Coroners Inquisitions

Coroners Inquisitions are investigations into the deaths of individuals who died by a sudden, violent, unnatural, or suspicious manner, or who died without medical attendance. The coroner would summon a jury of twelve white men, usually prominent citizens of that locality, to assist him in determining cause of death.

Additional information may be found in Judgment records [Book 23].

UNKNOWN man - near Brownsville
- 6 Aug 1921 - by O.M.C. YOUNKINS, J.P., acting coroner
- Found on track of Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.
  (age about 20)
- Death - Struck by train. (Some thought he belonged to John 
  ROBINSON's circus and fell from the train as it went from 
  Hagerstown to Harrisonburg, VA.)
- Witnesses: 12, not named.
[Book 16, 39-40] (Filed 8 Aug 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 428)


BAER, Clifton M. - at Hagerstown
- 13 Dec 1923 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - The automobile in which he was riding was struck by a 
  Baltimore & Ohio freight train, bound from Security to Hagerstown, 
  at the Cavetown Crossing on 12 Dec 1923, causing his death. 
  Other occupants in the car also dying were Lewis E. BERGER and 
  Merrill PATTERSON.
  Ruled unavoidable accident as train crew gave necessary signals 
  at the crossing.
- Witnesses:  Thomas A. LOCKE, A.W. RIDGEWAY, Roy L. WILES, A.M. 
  ELGIN, E. SHAFER, H.L. BODITCH, H.B. HARBAUGH, R.H. HARSHMAN, 
  Luther CHURCHEY.
[Book 16, 121-123] (Filed 14 Dec 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 504)


BARR, Harold W. - at Hagerstown
- 2 Jun 1922 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - On 15 May 1922, while attempting to get up on a truck, 
  owned by John B. WOLFKILL and driven by his son Edgar WOLFKILL, 
  fell between the wheels; he died from his injuries at the 
  Washington County Hospital on 1 Jun 1922; driver was exonerated.
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH
- Witnesses:  William ALLAN, Clyde HOLZAPFEL, Morris HOLZOPFEL, 
  Evers SHANK, Russell EDLDRIDGE, Edgar WOLFKILL, Howard S. BARR.
[Book 16, 69-71] (Filed 3 Jun 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 458)


BARTON, Freeland - at Hagerstown
- 30 Jan 1920 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - result of an unavoidable accident while coasting 
  on Charles Street.  (first name is actually Calvin)
- Witnesses:  Roy MORR, Buzz ROBINSON, George Elgin MILLER, 
  Harry ARNOLD and four others.
[Book 16, 11-17] (Filed 31 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 409)


BENNET, Benjamin - at Williamsport
- 22 Oct 1922 - by J.T. TICE, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - From automobile accident on Falling Waters Road; 
  he died after being brought to Dr. WEAVER's.  The car left 
  the road and struck a tree and stone fence.
- Dr. Z.L. WEAVER
- Witnesses:  Leo HENSON, David HAGGINS, Raman TAYLOR, Milton 
  CHARLTON, Elmer KERBY, Dolley GARRET, Jacob KERBY, Orval 
  FEARNOUS, Layed FEARNOUS.
[Book 16, 90-92] (Filed 1 Dec 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 474)


BERGER, Lewis E. (BURGER) - at Hagerstown
- 13 Dec 1923 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - The automobile in which he was riding was struck 
  by a Baltimore & Ohio freight train, bound from Security to 
  Hagerstown, at the Cavetown Crossing on 12 Dec 1923, causing 
  his death. 
  Other occupants in the car also dying were Clifton M. BAER and 
  Merrill PATTERSON.
  Ruled unavoidable accident as train crew gave necessary signals 
  at the crossing.
- Witnesses:  Thomas A. LOCKE, A.W. RIDGEWAY, Roy L. WILES, A.M. 
  ELGIN, E. SHAFER, H.L. BODITCH, H.B. HARBAUGH, R.H. HARSHMAN, 
  Luther CHURCHEY.
[Book 16, 121-123] (Filed 14 Dec 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 504)


