Bowers French Hart |
| Posted 2018-03-24 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Weekly Journal-Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory Wednesday, November 26, 1913, page 6, column 1 Throws Himself In Front Of Train Telegram (sic) in Pocket of Man Killed Showed That He Was in Desperate Financial Straits (From Thursday's Daily) The shocking death of B. F. Hart occurred a few miles west of Kirkland station on the S.F., P. & P. railroad yesterday morning about 11:30 o'clock, when he was hit by the engine while walking along the track. From what can be learned it was a case of deliberate suicide. The mangled remains were brought on the train to this city and are at Ruffner's in charge of Coroner McLane to await the inquest to be held today. Particulars of this unfortunate and unavoidable accident were obtained from passengers as well as the crew of the train, which was northbound out of Phoenix. Every version would indicate that Hart had ample warning, but precipitated this tragic fate. Engineer Joe Rees noticed the man walking along the track a considerable distance ahead when the whistle was blown at least five times as a warning. As the train drew near, the air brakes were applied and he last shrill of the whistle was sounded with a speed of not over ten miles an hour being made, and the man not over 150 feet ahead, walking leisurely along the low trestle. Heeding the warning, Hart was seen to step to the side of the track and in doing so raised his right hand and motioned the train on, partly turning his body around for this propose. When the engine was within fifty feet of him at this slow speed, he cooly and deliberately stepped between the rails and was instantly killed, his body being found on the roadbed within ten feet of the end of the trestle. At this juncture the emergency air brakes were applied and several passengers were thrown out of their seats in the coaches. The train passed its length and was brought to a standstill. R. M. Martin, president of the Climax Mine Company, was the first at the side of the man killed and stated yesterday that although it was not over ten seconds after Hart was hit, the man was dead, when he reached him. Mr. Martin also states that ample warning had been given by the engineer and the repeated whistling occasioned passengers to comment on the frequency of the signals given. He also corroborates other statements made that the train could not have possibly been traveling more than ten miles per hour when Hart was killed. Brakeman W. W. Wade witnessed the whole affair from beginning to the end and states that the accident could not possibly been avoided. Other passengers corroborate these statements, and the general belief is that Hart premeditated suicide and succeeded in carrying out his aims. On the body was found the following telegram, which to a certain extent clears away and doubt6 but what the man was in desperate straits. It was dated Phoenix. November 17, and addressed to Henry F. Hart, Sawtelle, Cal.: I am in serious trouble. I want you to wire me $50 here at once. Will wait for answer. I want to go to Dallas, Texas. Will explain later. It is a case of life and death. (Signed) Bowers French Hart. Other personal effects on the remains were several letters, which would indicate that the deceased was a member of the Elks and the Young Men's Institute of Los Angeles. A single copper cent was the only money found, and he carried no clothing whatever or other property of value. One letter bore the address of Little Casino Hart which evidently was his sobriquet among certain friends, from his small stature. Hart was seen loitering around Hillside station the day before and it was stated that his actions created the belief he was in a demented condition. The upper portion of the body is but slightly disfigured, but the lower presents a frightful appearance in its mangled condition. He was aged about 40 years and was well dressed. ---------------------------------- Weekly Journal Miner, Prescott, Arizona Wednesday, December 3, 1913, page 4, column 5 (From Wednesday's Daily) The funeral of B. F. Hart, killed on the S. F. P. & P. railway several days ago took place yesterday from the Catholic church. Father Kohlman officiating. The pallbearers were selected jointly from from the Knights of Columbus and Elk's orders, to which the deceased belonged outside the state and were, R. E. Morrison, E. J. F. Horn, J. H. Morgan, W. H. Timerhoff, Lester Ruffner and A. Emanuel. The remains were buried in the Citizens cemetery. |
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