The Daily News, July 6, 1914 Three People Are Dead in Auto Smash-up; This City Is Shocked By Terrible Accident Big Automobile Skids While Passing a Car James Topley, Owner of Auto, Was Killed Almost Instantly Mrs. Hildinger Died At 8:30 Today in Johnstown Hospital. Price Child Died At Scene of Accident. The skidding of the front wheels of a high-power automobile when they struck sand on the Philadelphia pike at a point near Stoyestown yesterday afternoon resulted in the most disastrous automobile accident in this end of the state in several years, halting a joyous home-coming of a party of McKeesport and East McKeesport persons who had been at Bedford Springs for a week-end outing. Three are dead, the lives of two hang by a thread, another, although apparently not badly hurt, is not expected to survive the shock, and two escaped with slight injuries. THE DEAD: James Topley, 40 years old, owner and driver of car; paving contractor; skull fractured, neck injured internally; died few hours after accident; lived in East McKeesport. Dollie Price, 6 years old, daughter of William Price, of Everett; skull fractured and injured internally; died few minutes after accident. Mrs. John J. Hildinger, 42 years old; skull fractured and internal injuries, died at Memorial hospital, Johnstown, this morning; resided in Hazel street, McKeesport. THE INJURED: Mrs. James Topley, 36 years old; fractured skull, internal injuries; death momentarily expected at Johnstown hospital; resided in East McKeesport. John J. Hildinger, 50 years old, back of skull fractured and internal injuries; death momentarily expected at Johnstown hospital; resided in Hazel street, McKeesport, and managed local house of Keystone Commercial company Mrs. Casper Lowrey, 81 years old, grandmother of Price girl; cuts and bruises, not serious; resides at Everett, Pa. Frank Topley, 11 years old, son of Mr. And Mrs. James Topley, slight cuts and bruises; at home in East McKeesport. James Topley, 14 years old, his brother; slight cuts and bruises; at home in East McKeesport. The Topley and Hildinger families are well known in the city and vicinity and news of the tragedy came as a shock to the community. It was the one topic on the streets and in the business houses of this city and East McKeesport today, with everybody expressing sympathy for the bereaved relatives. Relatives and other McKeesporters who were on the scene shortly after the accident and at the Johnstown hospital, where the injured were taken, tell the same story of how the accident occurred. Some of them talked with a man whose machine was passed by the Topley auto just before the accident. They say that Mr. Topley was driving his machine at a good speed, some of them placing it at between 40 and 50 miles per hour. As he passed the other auto and was swinging into the middle of the road the front wheels struck a small hill of sand and Mr. Topley, fearing that the machine would topple into a ditch, quickly made an effort to avoid it. The front wheel nearest the ditch skidded and then they whirled almost broadside. This caused the car to leap into the air and turn over, but it did not alight bottom u. Apparently the machine twisted while in the air, for it alighted with the front in the opposite direction it was going and on the side, with the steering wheel up. With terrific velocity all of the (?)ight occupants were thrown through the air some distance and to the roadway. The man whose machine had been passed by the Topley auto was not far behind, but his machine did not collide with th wrecked car, nor did it "blow" a couple of tires, as had been reported. The stranger, with the aid of others who were soon on the scene, picked up the injured and took them to Stoyestown, about four miles distant, where, after some delay, a Baltimore and Ohio special train was made up and all were taken to Johnstown. Mr. Topley died before Stoystown was reached and the Price child was killed almost instantly. Mr. And Mrs. Hildinger and Mrs. Topley were unconscious during and after the ride to that place. The two childrn, James and Frank Topley, were but slightly hurt, and a Pittsburgher, whose name was not learned, volunteered to carry them to East McKeesport. The offer was accepted and the children arrived home last night, going to the home of a sister of Mr. Topley, Mrs. Thomas Moore, of East McKeesport. About 10 minutes after the accident, Thomas Werry and William Pfaff, of this city, arrived at the scene. They had been to Bedford Springs and wre on their way home. In Mr. Werry's machine were Mrs. Werry, their son Allan and his sister, Miss Minnie Werry. With Mr. Pfaff was his wife and Mr. And Mrs. Seeger of the Fawcett plan. Knowing that Mr. Topley owned a big Abbott-Detroit car, Mr. Werry says that before hos party had reached the scene of the accident he noticed the car and felt certain it was M. Topley's machine. The injured had been taken to Stoyestown, but the othr McKeesporters were