BINGHAM, Helen - at Weverton
- 7 Oct 1922 - by Oliver C. YOUNKINS, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Struck by an automobile, driven by William C. HARN, 
  on 3 Oct 1922; ruled unavoidable accident.
- Dr. B.B. RANSON
- Witnesses:  Harry PERRY, E.O. NOOS, Mr & Mrs COLLETT.
[Book 16, 84-86] (Filed 9 Oct 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 470)


BIXLER, Jacob Preston - at Hagerstown
- 27 Apr 1920 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - result of an unavoidable accident by being thrown 
  from an automobile into the C & O Canal at the Shepherdstown 
  Lock and striking an object, causing his neck to be broken.
  (first name was actually John?)
- Dr. Horace Mc. M. BANKS
[Book 16, 18-19] (Filed 29 Apr 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 411)


BUTLER, Mary - alias Mary SIMPSON (negress) - at Security
- 5 Aug 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - She was assaulted and beaten over the head and body 
  with a long musket, crushing her jaw and face by Charles William 
  JACKSON (alias Charles WILLIAMS, colored, age 24).
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  T.H. BARBER, William GEASLEN, Albert CRAMPTON, Richard 
  DUFFEY, Wilson BARNUM, Reb KIDD, Walter JACKSON, William F. JOHNSON.
[Book 16, 41-44] (Filed 9 Aug 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 428)


CHANEY, Harry - at Hagerstown
- 2 Aug 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from pistol shots fired by officers of the law, 
  while attempting to escape jail; officials exonerated. 
[Book 16, 36-38] (Filed 3 Aug 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 427)


CLINE, John & Rebecca - at Hagerstown
- 16 Oct 1923 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - John CLINE, aged 70 years, and his wife Rebecca CLINE, 
  aged 63 years, and residing near the village of Fiddlesburg, 
  met their death on 16 Oct 1923 by the hand of some unknown 
  person or persons.
- Dr. W.D. CAMPBELL, Dr. S.L. FAIRCHILD, Dr. B.B. KNEISLEY.
- Witnesses:  Harry ITNYRE, Joseph ITNYRE, Otho HARTLE, John 
  A. CLARK, Jacob CLARK, H. SNYDER, Edward BURGER, Bliss PALMER, 
  Frank BAILEY, Luther COST, Harry CLINE, T.H. BARBER, S. McC. 
  KLINE.
[Book 16, 117-120] (Filed 23 Oct 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 502)


CRABILL, Lewis D. - at Hagerstown
- 9 Feb 1922 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Automobile accident at Funkstown occurred on the morning 
  of Feb 7, 1922; ruled unavoidable.  He died from those injuries 
  on Thursday morning, 9 Feb 1922.
- Dr. J.M. WERTZ
- Witnesses:  L.H. MINOR, Mrs. Pearl HOKE, Paul SHANK, Victor SHANK, 
  Emanuel CRAIG & wife, G.D. PRICE, Charles E. SUTER.
[Book 16, 60-62] (Filed 11 Feb 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 452)


DENEEN, Raymond - near Hancock
- 3 Jun 1923 - by Jere MASON, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Automobile in which they were riding stopped at the 
  crossing on the track and was struck by the approaching 
  eastbound train, 3/4 mile west of Cohill Station, 8 miles 
  from Hancock; ruled as unavoidable.
  Occupants of the automobile who died were Raymond DENEEN, 
  John C. DENEEN and Edna HENLINE. 
  (News Clip lists those who died were: Raymond DINEEN, 36, his 
   wife, Rose, 32, their son, Jack, 8, and Rose's mother, Mrs. 
   Edna HENLINE, all of Cohill Station; Edna died on the way to 
   the hospital, the others died instantly.)
   [The Daily News, Frederick, MD - Monday, June 4, 1923]
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  S.M. STONER, Howard SWORD, W.T. BARNEY, Samuel 
  STRITE, Harold SMITH, Earl NEEDY, Clinton MURRAY, John MURRAY, 
  J.E. NEIKIRK, Harry MURRAY, Ray REID.
[Book 16, 105-106] (Filed 15 Jun 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 490)


