The Daily News, July 7, 1914 Little Hope For The Recovery of John Hildinger Mrs. Topley Died In Johnstown Hospital At 8:20 O'clock This Morning. Body Of Mrs. Hildinger Has Been Brought To Her Home In This City. Double Funeral Of Topleys At East McKeesport Tomorrow The terrible accident on Lincoln highway, near Stoyestown last Sunday to the automobile of James Topley of East McKeesport, which was filled with well-known McKeesport and East McKeesport persons is still taking toll. Mrs. Topley died at Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, at 8:20 o'clock this morning and the life of John Hildinger continues to hang by a thread. Hope for the recovery of Mrs. Topley ran high this morning about 5 o'clock, when she became partly conscious and asked for a drink of water, and it was thought her chances of recovery were much greater than that of Mr. Hildinger, but Mrs. Topley was soon unconscious again and death ended her suffering shortly after 8 o'clock. Physicians and friends feel that only the unusual strength of Mr. Hildinger has kept him alive. He has been unconscious for (??) 48 hours, with a crushed skull and other injuries that generally result in death in a few hours. He is the only one of the five persons seriously injured who is alive. At 2:10 o'clock this afternoon the head nurse at the Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, stated to a Daily News reporter over the long distance phone that Mr. Hildinger's condition was slightly improved, although he had not yet regained consciousness. She stated that physicians had decided to chance an operation Thursday unless Mr. Hildinger's condition becomes worse. His vitality is remarkable and while recovery seems impossible and death only a matter of a few hours, they are hoping that he will live long enough to permit of an operation. The condition of Mrs. Lowery is such that she will be able to leave the institution in a day or so, it was reported. Specialists from Pittsburg were carried to the Memorial hospital at Johnstown early this morning for their opinion as to the chance of Mr. Hildinger and Mrs. Topley for life. Mrs. Topley became partly conscious about daybreak and she was given a little nourishment, milk and water, and high hopes were felt for her ultimate recovery, but she relapsed and died a few hours later. The specialists informed G. D. Herring, a brother-in-law of Mrs. Hildinger, that there was one chance in a thousand for Mr. Hildinger. It was generally believed that a weaker man would have succumbed hours ago. The specialist said that an operation this morning would surely result in death, but he said that if Mr. Hildinger lived a day or so that he would have a slight chance of recovery after an operation. The specialist was induced to go to Johnstown by President Johnston of the Keystone commercial Company. For the trip for examination purposes only, he was guaranteed $200 by Mr. Johnston. There are many pathetic features in connection with the tragedy, and some strange coincidences. Mrs. Hedding, mother of Mrs. Hildinger, went to Hancock three weeks ago to attend the funeral of her sister, Mrs. (??) Kirk, and she had just about recovered from that shock when she received word that her daughter had been injured. G. D. Herring, who returned today from Johnstown, told of the Hildinger (??) becoming faint as they reached the Memorial hospital after a ride from Portsmouth, O. In a trembling voice Mr. Herring related how Mrs. Hildinger had for the past 11 years, since the death of his wife, taken care of his two girls, Leroy and Virginia Herring, her nieces. "She promised my wife on her deathbed that she would care for the children as long as she lived, "tearfully spoke Mr. Herring, "and the (??) woman kept her promise." Last Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Hildinger were in the Bedford cemetery, visiting the graves of Mrs. Hildinger's (??) and a sister, and it was there that John Hildinger promised his wife that if she was taken ahead of him, he would see that her request to be buried in the Bedford cemetery was carried out. Neither, of course, had any idea how soon it would be necessary for others to arrange for the burial of Mrs. Hildinger, with her husband unable to attend the funeral. Mr. Herring's nerve almost gave out as he described the scene at the Johnstown hospital the day after the (??) The injured were on beds side by side, each bleeding and struggling for breath, and suffering terribly. As the Hildinger girls were assisted to the room in which their father lay unconscious since last Sunday afternoon, they almost fainted, and the scene was a most pathetic one. Every effort was made to save the lives of the unfortunates. The hope held out by specialists for Mr. Hildinger is slight. They are to hold a further consultation