Edward Henry Hillstrom, Obituary/Death NoticePorter County obituaries and death notices . . . .
Edward Henry Hillstrom
FATHER AND SON
GO TO THEIR GRAVES TOGETHER
C. O. Hillstrom, the Organ Manufacturer, Passes Away
As the Coffin of his Son Edward Enters the Family Home.
Edward Hillstrom, of Chesterton, was instantly killed in a railroad accident, at Ambia, Benton Co., Ind., Tuesday night of this week. A message to that effect was received here Wednesday. Mr. Smucker, of Chicago, a brother-in-law of the dead man left Wednesday for the scene of the accident, to identify the remains and bring them to his home. From him THE TRIBUNE obtained the following particulars:
For the past two months, or since he last left Chesterton, Eddie has been working for a farmer by the name of Abel, who lived three quarters of a mile from Ambia along the railroad. It was the boy's custom to come to town every evening, and jump a freight to go home on. He was last seen alive Tuesday evening about 10 o'clock. The following morning his mangled remains were found strewn along the tracks at the Ambia Station. The presumption is that he attempted to jump a freight, missed his footing, and feel under the wheels, and met instant death. Two other trains passed over his remains, which when found, were beyond recognition. Letter found along the track, near the body, from his mother and sister revealed his identity. The Coroner of Benton Co. held an inquest, and notified the relatives her and in Chicago.
The remains reached Chesterton Thursday evening at 6:18, and just as the coffin entered the family residence, Mr. C. O. Hillstrom, father of the boy, breathed his last. He died ignorant of the sad fate of his son.
Edward Henry Hillstrom was born in Chicago Feb. 5, 1873, and was one of three children born to Charles O. and Mary Hillstrom. Of this marriage but one child survives, Mrs. Mabel Smucker, whose present home is in Chicago. His sad fate is regretted by all who knew the family.
The funeral of father and son will be held on Sunday afternoon, with services at the family residence, beginning at 2 o'clock. The remains will be interred in the Chesterton cemetery.
Charles O. Hillstrom was the founder of the Hillstrom Organ Factory, and until the last two years a man prominent in the affairs of Westchester township. About two years ago he began to show signs of mental disorder, and gradually sank into a state of imbecility. The court appointed Par A. Johnson guardian of Mr. Hillstrom, and that gentleman, with the assistance of Mr. Ed. Hillstrom, a cousin of the deceased, cared for the unfortunate man and his large estate. Until recently the old gentleman was able to be about, and come down town quite frequently. Several days ago he suddenly grew worse, and all this week his death was hourly expected. Thursday morning he rallied, and recognized those who surrounded his bedside. Towards evening he began to fail, and like the snuffing of a candle, his life passed away, painless and almost without a struggle. His sad end is a blow to the community, and is universally regretted.
Newspaper: The Westchester Tribune
Date of Publication: December 19, 1896
Volume Number: 13
Issue Number: 36
Page: 5
Column(s): 6
Key to Newspaper Publication Locations:
Newspapers Published in Chesterton, Porter County, Indiana
Chesterton Tribune
The Tribune
Westchester Tribune
Newspapers Published in Valparaiso, Porter County, Indiana
Porter County Vidette
Practical Observer
Valparaiso Practical Observer
Vidette and Republic
Western Ranger
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Obituary/death notice transcribed by Steven R. Shook