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Family Stories Emma Elizabeth Smalley (nee Ellaway) died 17 September 1913 MRS. DAN SMALLEY IS KILLED BY AUTO AGED
WEST SIDE RESIDENT STRUCK BY BIG CAR FEW SEE ACCIDENT Victim Was Crossing Street and Failed to See Approach of Auto Driven by Owner Mrs. Daniel Smaller, an old lady residing on the West Side, was run over by an automobile about 3 o'clock this afternoon and sustained injuries which resulted in her death before doctors could reach her side. The car was owned and driven by James Fetzer also of the West Side. He was alone at the time. The accident happened at the intersection of Bridge and First streets. Mrs. Smalley was crossing the intersection diagonally, returning home from work. She goes out washing on certain days in the week. One story is that Mrs. Smalley had her attention diverted to a passing buggy and did not notice Mr. Fetzer approaching in his car going to town. A number of people who were in the vicinity at the time say the auto driver repeatedly sounded his horn, but the old lady seems not to have heard it in time. She was struck before the machine could be brought to a halt and run down. The dying woman was carried into the home of Harley Worrells nearby but lived but a short time. Mrs. Wilkins, who ran out when she saw that the old lady was likely to be run down, says Mr. Fetzer was going at a rather slow rate of speed and tooted his horn, but that the old lady seemed confused by other vehicles passing and could not avoid the machine. Mrs. Smalley, to make matters worse.wore a sunbonnet, which may have obscured her view somewhat and also prevented her from hearing the noise of the approaching car. The car passed over her and she was bleeding about the head when picked up. Mrs. Davis, also a neighbour, is said to have been a witness to the accident. Thanks to Michele Tate who provided the above information which was transcribed from a newspaper article from September 1913. The accident occurred in Streator, Illinois, USA. Copyright 2005 Gerald Majumdar |
