Obituary

J. E. Raber Did Not Hear Warnings of Bells and Switchmen

Jacob E. Raber, 68, of 315 Old Main street, died Monday evening at Bethel Deaconess hospital as a result of injuries suffered a few hours earlier when hit by a Santa Fe switch engine at the Main and Fourth street crossing.

The elderly man, who was hard of hearing, was walking south on the west side of Main street shortly after four o'clock and was struck at the fifth track from the south side of the crossing, the track commonly referred to by railroaders as "No. 3" track.

According to police investigators, the switch engine was backing west from the depot and Switchman V. L. Chambers yelled at Mr. Raber to stop. He failed to hear the warning and Chambers signaled to the engineer for an emergency stop. By that time, Raber was on the track and the pick-up board of the engine dragged him for approximately 25 feet, police said. The wheels did not pass over his body.

The injured man was removed to the hospital in the Moody ambulance and he died at 8:05 o'clock.

His lower abdomen was severely lacerated and he received injuries to his right thigh, in addition to other cuts and bruises. Dr. M. C. Martin, coroner, said his preliminary investigation indicated that the crossing tragedy was unavoidable.

Jacob Elbert Raber was born June 23, 1879 near Peru, Indiana, and had lived in Newton since 1883. His wife, Lula Knight Raber, preceded him in death. He was a member of Newton Lodge No. 142, A.F. & A.M.

He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Joseph (Grace) See, with whom he resided at 315 Old Main street, and a brother, Charles Raber of El Centro, California.

Funeral services will be held at the Moody's Funeral chapel Thursday morning at ten o'clock with Rev. George W. Nelson of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be in the family lot in Greenwood cemetery. Friends may see Mr. Raber by calling at the funeral chapel anytime Wednesday afternoon or evening.

(The Evening Kansan-Republican, Tuesday, September 2, 1947. Page 1).