Arkansas County, Arkansas - John Burke Huffman Obituary

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Submitted by: Shirley Young <sjyoung@futura.net>
        Date: 29 Oct 2002
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
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http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/arkansas/arkansas.htm
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	John Burke Huffman was called Burke by the family.  He worked as 
a railroad conductor and was employed by the Frisco line at the time of 
his death.  Following is a copy of the report of his death in the 
Springfield Leader (Springfield, Mo.), March 19, 1909, which was 
published with the last paragraph added in a newspaper (name unknown) in 
Arkansas County, Arkansas:

		CONDUCTOR DIES UNDER WHEELS OF TRAIN IN SPARTA;  
		John B. Huffman Falls Between Cars and is Badly Mangled.

	John B. Huffman, one of the best known Frisco conductors with a 
run out of Springfield, who lived at 1530 North Grant street, fell from 
the top of a car in a tie train while the crew were switching in the 
yards at Sparta, Christian county,  at 8:55 o'clock this morning and was 
almost instantly killed.  Three wheels of a car passed over his neck and 
shoulders.  Members of the train crew rushed to his rescue but he was 
dead before he was taken from under the wheels.
	Dr. W. L. Smith, coroner of Christian County, was immediately 
notified of the accident and went to the scene.  A jury was empaneled and 
viewing of the body was excused until tomorrow when the inquest will be 
held and a verdict given.  The body of the unfortunate man was brought to 
Springfield on a special train and was conveyed to the undertaking 
establishment of J. M. White, on East Commercial street, where it will be 
prepared for burial.
	Conductor Huffman left Springfield early this morning and was in 
charge of a tie train on the Chadwick branch.  He was standing on top of 
a car expecting a coupling to be made.  When the cars bumped together, he 
lost his balance and fell between two cars.  The train was pulled by 
engine No. 401 with Engineer Effinger in the cab.  News of the accident 
was immediately telegraphed to the general office of the Frisco here and 
the officials notified Mrs. Huffman.
	The shock of her husband's sudden death prostrated her and the 
services of a physician was required this afternoon.  Dr. H. J. Ruyle 
remained at the Huffman home for an hour.
	Conductor Huffman was about 50 years of age.  He had a regular 
run between Springfield and Monett, but recently was assigned to the 
Chadwich branch where he had been running the trains into Springfield.  
He came to Springfield about twelve years ago from Cleburne, Texas, where 
he was several years in the employe of the Santa Fe railway.  He had been 
in the employ of the Frisco since his residence in this city.  He was a 
member of Division No. 321, Order of Railroad Conductors.  He was also a 
member of the Odd Fellows.
	Conductor Huffman was held in high esteem by the officials of the 
company and by his fellow employes, and had a wide circle of friends.  He 
was known among railroad men as "Honest John."
	He is survived by a widow.  His sister, Mrs. A. T. Young, lives 
at Elwood, Green County.  Mrs. Eck Davidson and Mrs. Thomas Harper, of 
Springfield, are nieces.
	Arrangements for the funeral service have not been perfected but 
the O.R.C. will take a prominent part.--Springfield (Mo.) Leader
	Deceased was a brother of A. L. Huffman who is well known to the 
citizens of this section.  Deceased also has three sisters, Mrs. W. W. 
Duncan, Mrs. H. C. Synco, and Mrs. Virgie Quertermous, who are also well 
known in this county.