Harmon E. Farmer and Leonard E. Waud were instantly killed last night shortly before 11 o'clock when a Pennsylvania railroad engine drawing a caboose struck the truck in which they were driving at a crossing in Effingham, Ill. The accident was not witnessed by anyone near the scene but a watchman at a crossing some distance away is said to have seen the engine strike the truck.

The bodies of the two men were carried a long distance, one being found a block from the crossing and the other a distance of probably a block and a half. Mr. Waud received three deep cuts in the head, and his death was instantaneous. The men on the engine stopped immediately after the accident, and relatives of the dead men, and the Beekman Truck Service of this city were notified, receiving word about 12:30 this morning.

The truck is said to have been totally demolished, portions being carried several blocks, and the contents scattered over the route. The truck was loaded with products of the Davidson Biscuit Company which were being taken to Chicago, by the transfer company. The trucks, it is stated, contained crackers, bread, and like products of the company, and many of the cartons were not greatly damaged and were carried away by people who visited the scene of the wreck. The debris was raked up and burned by railroad authorities. The engine and caboose of the Pennsylvania road were going west, being taken to St. Louis. According to reports the crossing is a dangerous one, and it is said it is very difficult at best to see a train approaching from either direction on the Pennsylvania tracks. The watchman had not been on duty since last night about 9:30 according to the information gained in Effingham by those who visited the scene after the accident, which happened in the down town district of Effingham.

W. B. Myers was notified of the accident and Mr. Myers with Dewey Atchison departed at once for the scene, and brought the bodies back, arriving here about 11:30 this morning. They were prepared for burial at the Myers establishment. Mr. Farmer had been employed a long time by the Beekman Transfer Company, and left last night about 8:30, accompanied by Mr. Waud, who often went with him on trips. It is stated Mr. Farmer had driven a truck a period of six years. Mr. Waud was an employee of the International Shoe Company in the cutting department, and as he had no work for today decided to accompany his friend on the Chicago trip.

The inquest had not been held this morning when Mr. Myers departed for Mt. Vernon, but the coroner and jury had viewed the bodies and the coroner gave his permission for removal of the bodies to Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Farmer and Mr. Waud were highly respected young men, and had many friends in Mt. Vernon. They were model citizens, and all who knew them speak in terms of the highest praise regarding them and deepest regret is universally expressed at the untimely death of both. They were industrious men whose application to work added to their value, and increased their usefulness.

Funeral services for Leonard Waud will be held Wednesday at 11 o'clock a.m. at the Park Avenue Baptist Church, conducted by the pastor, the Rev. C. W. Maulding. Burial will follow in Hopewell Cemetery northeast of Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Waud was born in Mt. Vernon ------- time of death was 20 years, 3 months and 23 days.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Waud, and one brother, Gilbert Waud, and two sisters, Mrs. Clyde Compton, Mt. Vernon, and Pauline Waud of McLeansboro.

The body will be taken this afternoon to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Compton at Tenth and Park avenue, where it will remain until the funeral hour Wednesday.

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: January 29, 1934
Submitted by: Ken Richardson