William Martin
Montpelier Examiner, Thursday, 22 January 1931, page 1
PIONEER KILLED
The accident that took the life of William Martin, age 60,
pioneer railroad man last Thursday evening, shortly after returning home at 6 pm
caused untold sorrow among his many friends in Montpelier and various points on
the railroad. Mr. Martin had arrived at his home a few minutes before six and it
being payday, started across the road to Mrs. Ed Grunig's residence where he was
going to pay his laundry bill, when he was struck by an automobile driven by
Gordon Ashley, 17, son of Dr. and Mrs. George F Ashley. He was killed instantly.
Mr. Martin had long been in the employ of the Oregon Short Line railroad, having the position as night crossing watchman. Mr. Martin began working for the Short Line in 1905 and has been a valued and well liked employee until Thursday when his career was suddenly cut short.
He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Helen Vorhees of Covington Ind. and Mrs. G C Brunbaugh of Hill City Kansas. Funeral services were held Tuesday at 2 pm at the Methodist church, under the Odd Fellows Lodge, Rev Newhouse of Soda Springs presided. Interment was held at the city cemetery.
*****************************
A Coroner's inquest took place at 4 pm last Friday afternoon at the City Hall to probe the accident in which William Martin, age 60, lost his life. Court was called by County Coroner F M Williams. The jury of six consisting of Frank Wright, M C Dalrymple, Chris Olsen, James A Olsen, Tom Garrett and Charles C Nate. The witnesses examined by County Attorney Charles E Harris. Chief of Police John Hillier was the first and was followed by Pete Grunig, Mrs. Grunig, Dr L P Gaertner, Charles Grunig, Ed Grunig, Dr. George F Ashley and Gordon Ashley.
The verdict was returned as follows: of being struck by an automobile driven by Gordon Ashley at a point between Boise and Ethel streets on Highway No 30, Bear Lake County, Idaho.