Pennsylvania Families

Indiana Co. Gazette
December 26, 1894

KILLED ON THE RAILROAD
Sad Ending of the Life of George Bolar of Homer

George Bolar, son of Mrs. Martha Bolar, of Homer City, was killed by the local freight train on last Wednesday evening at about 4:15. By many it is believed that he voluntarily threw himself under the wheels but the Coroner's inquest failed to produce any evidence which would positively bear out this fact.

George has been in poor health for some time, and frequently exhibited systems of slight mental problems. He has been under the especial care of his brothers and other members of the family for several weeks, but although he had been in extremely low spirits it was not thought his condition would lead him to suicide, if such was indeed the case.

On Wednesday evening the train was steaming through Homer at about seven or eight miles per hour. Brakeman Ortz was was standing in the fourth car from the rear. He says he saw no one near the tracks, but suddenly felt a severe jolt. He thought at first it was caused by a broken rail, upon looking back saw the body lying across the track.

As soon as possible he notified the conductor of the accident and the crew started back, but before reaching the spot the body had been discovered by Furman Gilbert and John Kerr, who were returning from work. The body was lying on the west side of the track, with the head and breast on the rail. It was shortly afterward taken home.

On Thursday Morning Coroner Miller went to Homer City and held an inquest. A number of witnesses were examined but no further information than that given above could be secured. The trainmen all agree that the accident was not of the nature that usually results to persons attempting to board a moving train, and think that George was concealed in the bushes and deliberately sprang to his death as the train was passing.

The coroner's jury consisted of S.W. Gathrie, C.W. Sutton, J. G. Campbell, W.I. Moore, John P. St. Clair, and J.M. St. Clair. The verdict was "That George Bolar came to his death on December 19th, on the railroad tracks near Homer City, by falling on the track either accidentally or voluntarily , the train passing over his neck and breaking it".

George was aged about 23 years and unmarried. He was a bright, companionable fellow before his sickness, and his death causes universal sorrow in Homer City. The funeral was held on last Friday afternoon, the interment being in Greenwood Cemetary, Indiana.

obituary found at Family Links - Ryan and Beener at rootsweb.com
http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=cbeener&id=I15571