Bio: Christmas, Frank E. (fatal accident - 1914)

Contact: Anonymous
Email: sdann88@yahoo.com or stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Christmas, Sweigert, Jeanette

----Source:  Neillsville Times (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.)  Apr 16, 1914

Christmas, Frank E. (fatal accident - ? Apr 1914)

Instant death overtook Frank E. Christmas in Brooklyn, a suburb of this village, just before 6 p.m. today when the automobile in which he was riding was demolished by a passing Great Northern train.

The deceased, who was superintendent of construction of the Sweigert construction crews engaged in digging the big sewer ditch for the village of Hibbing, was on his way to the work when the accident happened.

Louis Jeanette, the chauffeur, escaped death by a miracle, being thrown high in the air, and clear of the tracks.  He escaped injury.

The terrific force of the collision shattered the automobile, two wheels being hurled across the railroad tracks while the remains of the two were found on the other side.  Portions of the machine were found 1,500 feet from the scene of the accident, and the dead man was hurled more than 100 feet, striking on his head.  The skull was fractured behind the left ear.

The car was crossing over Second Avenue, Brooklyn, and is alleged not to have been travelling at a high rate of speed when it was struck by the engine.

The deputy coroner, after viewing the scene of the tragedy and making an investigation, decided an inquest is unnecessary as the cause of death was apparent.