William Perry Bunner

A Fatal Accident
Yesterday morning, about 9 o'clock, Conductor William Bunner was killed in the yards west of the Main street crossing in this city, by being struck by switch engine No. 244.

An eye witness of the accident makes the following statement: "Mr. Bunner was running towards the west and his attention was given to a stock train pulling in from the west, the switch engine was backing towards the west, thus placing him so the switch engine was at his back. The wind was blowing strong and in connection with the noise made by the stock train he failed to hear the switch engine, which struck him on the legs throwing him backwards across the rail, the engine and a way car passing over him killing him instantly. A switchman tried to give him warning, but could not make him hear." The verdict of the jury at the inquest was accidental death, attaching no blame to the engineer, fireman or company.

Mr. Bunner was born 28 years ago the first day of last April in Fayetteville, Ohio, came to this city in 1880, commenced to work for the Santa Fe company some six years ago as a brakeman on the southern division, being promoted to the position of conductor about a year since. He was a faithful employee, an honest and upright man, and commanded the respect of every person associated or known to him.

He leaves a wife and two little boys. The bereaved wife has the sympathy of the entire community in this her greatest of all bereavements. The funeral took place this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the residence, 131 West Second street (Newton). A long line of carriages containing sympathizing friends and neighbors followed the remains of the deceased to the city cemetery, where he was laid to rest.

He carried two thousand dollars insurance in the Traveler's accident insurance company, the policy having been delivered to him the day before his death.
The Newton Kansan, 25 May 1893. Page 4