Jasper County Democrat, Volume 22, Number 100, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1920 — RENSSELAER LADIES’ NEPHEW [ARTICLE]

RENSSELAER LADIES’ NEPHEW

A Victim of Grade (’roaslng Accident at Buck Creek Thursday. Raymond 8. Eastburn, a prominent younfl farmer of east of Lafayette, aged 29 years, was struct and instantly killed by a Wabash passenger train at Main street crossing at Buck Creek Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock. Young Eastburn was driving a closed car an«Y did not see nor hear the approaching train. The young man was a nephew of Mrs. Fred Wayimlre of this city. J i Yesterday’s Lafayette ‘Journal gave the following account of the tragic accideht: Mr. Eastburn attended a public sale near Buck Creek Thursday afternoon and stopped at the Crider general store to get candy 'for his little daughter, Frances Lee, 2 years old. The unfortunate nun went to the store, made his purchases and was just starting for his home when 'he was killed. The passenger train, w’hich was about 20 minutes late, was traveling at a high rate of speed. Mr. Eastburn was in a Ford car with the side curtains up. It is thought the noise made by the engine of his car prevented him hearing tihe warning whistle of the train. The crash of the train hitting the autanuobile was heard for several blocks. The automobile was carried a distance of 100 feet and thrown clear of the right of way. Mr. Eastburn was buried beneath the wreckage. When rescuers reached the scene, life was extinct. The force of the blow struck Mr. Eastburn on the left side of the head, which was crushed, causing death. The unfortunate man was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Eastburn, who reside at 401 North Salisbury street, West Lafayette. He was born 2 9 years ago on a farm near Brookston. About seven years ago he was limited in marriage with Miss Lottie. Clevenger, who with a little daughter, Prances Lee, survives. He is also survived by ’his parents and three brothers, Homer and Garfield Eastburn of Pleasant Lake and Walter Eastburn of Brookston. He was a member of the Kniglrts of Pythias lodge at Brookston and was an industriouw and highly respected citizen.