DOFFLEMYER, William - at Hagerstown
- 10 Oct 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Shot and killed by J.H. METZ.
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON, Dr. W.R. BENDER
- Witnesses:  J.H. METZ, Miss Ada PRICE, B.J. BARRET and many others.
[Book 16, 54-56] (Filed 15 Oct 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 438)


DRAPER, Ernest L. - at Hagerstown Hospital
- 11 Jan 1923 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - From hemorrhages by a gun shot wound in the leg, 
  caused from accidental discharge of revolver by hands of 
  G.S. LEHIGH, also employed by Dickerson Constucting Company.
- Dr. W.D. CAMPBELL
- Witnesses:  J.F. SHARON, William WORTHINGTON, Edward HULL, 
  J.E. STOCKSDALE, W.M. MORRIS.
[Book 16, 93-95] (Filed 15 Jan 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 479)


EDMONDSON, Harold - at Williamsport
- 29 Jun 1923 - by J.T. TICE, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Fell from truck driven by William C. STAUFFER, and 
  died 29 Jun 1923.
- Dr. Thomas BOAR
- Witnesses:  Clyde ROUTZAHN, Glen EARLEY, A.D. LONG.
[Book 16, 107-109] (Filed 11 Jul 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 492)


EICHOLTZ, Raymond - at Hagerstown 
- 28 May 1923 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - While performing his duties, he collided with an 
  automobile driven by Mr. STONER at Huyett's Cross Pikes; 
  ruled as unavoidable accident.
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  S.M. STONER, Howard SWORD, W.T. BARNEY, Samuel 
  STRITE, Harold SMITH, Earl NEEDY, Clinton MURRAY, John MURRAY, 
  J.E. NEIKIRK, Harry MURRAY, Ray REID.
[Book 16, 102-104] (Filed 4 Jun 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 489)


EWING, Jackson - at Mountain Lock
- 5 Sep 1921 - by William F. BLACKFORD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Drowned in the C & O Canal; no evidence of foul play.
- Dr. S.H. GARDNER
[Book 16, 48-50] (Filed 9 Sep 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 430)


FIREY, Dr. Edgar A. - at Hagerstown
- 6 Jan 1920 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - on the morning of Jan 6, 1920, he was struck by Cumberland 
  Valley Railroad Engine #1760 at the Antietam crossing in Hagerstown 
  while riding in an automobile; accident ruled as unavoidable.
- Dr. E. A. WAREHAM, Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  J.M.A. HEALEY, E.J. MINNICK, Fred WHITMORE, T.F. PRICE, 
  L.S. HAGAN and many more.
[Book 16, 4-7] (Filed 9 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 407)

 
FLETCHER, Mrs. Susie - on west side of Sideling Hill
- 28 May 1922 - by Jere MASON, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from a turning truck on the state highway, causing 
  her neck to be broken; ruled unavoidable accident.
[Book 16, 80-81] (Filed 1 Sep 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 465)


HELLER, Garnett - at Hagerstown
- 8 Aug 1923 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - While riding a motorcycle, he collided with a car driven 
  by R.W. DULANEY; he was taken to the county hospital and died on 
  8 Aug 1923 from his injuries.  
  Accident occurred at the new corporate limits of Hagerstown; 
  ruled unavoidable accident.
- Witnesses:  R.W. DABUEY, C.G. BROWNE, Sam KAYLOR, Harry GEASLER.
[Book 16, 110-112] (Filed 9 Aug 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 492)