today, Mr. Herring says. The body of Mrs. Hildinger arrived in this city at 10 o'clock last night. It was accompanied by Floyd Walker and was taken to his undertaking rooms. This afternoon it is to be taken to the family residence, 701 Hazel street. With the body of Mrs. Hildinger in this city, the Hildinger girls, Miss Virginia and Mrs. Thomas Baird, are at the bedside of the father in the Memorial hospital, Johnstown. They passed through Pittsburg last night on their way from Portsmouth, O., going straight to Johnstown, where they were hopeful of their father regaining consciousness and speaking to them. They were aware of the fact that there was little chance for the recovery and it was indeed a sad trip for them. Mrs. J. M. Hedding, mother of Mrs. Hildinger, arrived in the city last night at 6 o'clock, from Hancock, Md. She was accompanied to the Hildinger home. Mrs. Hedding had not been informed of the death of her daughter. She knew she met with an accident, but did not possess the knowledge that it was serious and had proved fatal, until she was informed at the Hildinger home. Mrs. Hedding is well up in years, but she bore the blow well. Mrs. Hildinger was 42 years old. She was one of the best known women of the city, took a prominent part in social and church work and was well liked by all who knew her. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran church. Mrs. Hildinger was born at Bedford. Besides her mother a brother survives, Thomas Hedding, who holds a responsible position with the H. J. Heinz company at its Pittsburg plants. It is planned to hold services over the body of Mrs. Hildinger at the family residence in Hazel street tomorrow evening at 8 o'clock, with the Revs. Heckert and Shea officiating. The body is to be taken to Bedford for burial. The crushing, double bereavement, caused by the death of both Mr. and Mrs. Topley as the result of the lamentable auto accident near Stoyestown on the Lincoln highway last Sunday, has enveloped the entire community of East McKeesport in a pall of sadness, for the two victims were well known and highly respected by (Continued on Editorial Page)   Little Hope For The Recovery Of John Hildinger (Continued from First Page) all who knew them. The grief is sincere and universal, especially for the orphaned children of the couple. A double funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 0'clock from the First Presbyterian church of East McKeesport, of which both were members. The Rev. R. D. Wingert, the pastor, will be the officiating pastor, and the remains will be laid to rest at Grandview cemetery. Members of McKeesport lodge 136, B. P. O. E., will go to the Topley home tonight at 7:30 to conduct services. James Topley, Jr., was born in Monongahela City, September 13, 1868, the son of James and Mary Blakely Topley. With his parents he came to the Greensburg pike, near East McKeesport, when he was about two years old, and two years later removed to the homestead which adjoins the house where he lived until he left last Friday for a short visit to friends in Bedford and Everett, Pa., and from which he was returning when the sad accident occurred. Mr. Topley was a life-long resident of the East McKeesport district, receiving his early education in the Pleasant Hill district school, which stood on the Greensburg pike not far from where the Arlington school now stands. He always retained his interest in the schools and school work, serving for the past 10 years until the time of his death as president of the North Versailles township school board. He was a member of the board of trustees of the First Presbyterian church of East McKeesport. He was a member of Wilmerding lodge, Knights of Pythias, of McKeesport lodge 136, B. P. O. Elks, of McKeesport Aerie 285, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and of the Royal Arcanum. He was the senior member of the firm of Topley & Crozier, contractors, and was interested in the First National bank of McKeesport, and served other business interests in and about McKeesport. One brother, S. J. Topley, a real estate dealer of East McKeesport, and the following sisters survive: Mrs. W. A. Russell, Mrs. C. B. Richards, Mrs. William Stucki, Mrs. Thomas Moore, and Mrs. G. A. Binns. Mrs. Estelle Vertran Topley, his wife, was the daughter of A. B. and Hannah Lakenan Bain, and was born in Everett, Pa., December 31, 1874. She was married to James Topley on March 18, 1895. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Homestead chapter 139, of the Woman's Club of McKeesport, and of the woman's organizations of the Presbyterian church, East McKeesport, of which she had been a member since her marriage. The accident leaves the following children orphaned: Mary Estelle, aged 18; Maud, aged 17; James, aged 15; and Frank, aged 12. Mrs. Topley also leaves her mother, Mrs. A. C. Bain, of Denver, Colo.; two sisters, Mrs. Joseph Fisher, of Cleveland, Mrs. John Scully of Denver, and one brother, George Bain, of McKeesport. [Followup article on July 8]   Auto Speeder Kills Sheep on Highway Reckless Drivers Along Lincoln Way Nearly Run Down People Killed Three Sheep At Point Near Evans School Flying by with such a terrific speed that spectators could not distinguish just exactly how many people were in the automobiles, two large touring cars sped over the lincoln way last night about 7:50 o'clock and right near the Evans school killed three sheep as they were crossing the highway. The event happened right near the home of A. L. Lynch, who is the owner of the sheep, and whose employes were transferring them from one field to another. The man and boy in charge of the sheep shouted to the speeding autoists, but received no reply, the dust enveloping the machines so that the number could not be ascertained. The sheep were dragged forty feet, leaving a track of blood beind them. Possibly some of the blood stained the automobiles, but the speeders would no doubt have washed that off at once to prevent discovery. The men in charge of the sheep escaped only by luck. Had they been standing in the middle of the road when the automobiles hove in sight, they, and not the sheep, would have been the victims. If the cars had been smaller they would have toppled over when striking the sheep, but the cars were of the most expensive variety and crushed the bones in the sheep as if they were egg shells. Residents of the community where this event occurred are up in arms over the action. A. L. Lynch, the owner of the sheep, is especially wrought up over the matter, not because the sheep were lost, but because of the great danger the children of this community are exposed to by such reckless driving. He said: "In this case, three sheep were killed; the next time it may be three children."   Speeding Must Be Stopped, Says Trich I. L. Close Is Fined $10 and Costs This Morning "Speeding upon the streets of McKeeport in automobiles or other vehicles must be stopped, and I propose to do my part in bringing it to an end," said Police Magistrate E. M. Trich at police court this morning. "I don't want to come down here some morning and hear that several children have been run over and killed. I don't want people to say that the accident had occurred because Alderman Trich had not performed his duty. I have determined that the fine for speeding will be $10 for the first offense, $25 for the second and the limit, $50, for the third. High or low, rich or poor, the speeders all look alike to me. I know that some of my best friends are guilty of this practice, but if they appear before me their friendship will not interfere with the performance of my duty." These remarks were made for the benefit of I. L. Close, a chauffeur of E. H. Jones, of Glassport. Close was arrested at 3:12 yesterday afternoon by Officer Fred Krelling as he was coming down Walnut street. His speed was estimated at 25 miles an hour. The fine imposed was $10 and costs. The magistrate told him to study up the provisions of the act of assembly concerning automobiles.   This Day, July 7, In Local History 20 Years Ago Today The tube works strike is still on. The lapweld department employes met today and received a statement fromt he tube works officials with the result that a vote will be taken on the question of returning to work. More coal is being shipped over the McKeesport and Belle Vernon railroad just now than ever before in its history. The general committee on the Centennial celebration met and reported the plans well under way for the big affair. A hot fight is on for the office of burgess of Versailles between W. H. Sykes andC. C. Carroll. The election will be held in a few days. Mrs. Sarah, beloved wife Rof obert Williams, died at her home in Riverview Park. She was 39 years old. 15 Years Ago Today Word from Washington is that the local postoffice has been allowed three additional mail carriers to serve Reynoldstown and Demmler. Sunday sellers who were prosecuted before Alderman McCleary were given hearings. Two were let off upon payment of the costs and one was discharged. Born &endash; To Mr. And Mrs. Morgan Griffiths, a son. Mr. And Mrs. W. R. Green entertained at their home on Locust street last night in celebration of their fifteenth wedding anniversary. Born &endash; To Mr. And Mrs. Charles Martin, of Stockdale avenue, a daughter. 