so worked up over the accident that they did not go to Stoyestown station to see the injured. The accident happened, Mr. Werry says, on a stretch of the road where there is very little grade. Having his camera with him, Mr. Werry took several photographs of the wrecked machine. They show one wheel and the front end smashed. The Topley party left for Bedford last Friday afternoon. In the machine were Mr. And Mrs. Topley, Mr. And Mrs. Hildinger and two of the four Topley children. The trip was an enjoyable one, and after visiting Bedford and meeting E. W. Pitts and other McKeesporters there on Saturday, Mr. Topley drove the party to Everett yesterday, where Mrs. Lowery, an old friend of the Topley family, and her grandchild, Dollie Price, were added to the party and the home-coming trip begun, with much jollity. The party had a large basket lunch, which was scattered about the roadway. Having spent an enjoyable week-end and anticipating a fine ride home, the older folk were enjoying the laughter and talk of the children, with dull care cast aside and no thought of the tragedy that was so near. The accident happened so quickly that none had a chance to jump, and in a second the joyful trip was turned into a tragedy and death stalked in the wake of the homeward journey. Dashed from the rapidly moving machine, it seems a miracle that the entire party of eight was not killed outright. Mr. Topley's neck was broken and he died shortly after the accident. Mrs. Lowrey and the Topley children quickly regained consciousness. The aged woman opened her eyes to find her grandchild, which she had just a minute before been fondling in life, laying across her breast. The little girl was dead. Mr. Hildinger's skull was terribly crushed at the base of the brain and his face and head lacerated. Mrs. Hildinger and Mrs. Topley were badly cut and internally injured. The Topley children were cut and bruised, but they were able to care for themselves. Mr. Topley did not lose consciousness at once. While one of his children was bending over him he held out his hand and indicated to the child that he wanted a couple of diamond rings removed, along with a purse from his pocket. When a stranger proffered assistance it was thought best to send the practically uninjured children to East McKeesport, because of the sorrowful scenes that were sure to follow at the hospital and morgue in Johnstown. Mr. Topley's body was scheduled to reach Wilmerding at 1:45 o'clock this afternoon, from which place it was to be taken to his late home. Two other (Continued on Editorial Page)   Big Automobile Skids While Passing a Car (Continued From First Page) children survive. They are Mary, aged 19 yeas, and Maude, aged 17 years, who were not taken on the trip. J.C. Topley, a former justice of the peace of East McKeesport, is a surviving brother. Five sisters survive as follows: Mrs. A. Binns, Mrs. Mary Richards, Mrs. Thomas Moore, Mrs. William Russell, all of East McKeesport, and Mrs. Stucke of Highland Grove, this city. The body of Mrs. Hildinger is expected to reach this city tonight or tomorrow. Mrs. Hildinger was the second wife of John J. Hildinger. His two daughters, Mrs. Thomas Baird, of Portsmouth, O., who was Miss LaRue Hildinger, and Miss Virginia Hildinger, survive. Miss Virginia was visiting at Portsmouth, O., at the time of the accident. Mrs. Hildinger is a daughter of Mrs. J. M. Hedding, of Hancock, Md., who formerly resided in this city. James Topley was a member of Topley and Crozier, contractors. He was one of the best known men of the community, having been born and reared in East McKeesport. He was a member of Versailles council, Royal Arcanum and other organizations. John J. Hildinger was manager of the Keystone Commercial company's local house, handling feed, poultry, etc., by the wholesale. He had been with the company for about 20 years, a part of that time at the Pittsburg house. He was well known and highly respected and his family took quite a prominent part in social affairs of the city. Mr. and Mrs. Hildinger were members of St. John's Lutheran church. G.W.C. Johnston, president of the Keystone Commercial company, has been in the city all day and constantly in touch with the Memorial hospital at Johnstown by long distance 'phone. He sent his brother, J. R. Johnston, to johnstown as soon as he learned of the accident. Mr. Johnston speaks highly of Mr. Hildinger. When seen this morning he said: "John Hildinger was one of the most responsible men it has been my pleasure to meet. He was dependable and the firm thought a lot of him. The tragedy has been a great shock to me. John and I were to have taken a trip next week, to Maryland, where we own apple orchards. I cannot fully express my sorrow and regret over the terrible accident and its awful results." Mr. Hildinger is a member of McKeesport commandery No. 86, Knights Templar, McKeesport chapter No. 282, Royal Aarch Masons, and of DuBois, Pa., lodge No. 