HENLINE, Mrs. Edna - near Hancock
- 3 Jun 1923 - by Jere MASON, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Automobile in which they were riding stopped at 
  the crossing on the track and was struck by the approaching 
  eastbound train, 3/4 mile west of Cohill Station, 8 miles 
  from Hancock; ruled as unavoidable.
  Occupants of the automobile who died were Raymond DENEEN, 
  John C. DENEEN and Edna HENLINE. 
  (News Clip lists those who died were: Raymond DINEEN, 36, his 
   wife, Rose, 32, their son, Jack, 8, and Rose's mother, Mrs. 
   Edna HENLINE, all of Cohill Station; Edna died on the way to 
   the hospital, the others died instantly.)
   [The Daily News, Frederick, MD - Monday, June 4, 1923]
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  S.M. STONER, Howard SWORD, W.T. BARNEY, Samuel 
  STRITE, Harold SMITH, Earl NEEDY, Clinton MURRAY, John MURRAY, 
  J.E. NEIKIRK, Harry MURRAY, Ray REID.
[Book 16, 105-106] (Filed 15 Jun 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 490)


HITZER, J. H. - at Sharpsburg
- 9 May 1920 - by William F. BLACKFORD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - found dead at Kearfoot's Lock on 9 May 1920; about 3 miles 
  from where he shot and killed Mrs. Katie ROWE.  He died from wounds 
  to the forehead, believed to be self-inflicted. 
  (name as James Hetzer in newspaper)
- Dr. S. Howell GARDNER
[Book 16, 20-22] (Filed 17 May 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 413)


HOOVER, Daniel C. - at Chewsville
- 16 Jun 1920 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from accident by being struck by a bicycle, ridden 
  by Raymond ISNINGER on Saturday, June 12, 1920 at 10 pm in 
  Chewsville; he died June 16, 1920 at 4 am; cause declared 
  unavoidable. 
- Dr. G. A. KOHLER
[Book 16, 25-29] (Filed 17 Jun 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 418)


KILBY, John & Mary - at Hagerstown
- 17 Nov 1922 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - On 6 Nov 1922, John KILBY shot his wife in the top 
  of her head, causing her death; then killed himself with a 
  shot in his right temple by the same revolver.
- Dr. William B. MORRISON
- Witnesses:  M.B. COOK, W.M. TUCKER, Joe SOMMERVILLE, Joe 
  WILLIS, Ben TURNER, W.T. THIRSTON, A.S. DEEDS.
[Book 16, 87-89] (Filed 18 Nov 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 471)


KREPP, Hazel - at Hagerstown
- 9 May 1922 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Struck by an automobile driven by A.R. FRENCH on 
  6 May 1922; ruled as unavoidable accident.
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH
- Witnesses:  A.R. FRENCH, Henry DAVIS, Helen LYDAY, Howard FLOOK.
[Book 16, 66-68] (Filed 12 May 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 457)


LIAS, Charles - at Hagerstown
- 27 Sep 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Struck by an automobile driven by Maddox LANE on 
  Sunday evening, 25 Sep 1921; ruled as unavoidable accident.
- Dr. Leonard HAYS
- Witnesses:  Maddox LANE, M.W. DITTO, Harry McFADEN.
[Book 16, 51-53] (Filed 29 Sep 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 437)


MAIN, Mrs. M.L. - at Hagerstown
- 25 Aug 1922 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - On the evening of 25 Aug 1922, at corner of Glenside 
  and Virginia Ave, the automobile she was riding in collided 
  with a trolley car and she died from injuries; ruled unavoidable.
  [her name was actually Clay L.C. (Wagoner) Main]
- Dr. E.A. WAREHAM
- Witnesses: E.L. KOOGLE, Samuel LUMM, J. Clark WILSON, Mrs. Lloyd 
  BOOSE, John EUTLER & wife, J.B. EUTLER, Bruce HELEU & wife, 
  Charlotte HELEU, Carlton HELEU.
[Book 16, 74-76] (Filed 29 Aug 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 464)


MILLER, Harvey Richard of Cascade - at Smithsburg
- 28 Sep 1923 - by L.S. HERSHBERGER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died by his own hands.
- Dr. BRIDGES, Blue Ridge Summit
[Book 16, 113-116] (Filed 18 Oct 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 501)


