OBIT: Elzie Francis LAYMAN, 1947, of interest in Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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ELZIE FRANCIS LAYMAN

  Elzie Francis Layman, aged 49, of Shade Mills, Md., died in Miners Hospital, 
Frostburg, Thursday morning, July 31, from injuries received when he was run 
down by a truck driven by James W. Hoover of Jennings, who admitted to 
authorities that he did it on purpose.
  Hoover is being held in the Oakland jail until the September term of court 
when he will be tried on a charge of manslaughter or murder.
  Layman had been quarreling with Hoover and his brothers, Elmer Harry and 
Albert Lee, at William Peyton's service station located on the National Highway 
near Happy Hills Farm, Wednesday night.  After the quarrel had subsided and 
Layman started to walk home, the others followed in a truck.  The next morning 
Layman was found in an unconscious condition along the side of the highway by 
three Webster, Pa., Boy Scouts.
  When the three brothers were arrested as hit-run suspects, James admitted he 
was the driver of the truck that hit Layman, and in a signed confession said 
that his brothers warned him not to strike Layman with the ton-and-a-half truck 
as he walked along the road.  Exonerated by their brother, Elmer and Albert were 
released Friday evening.  James is said to have declared that he would not have 
done it if he had not been drinking.
  Funeral services for Elzie Layman were held Monday morning at St. Ann's 
Catholic Church, Avilton, with Rev. Father David, pastor, officiating.
  Military service in charge of Ward Newman were conducted by members of 
American Legion Post 214, of Grantsville, and Earl H. Opel Post of Salisbury.
  Layman was a World War I veteran and had served overseas.  The pall bearers 
were Harvey Gortner, Robert Bender, Walter Kamp, George Edgar and A. Fay Lichty.  
Color-bearers were Wayne Durst, Glenn Boonie and Fay L. Miller.  Taps were 
sounded by Roger Cole. 
  Elzie F. Layman, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis H. Layman, was born and spent 
most of his life in Garrett County.  Besides his parents he leaves three 
brothers, James Melvin, Tracy and Blaine, and two sisters, Mrs. Minnick and Mrs. 
Genevieve Raley, all of the Shade Mills section.

Meyersdale Republican, August 7, 1947