559, F. & A. M. Mayor George H. Lysle was an anxious caller at the Daily News office today to learn of the latest news of the accident. The mayor was greatly afected as he was a warm personal friend of both men. He said: "I have known John Hildinger and James Topley for many years. They were both fine men and good citizens. I know the road they were traveling when the accident occurred and know what it is to hit a bed of sand. It is almost impossible to control an automobile. I have never heard of an accident that has brought so much sorrow to our city and know I speak for the entire community when I say that all McKeesport regrets the accident and extends sympathy to the relatives of all who were in the car." A report of the accident from Johnstown says: "The driver of the car passed by Topley said his speedometer at the time showed 35 miles an hour, while the Topley car shot around him at terrific speed. A hundred feet further on he saw the larger automobile strike the edge of the gutter and the right rear wheel plunge into it. Topley, who was driving, turned the car almost directly across the road and plunged into the opposite gutter. "Turning out again at undiminished speed, the machine swung completely around, turned entirely over and rested on its sde. The occupants were thrown far from the body of the car. "William H. Grove, residing nearby, saw the accident and hastened to the rescue, to find all the autoists unconscious and badly hurt with the exception of Mrs. Lowery and Frank and James Topley, children of the driver. The Price child had her right leg torn off just above the knee, while her neck was broken, death being instantaneous. "The section of the road where the accident occurred is said to be one of the best in the entire state and is a favorite for speeding. Within half an hour after the accident yesterday afternoon more than 100 automobiles lined up along the roadside. "Dr. Shrock told the police that Topley, the last of the victims to be taken from the hospital car, was in the best shape of any of the patients, as he had been apparently very strong. While delirious, Mr. Topley exhibited so much strength that several men were required to hold him. But as the injured man was lifted into the auto patrol it was seen that death was near. He gasped for breath occasionally, while the eyes began to glaze. When the entrance to the hospital was reached it was thought that Mr. Topley was dead, but there was a faint pulse and it was decided to administer an injection of strychnine, but before this had been prepared Mr. Topley passed away. "Mr. Hildinger, a very heavy man, was placed in a bed in the ward, where he breathed heavily and gave every evidence of waning vitality. His wife, suffering of the same injuries as her husband, was upstairs in the women's ward, with Mrs. Topley and Mrs. Lowrey. Only the latter was conscious. She could tell little of the accident, but said that Mr. Topley had been driving; that in passing a car ahead of their machine they had struck the gutter and in endeavoring to regain the center of the road the driver made too short a turn. "The remarkable feature of the accident was that each of the four victims worst hurt had identically the same major injury &endash; fracture of the skull at the base. Mr. Topley had a deep cut under the chin and another in his neck a few inches below, while the side and back of his head was lacerated. Mr. Hildinger also sustained lacerations of the head. The women were bruised and battered. "People who saw the accident declare that the occupants of the machine were hurled from 15 feet to (??) 19 feet, in several directions. None was pinioned under the car, which was smashed to pieces, but it is thought that little Miss Price was caught under the edge of the car when her leg was torn off, thrown up in the bed of it when the car righted itself and then was hurled out as the big machine toppled over on its side at the start of the second revolution. "It ws the worst accident one could imagine," said Mr. Grove, in front of whose home the fatality occurred. "The big car was speeding along at a terrific rate. When it passed the other car I noticed that one wheel went in the gutter. Then I saw the driver throw himself at the steering wheel, evidently trying hard to regain the center of the road. The machine swerved across the driveway and into the other ditch. I believe that the driver lost control then, for the next tun was so sharp and sudden that any machine would have overturned. I ran down to th road and saw at once that the little girl was dead. Then others came and we hurriedly telephoned for Dr. Schrock."     