MORRISON, Luther Edward, engineer - at Big Spring
- 1 Jan 1920 - by Leonard P. SNYDER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from explosion of the boiler on Engine #509, near Clear 
  Spring Station on the Western Maryland Rail Road on Jan 1, 1920.
  Also dying with him were A.S. TRAIL, fireman and John T. WIDDOWS, 
  conductor.
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH - A. (Alfred) S. TRAIL and John (T.) WIDDOWS 
  died of internal hemorrhages from injuries; (Luther) Eddie MORRISON 
  died from a fracture at the base of his skull.
- Witnesses: (all injured in the explosion)
.....Herbert H. KRAMER, engineer on #402 - The crown sheet came down 
     in Engine #509 and it blew up; very seldom happens when water is 
     in engine.  Engine #509 was in Cherry Run yard, didn't know why 
     they brought it out.
.....C.H. HEATER, fireman on #402 - Engine #509 was supposed to go to 
     shop for repairs, but don't believe it was there.  Claimed Eddie 
     MORRISON (#509) was the most careful man he knew.
.....J.E. FRY, brakeman - didn't know what caused the explosion.
Note - Widows were Mrs. Lulu W. MORRISON, Mrs. Mary A. WIDDOWS and 
       Mrs. Dollie V. TRAIL [Cumberland Evening Times - Apr 5, 1920]
[Book 16, 1-3] (Filed 3 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 406)


MORRISON, Edward - at Hagerstown
- 21 Sep 1922 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from suicide by inhaling gas; on 19 Sep 1922 on the 
  west side of South Mulberry ST, #149, in Hagerstown in a 3rd 
  floor room.
- Dr. W.B. MORRISON
- Witnesses: C. Frank DEVINE, Albert CRAMPTON, Margaret MORRISON, 
  P.H. NICELEY.
[Book 16, 77-79] (Filed 25 Sep 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 469)


MYERS, Bernard C. - at Hagerstown 
- 5 May 1923 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Shot and killed by George W. HEISER.
- Dr. S.L. FAIRCHILD
- Witnesses:  J.B. BROWN, F.W. BURGER, W.T. THURSTON, Frank WILLIAMS, 
  Edith HEISER, Francis HEISER, William F. HEISER, Margaret MONGAN, 
  John MONGAN, Darris TOMPKINS.
[Book 16, 96-98] (Filed 8 May 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 487)


PATTERSON, Merrill - at Hagerstown
- 13 Dec 1923 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - The automobile in which he was riding was struck by a 
  Baltimore & Ohio freight train, bound from Security to Hagerstown, 
  at the Cavetown Crossing on 12 Dec 1923, causing his death. 
  Other occupants in the car also dying were Clifton M. BAER and 
  Lewis E. BERGER.
  Ruled unavoidable accident as train crew gave necessary signals 
  at the crossing.
- Witnesses:  Thomas A. LOCKE, A.W. RIDGEWAY, Roy L. WILES, A.M. 
  ELGIN, E. SHAFER, H.L. BODITCH, H.B. HARBAUGH, R.H. HARSHMAN, 
  Luther CHURCHEY.
[Book 16, 121-123] (Filed 14 Dec 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 504)


POMEROY, Thomas R. - at Hagerstown
- 30 Jul 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - While riding a motorcycle, it collided with auto bus 
  of L.H. BLAIR, driven by Charles E. MILLER, at intersection of 
  Washington & Winter Streets; declared to be unavoidable. 
[Book 16, 33-35] (Filed 3 Aug 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 426)


ROWE, Katie, Mrs. - at Sharpsburg
- 9 May 1920 - by William F. BLACKFORD, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - due to wounds received from a 32 calibre revolver fired 
  by J. H. HITZEL (HITZER?), at her home near Sharpsburg on 8 May 
  1920.  HITZEL was later found dead about 3 miles from the scene 
  of the crime, at Kearfoot's Lock. 
- Dr. S. Howell GARDNER
[Book 16, 23-24] (Filed 17 May 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 414)


