer had business dealings with 
him and was impressed with the geniality of his character. All of his mature 
life he has been a consistent member of the Lutheran Church. For a number of 
years he was engaged in the lumber business but of late he was associated with 
his father in the wholesale candy business. He was married to Miss Stella Peck a 
daughter of Lewis Peck of near this place. On the 10th anniversary of their 
return from the wedding trip was the fateful day that death robbed the wife of 
her husband. To them five children were born, the elder of whom is past nine, 
and the youngest between two and three years. They are from oldest to youngest, 
Dalton Edward Peck Cook, Mary Bell, Catherine Louise, James Lewis, and Howard. 
His mother whose health has been impaired is hardly able to sustain the awful 
blow, and the wife is almost prostrated with grief. The funeral was held on 
Sunday afternoon, leaving the house at 2:30, interment being made in the Union 
Cemetery, after which services were held in the Lutheran Church, conducted by 
Dr. L. P. Young, of Elk Lick. He was assisted by Dr. A. E. Truxal. Dr. Young 
chose as his theme: "Our Life is but a tale that is told," deducting the 
transitory state of life compared with eternity and gave many thoughts that were 
an especial comfort to the directly bereft as well as profitable instruction to 
all present. His discourse was a very able one. Dr. Truxal based his few remarks 
on "Not sorrowing as those who have no hope." His short address was very 
forceful. Two selections were sung by Messrs. H. M. Cook, Paul D. Clutton, R. H. 
Philson, and W. H. Baldwin. The pall bearers were the above named gentlemen, and 
in addition Charles Phillips and Mr. Stark.

Meyersdale Commercial, Sept. 21, 1916


THE LIFELESS FORM OF DALTON COOK ROBBED ? While the body of Dalton Cook was 
being conveyed on the train from Bard where he was killed last Friday to 
Hyndman, some inhuman being despoiled his body of about $100 which it was known 
he had with him before the accident. That there are persons so base as not to 
regard as almost sacred the remains of the departed seems hardly to be believed. 
There ought to be responsibility in the matter and someone made to account for 
this base act.

Meyersdale Commercial, Sept. 21, 1916