Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 14, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 July 1904 — KILLED IN WABASH WRECK. [ARTICLE]

KILLED IN WABASH WRECK.

Patrick Keefe and James B. Roberta of Kentland Die From Injurlea. is again mourning the death of two of her prominent people in a railroad wreck. This time it is Patrick Keefe, the well known merchant, prominent democrat and orator, and James B. Roberts, also a prominent democrat and retired farmer, who are taken. Both were on the Wabash train that was wrecked by an open switch at Litchfield, 111., Sunday night, and were on their way to St. Louis to attend the democratic national conventionTSjn the press reports of the wreck, Dy some reason, Mr. Keefe’s name was omitted from the list of the dead and injured, while Mr. Roberts’ name appeared among the badly injured, but his address.was given as “Catlin,” Ind., instead of Kentland. Later reports state that Will and Joe Ade, of Kentland, brothers of the author, George Ade, when they heard of the wreck, knowing that Keefe and Roberts were on the ill-fated train, took the first train for the scene. The Ade brothers arranged with the Litchfield undertakers for sending both bodies to Kentland, where they were buried. Mr. Keefe and Mr. Roberts were in the forward coach, and the steam from the overturned engine enveloped them. Mr. Keefe was conscious up to within five minutes of his death, two and onehalf hours after the wreck. The reports further state that “the heroism of Mr. Keefe and his solicitude as to the condition of his friend and companion caused much comment. After being terribly scalded, he walked up the steps of the hospital unassisted,and when the physicians were giving him relief he told them that he could stand the pain, and that they should pay attention to Roberts.” Mr. Keefe was one of the pioneer merchants of Kentland, where for years he was in business with his brother. He accumulated considerable wealth. He has always been a democrat, and several times he has stumped the State for the democratic candidates. He was known as the “silver-tongued, orator.” Mr. Keefe was born in Ireland, and was about 55 years of age at the time of his death. He came to America at an early age and settled in Kentland, where he was married. His wife died many years ago. He leaves no children. He was held in high esteem and was named by the recent state convention as presidential elector from this district. His name has been mentioned several times for the nomination for congress, but he has declined the honor. He was a prominent Catholic and belonged to several of the higher orders of Catholics. James B. Roberts was also a prominent democrat and was an alternate delegate to the national convention. _He was quite well to do, and was considered one of finest men in Newton county. He was about 45 yernrs of age. His brother. C. J. Roberts, is a son-in-law of H. O. Harris of Rensselaer, and formerly resided here. The remains of both were taken to Kentland Tuesday and a large public funeral was held there Wednesday. Only three years ago to-morrow Misses Lula Rider and Mabel Ross, two handsome and popular young ladies of Kentland, were killed in the Chicago & Alton wreck at Norton, Mo.