SCHOPPERT, Edward - at Sharpsburg
- 26 Dec 1923 - by Allen L. POFFENBERGER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - On 25 Dec 1923 at Sharpsburg, on the old forge road 
  towards Antietam Furnace,  he died from a fracture at the base 
  of his skull, resulting from an automobile accident caused by 
  the driver, John HETZEL, who ran into a mud hole on the left 
  side of the road, probably throwing the other occupants of the 
  car against the arm of the driver and causing the car to swerve 
  and upset.
[Book 16, 124-126] (Filed 29 Dec 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 505)


STARLIPER, John E. - at Hancock
- 23 Sep 1922 - by Jere MASON, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - according to his dying statement to Charles E. SENSEL,  
  As he was attempting to cross a log, he slipped and his gun was 
  accidentally discharged, causing wound to his body.
[Book 16, 82-83] (Filed 30 Sep 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 470)


STICKLE, Edward V. - at Hagerstown 
- 11 May 1923 - by J.T. TICE, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Struck by automobile driven by Austin DEAULAUTER on 4 May 
  1923 near Byron's Tannery and died 10 May 1923.
- Dr. WEAVER
- Witnesses:  Albert LEAP, Smith GIFT, William DAVIS, Samuel DICKERHOF, 
  Lewis WILES, James RIPPLE, Max ANDERSON, Harrison HORNBRAKER, Charles 
  LIZER, George CLIP.
[Book 16, 99-101] (Filed 17 May 1923, Judgment Liber 23, 488)


STOUFFER, John E. - at Hagerstown
- 10 May 1922 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Died 7 May 1922 from injuries received by being struck 
  by an automobile driven by C.A. MILLER Jr on 6 May 1922; ruled 
  as unavoidable accident.
- Dr. C.R. SCHELLER, Dr. WATKINS
- Witnesses:  George S. HUBER, Edward COUNZ, Edward STOUFFER, 
  H.R. BOKEY, Lewis ALEXANDER.
[Book 16, 63-65] (Filed 12 May 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 456)


SWAINE, R.C. Jr. - at Halfway
- 26 Nov 1921 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Struck by Engine #356 of the PA Railroad, engineer William 
  GOLDEN; ruled unavoidable.
- Witnesses:  Harry C. GORDEN Sr, Harry C. GORDEN Jr, A.W. LONG, 
  Kieffer McKINSEY, William GOLDEN.
[Book 16, 57-59] (Filed 2 Dec 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 449)


TAYLOR, H.L. - at Hagerstown
- 17 Jan 1920 - by John H. BITNER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - Shot and killed by Clarence F. WALKER on 16 Jan 1920 with 
  an automatic Colt revolver of 25 caliber; ruled as justified by 
  self defense.  (first name is actually Charles)
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH
- Witnesses:  C.F. WALKER & wife, C. Frank DEVINE, Frank WILLIAMS.
[Book 16, 8-10] (Filed 20 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 408)


TRAIL, A. S., fireman - at Big Spring
- 1 Jan 1920 - by Leonard P. SNYDER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from explosion of the boiler on Engine #509, near Clear 
  Spring Station on the Western Maryland Rail Road on Jan 1, 1920.
  Also dying with him were John T. WIDDOWS, conductor and L. Edward  
  MORRISON, engineer.
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH - A. (Alfred) S. TRAIL and John (T.) WIDDOWS 
  died of internal hemorrhages from injuries; (Luther) Eddie MORRISON 
  died from a fracture at the base of his skull.
- Witnesses: (all injured in the explosion)
.....Herbert H. KRAMER, engineer on #402 - The crown sheet came down in 
     Engine #509 and it blew up; very seldom happens when water is 
     in engine.  Engine #509 was in Cherry Run yard, didn't know 
     why they brought it out.
.....C.H. HEATER, fireman on #402 - Engine #509 was supposed to go to 
     shop for repairs, but don't believe it was there.  Claimed Eddie 
     MORRISON (#509) was the most careful man he knew.
.....J.E. FRY, brakeman - didn't know what caused the explosion.
Note - Widows were Mrs. Lulu W. MORRISON, Mrs. Mary A. WIDDOWS and 
       Mrs. Dollie V. TRAIL [Cumberland Evening Times - Apr 5, 1920]
[Book 16, 1-3] (Filed 3 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 406)


