“Hop” Evans, was run down and killed on the Williams Valley Railroad Friday evening by the train reaching there at 7:42 o’clock.… the man’s body was frightfully mangled. His legs were cut off and rolled down the embankment, while the trunk, which was found on the track, was badly cut.… The funeral director, R. W. Day, deserves great credit for the manner in which the mutilated body was prepared for burial. [From the Lykens Standard, July 13, 1906].
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KILLED ON THE WILLIAMS VALLEY AT WILLIAMSTOWN
William Evans of Williamstown, familiarly known as “Hop” Evans, was run down and killed on the Williams Valley Railroad Friday evening by the train reaching there at 7:42 o’clock. The accident took place within two hundred yards of the station and the man’s body was frightfully mangled. His legs were cut off and rolled down the embankment, while the trunk, which was found on the track, was badly cut.
When first seen by the engineer, who was slowing down for the station, Evans was walking down the track whistling and swinging a stick. The engineer whistled, but as the man was deaf he could not hear the warning. He was struck just as he turned around and death must have ensued instantly.
Evans was 34 years of age, unmarried, and lived with his parents. He was employed in the mines and was of a genial disposition and well-liked.
Deceased was born in Dowlais, Glasmorganshire, South Wales, November, 1867. He was the son of Constable John D. Evans and wife of Williamstown, who came to this country when William was five years of age. His parents went direct to Williamstown and have resided there ever since. He was an unusually faithful and liberal son and the grief of his parents is beyond description.
Mr. Evans was a member of Williamstown Lodge, K. of P., Williams Valley Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Local 1550, U. M. W. of A. The funeral took place Monday. The services were conducted at his late home by Rev. Witwer of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and interment was made in the Methodist Episcopal Cemetery.
Deceased is survived by his parents and the following brothers and sisters: Sarah Ann Thomas (Mrs. Thomas Thomas); Elizabeth Sane Davis (Mrs. Thomas R. Davis); Benjamin Evans; Thomas Evans; David Evans; and James Evans.
A large and beautiful collection of flowers were presented by his many friends, among which were a beautiful design from T. P. Darby, John Golden, Michael Golden, Michael Mullen and Mark Flynn, bearing the words “Our Companion;” bouquet from Mrs. Thomas James; bouquet from Mrs. Barthel; bouquet from Miss Grace Jury, Wiconisco; three lilies from Shade Brothers; robe, from the family; bouquet, Miss Annie Phillips; bouquet, Mrs. A. W. Price; bouquet, Miss Kate Brennan.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were: David Evans, Oliphant; John Williams, wife and daughter, Mahanoy City; Bessie Stevens and Albert Stevens, Daniel Williams, William F. Jones, Tower City; Mrs. Evan Jones and Mrs. James, Wiconisco; Mrs. Bubb, Philadelphia.
The pallbearers were J. F. Zimmerman and J. Wallace Lewis of the K. of P.; John Wagner and David Samuel of the Odd Fellows; and Michael Mullen and John Golden of the U. M. W. of A.
The funeral director, R. W. Day, deserves great credit for the manner in which the mutilated body was prepared for burial.
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