Oshkosh, WI Train Wreck, Jan 1909

Engineer Warner Killed

Meets Instant Death in Head End Freight Collision Wednesday Afternoon.

Horace O. Warner of this city was instantly killed in a head-end collision between a southbound work train and a northbound coal special at Oshkosh at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Warner was the engineer on the special and is reported to have been literally ground to pieces in the wreckage of the engine.

The wreck occurred on a curved track and the work train, which was loaded with ties, was slowing up for the derail switch at the bridge, when the special coming up from the south at a great speed, pushed by a helping engine, crashed into it. A statement as to where the blame lies for the collision has not yet been received.

Both engines are reported to have been demolished and the one which had been pulling the special was turned completely around. Traffic was delayed for several hours. M. H. Lied of Rockfield and G. W. Brown of Fond du Lac, first and second firemen for Warner, jumped and escaped serious injury. E. Baney of North Fond du Lac, engineer on the work train, was injured and was removed to St. Mary’s hospital in an ambulance.

A brief report of the accident was received here shortly after 5 o’clock, and soon after six another message was received announcing the fatal injury of Warner and asking that his relatives be notified. His brother-in-law, John Gaetz, and H. D. Boston left on the midnight train for Oshkosh to secure the body and returned with it this evening at 5:15. On arrival here the remains were taken to the Gaetz home at 621 Water street.

Horace O. Warner was born in Stevens Point on June 23, 1881, and was the only son of Horace O. Warner, sr., and Catherine Page. His father died a month before he was born. Some years later Mrs. Warner married Horace A. Warner, a distant relative of her former husband. He also died many years ago and Mrs. Warner’s death occurred in this city seven years ago in May. Horace spent his boyhood in Stevens Point, and when only seventeen years of age he took a position with the Wisconsin Central and rapidly worked himself up from call-boy to engineer. He had been in charge of an engine for about six years. For some years he had made his headquarters most of the time in North Fond du Lac, where his address was 509 Wisconsin avenue. He had always called Stevens Point his home, and when here visited with his sister, Mrs. John Gaetz. He was here for a week during the holidays and was also here on Wednesday of last week to attend the funeral of his great-aunt, Mrs. D. C. Brown.

The deceased was a young man of intelligence, ambition and character, thoroughly trustworthy and reliable, and had many warm friends here. Besides his sister he leaves a half-brother, Amasa Warner, now employed in the local paper mills.

The funeral will be held from the Baptist church at 10:30 o’clock Saturday morning. The interment will be made in the McDill cemetery.

The Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, WI 30 Jan 1909
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Transcribed by Mary Saggio. Thank you, Mary!