WATKINS, Martha Earline - at Weverton
- 1 Jun 1922 - by Oliver C. YOUNKINS, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - On 27 May 1922, at Sandy Hook, she was accidentally 
  struck by an automobile driven by Samuel HOFFMASTER, which 
  fractured her skull, causing almost instant death. 
- Witnesses: three, not named.
[Book 16, 72-73] (Filed 3 Jun 1922, Judgment Liber 23, 459)


WEAVER, Vernon E. - at Smithsburg
- 17 Aug 1920 - by J. H. FERGUSON, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from coming in contact with wire fence heavily charged 
  with electricity from a broken wire of the high tension line of 
  the Hagerstown & Frederick Railway Company, on 16 Aug 1920 at 
  Creamery Cross Roads. 
- Dr. G. A. KOHLER, Dr. D. J. REECHER
- Witnesses:  John T. KINSEY, Robert KINSEY, Samuel K. BOPPE & wife, 
  Simon SWOPE, Barry O. SWOPE.
[Book 16, 30-32] (Filed 25 Feb 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 423)


WELLER, Lucille M. - at Hagerstown Hospital
- 22 Aug 1921 - by Reinhold J. HALEU, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from head injury, being thrown out of an automobile, 
  driven by Frank WELLER, which collided with one driven by Dr. 
  J.B. COLLINS, on 21 Aug 1921 on the Western Pike, six miles 
  from Hagerstown; declared unavoidable accident.
- Dr. D.A. WATKINS, Dr. J.C. COLLINS
- Witnesses:  Vernon SIMMONS, Rev. James EAGAN, G.P. GEARHART, 
  Charles SUTER, J.F. WELLER, Robert BYERS.
[Book 16, 45-47] (Filed 23 Aug 1921, Judgment Liber 23, 429)


WIDDOWS, John T., conductor - at Big Spring
- 1 Jan 1920 - by Leonard P. SNYDER, J.P., acting coroner
- Death - from explosion of the boiler on Engine #509, near Clear 
  Spring Station on the Western Maryland Rail Road on Jan 1, 1920.
  Also dying with him were A.S. TRAIL, fireman and L. Edward MORRISON, 
  engineer.
- Dr. Peregrine WROTH - A. (Alfred) S. TRAIL and John (T.) WIDDOWS 
  died of internal hemorrhages from injuries; (Luther) Eddie MORRISON 
  died from a fracture at the base of his skull.
- Witnesses: (all injured in the explosion)
.....Herbert H. KRAMER, engineer on #402 - The crown sheet came down 
     in Engine #509 and it blew up; very seldom happens when water is 
     in engine.  Engine #509 was in Cherry Run yard, didn't know why 
     they brought it out.
.....C.H. HEATER, fireman on #402 - Engine #509 was supposed to go to 
     shop for repairs, but don't believe it was there.  Claimed Eddie 
     MORRISON (#509) was the most careful man he knew.
.....J.E. FRY, brakeman - didn't know what caused the explosion.
Note - Widows were Mrs. Lulu W. MORRISON, Mrs. Mary A. WIDDOWS and 
       Mrs. Dollie V. TRAIL [Cumberland Evening Times - Apr 5, 1920]
[Book 16, 1-3] (Filed 3 Jan 1920, Judgment Liber 23, 406)

 

The End of Book 16 of Washington Co, Maryland Inquisitions - 1920-1923