10 Years Ago Today A severe storm swept over this city and caused much damage. The lightning was very sharp and a few houses were struck and damage done. Thirty streets and alleys aggregating over 12 acres of ground and estimated to be worth many thousands of dollars are now the property of the United States Steel corporation. The deeds will be recorded at once, no objections having been filed. George Crawford, of Duquesne, and Miss Annie Graff, of Coursin street, were wedded on the Fourth at Cumberland. Postmaster Campbell has requested council to allow placing of letter boxes on city fire and police poles. 5 Years Ago Today Patrick Welsh, aged 60 years, died at St. Barnabus' home. Mrs. Nellie Fitzgerald, aged about 30 years, died last night at her home on Pacific avenue. Miss Edna Jones, of this city, and Glenn Millhaney, of Canonsburg, were united in marriage last night. Warrants have been served on ten (??) violators of the Sunday Blue laws.   Final Flashes KIEL, Germany, July 7 &endash; The kaiser started on his annual cruise today aboard the royal yacht Hohenzollerin.   TRENTON, N. J., July 7 &endash; A definite improvement in the condition of all New Jersey crops during the past week was announced in a bulletin issued by the local weather bureau today.   NEWPORT, R. I., July 7 &endash; The first official trial race between the yachts Resolute, Vanitie and Defiance, candidates for the honor of defending the America's cup, was postponed today because of inclement weather. If conditions are favorable the race will be sailed tomorrow.   NEW ORLEANS, La., Jul 7 &endash; The bubonic plague situation here was so encouraging today that Surgeon-General Blue decided to return to Washington the last of this week. Dr. Rucker, his assistant, will be left in charge of the rat-killing campaign. No new cases have developed. Two Persons End Lives By Hanging Milvale Man and Southside Woman Found Dead In Homes. Despondency due to long illness caused two persons, one a man and the other a woman, to end their lives in the Pittsburg district today. Both choose the same means, a rope noose. Victor Zungmeister, aged 73, of 1000 Evergreen avenue, Millvale, was found hanging to the rafters in the summer kitchen of his home by a neighbor at 8 a.m. today. Mrs. Bradley Cunningham, a relative who lived with him, found a note on the table in his bedroom in which the old man said goodbye to her and asked her to forgive him. Zungmeister had been suffering from cancer of the mouth for the last two years. Mrs. Cunningham found his bed had not been slept in during the night and suspecting suicide, ran to the neighbor's. She returned with a woman who lived near by and they found the note. Later the neighbor woman looked into the window of the summer kitchen and saw Zungmeister hanging there. Suffering from melancholia, induced, it is believed, by long illness, Mrs. Schaffer, aged 43, of 2220 Jane street, Southside, Pittsburg, committed suicide today by hanging. She had been attended for a long time by Dr. J. P. Saling of the Southside. Mrs. Schaffer's body was found by her brother.     Injunction Case Lost By Strikers Had Asked Dismissal of Deputy Sheriffs At East Pittsburg Judge Marshall Brown this morning dismissed the bill presented by strikers of the Westinghouse companies asking for an injunction to compel the dismissal of the deputy sheriffs at East Pittsburg. Judge Brown held there was not sufficient grounds set forth in the bill to go into a hearing. He gave the petitioners permission to file an amended bill. East Pittsburg streets were practically deserted this morning, comparatively few of the striking Westinghouse employes gathering to watch the men who are working enter the three plants. There were, also, fewer pickets than usual on the streets and the bridge leading into the plants. Many of the idle employes went to Pittsburg to attend the hearing of the injunction proceedings brought by the strikers against Sheriff George W. Richards to compel him to remove his deputies from the strike zone. A feature of the morning at the plant of the Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing company was the fact that, for almost the first itme since the inception of the strike, workmen entered the plant by the Electric avenue gate, instead of entering over the new company bridge across Turtle creek. About 300 men entered this gate in a body shortly before 7 o'clock. The strikers say that were not new workmen but old ones who had to be instructed to enter this gate to create the impression that more men were returning to work. About the same number entered from the Pennsylvania railroad side as yesterday.   Girl Accused of Poisoning Candy Miss Pearl Stuckey, aged 18, of Creighton, near Pittsburg, was held under $500 bail today on a charge of having poisoned candy which was sent to Mrs. Annie S. Lindeman, also of Creighton. Mrs. Lindeman ate some of the confectionery and became very ill. Two of her children who partook of it experienced no ill effects. The accused young woman denied the charge. No motive for such a crime was brought out in the hearing.