Latest Report From Bedside of the Injured (Special to The Daily News) Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, 2:45 P. M. &endash;At this hour there was no change in the condition of John J. Hildinger, of McKeesport. He is still unconscious and his life is hanging by a thread. It is not believed that he will live until sundown. Once, shortly after noon today, Mr. Hildinger opened his eyes, but he did not speak and his eyes immediately closed again. The doctor in charge says hw has but one chance in a thousand to recover. Mrs. James Topley, of East McKeesport, who was also injured in the auto wreck near Stoyestown yesterday, partly recovered consciousness about 2 o'clock but her chances for recovery are slight. Mrs. Lowery, the only other member of the party of eight now in the institution, is not seriously hurt and she will be able to leave the hospital in a day or so.   [Followup article on July 7] This Day, July 6, In Local History 20 Years Ago Today The Fourth of July celebration passed off nicely, the feature being a big parade by the Turners, who are meeting in this city. The only accident reported was to John, the 12-year-old son of James Evans, of Capital hill, who sustained a serious injury to his right hand when a cannon cracker exploded. About 150 employes of the mechanical departments of the tube works met this morning in Blue Ribbon hall and voted to return to work if the company officials would permit them. Duane Beach, residing at Long Run, was held up and robbed last night along the township road between McKeesport and Christy Park. The robbers took over $16 from him. John Frey, aged 62 years, died yesterday at his home in Highland Grove. 15 Years Ago Today Frank Driscoll and miss Anna M. Rodgers, of Demmier, were united in marriage this morning. Herbert King, of Boston, and Miss Mollie E. Biddle, of this city, were married yesterday. Another war has been waged on the confectioners, ice cream and cigar dealers who keep open on Sunday. Suits have been entered against those who kept open last Sunday. McKeesport chapter No. 282, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted. The newly elected officers are: William Nagle, M. E. H. P.; Daniel Tobin, king; E. W. Pitts, scribe; W. E. Walker, treasurer; Edwin Soles, secretary. The organization has about 60 members. The "kissing bug" has made its appearance in this city and quite a few people have been victims. The Fourth of July celebration passed off in the usual quiet manner. No serious accidents were reported.   10 Years Ago Today No less than a score of people, mostly children and foreigners, were injured more or less by premature explosions and reckless handling of noise-producers during the Fourth celebration. Mrs. Clara McCombs, wife of M. E. McCombs, of Pacific avenue, died yesterday. She was 55 years of age. Born -- To Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas, of Wiley avenue and Clifford street, a son. Joseph Barclay, aged 21, and George Bruce, aged 22, were badly injured when a swinging ladder fell at the Ninth avenue school building this morning. Miss Cordelia W. Smith, of Hazelwood, and Irving V. Mansell, of this city were united in marriage yeasterday. 5 Years Ago Today The celebration of the Fourth passed off with but a few accidents, two ro three of which are of a serious nature. Edward Kane, aged 11 years, had two fingers mangled by the explosion of a cannon cracker. Michael Connelly, aged 11 years, wa badly burned by powder from a flower pot. Lieut. Gov. Murphy spoke to a large crowd at the playgrounds. George Baehr, who for the past 10 years has been superintendent of the electrical department of the tube works, has resigned. Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Morford, of Fairview avenue, celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary on Saturday evening. Mrs. Elma H. Conrad, 34 years old, wife of Dr. Joseph Conrad, died yesterday. Accidents Occur on Fourth of July Judging from the reports at the McKeesport hosiptal, the Fourth of July was celebrated in a safe and sane manner in this city. Although several boys were injured by coming in contact with fire crackers, only one of them remained at the hospital today. His name was Clarence Spate of 704 Converse street, and his hand was burnt by a fire cracker at 3 o'clock on Saturday. His condition is good and he will be removed to his home soon. John N. Riley, 21 years old, of Monesson, suffered a compound fracture of the left leg about 5:30 o'clock Friday afternoon, when hw was coupling cars of a Pittsburg and Lake Erie train at Monesson. He is now at the local hospital. Alexander Cuani, 32 years old, of Lovedale mine near Elizabeth, fell off a Glassport street car Saturday evening at 7:30 o'clock, and sustained a fracture of the shoulder. Oscar Hughes, of 810 North Soles street, was bitten by a dog at 4:50 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The wound was cauterized at the McKeesport hospital.   Boy's Death Is Caused By Burns BUFFALO, N.Y., July 6 -- By the death today of 4-year-old James Priore from burns received when firecrackers exploded in his pocket on Saturday, the Fourth of July fatalities here were increased to two. The other death was due to a stray bullet striking an infant in arms in the head.