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Oconto County Reporter
1908

Killed In Collision
Arthur Alt Former Oconto Resident Pinned Under Wreckage
Brought Here For Burial

Arthur Alt, son of Mrs. Peter Beckman, of Laona, who was employed as fireman on the Wisconsin Central Railroad, met with a terrible death at 11:40 last Friday night in a head on collision between an Illinois Central and Wisconsin Central freight train at Berwyn, in the outskirts of Chicago. A misunderstanding of orders was the cause of the collision, both freight trains meeting head on in the yards. Alt jumped from his engine, but lost his footing, fell and was crushed to death under an overturned car.

The remains of the unfortunate young man was brought to this city on the 1:05 train Sunday afternoon, accompanied by five members of the Brotherhood of Locomotion Firemen of which society deceased was a member, and taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beckman, in the East ward.

Deceased was born in Oconto Jan. 30, 1886, and grew to manhood here, leaving this city about two years ago. He was an honest and upright young man and his untimely death will be keenly felt, not only by his young associates, but by all his acquaintances.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Beckman of Laona, two brothers, Antoine, who is stationed at Fort Leavensworth, Kan., and Gustav, who is in the Philippines, two half-sisters, Helen and Fannie, and a half-brother, Joseph all of Laona.

The funeral was held at 9:00 Monday morning from St. Joseph’s church, Rev. Fr. Selbach officiating, and his remains laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery.

Mr. and Mrs. Peter Beckman of Laona and Antoine Alt of Fort Leavensworth, Kan., were present at the funeral.