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Salem Pioneer Cemetery ~ Eli Mackey ~ part of the Marion County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
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Eli Mackey
LAST NAME: Mackey FIRST NAME: Eli MIDDLE NAME:  NICKNAME: 
MAIDEN NAME:  AKA 1:  AKA 2:  AKA 3: 
TITLE:  GENDER: M MILITARY: 
BORN: Abt 1877 DIED: 11 May 1897 BURIED: 13 May 1897
ETHNICITY:   OCCUPATION:  
BIRTH PLACE:  Missouri
DEATH PLACE: Salem, Marion Co., Oregon
NOTES: 

Name of father John Mackey

DEATH CERTIFICATE: 

N/A

OBITUARY: 

ACCIDENT

Another Tramp Was Killed

By South-Bound California Overland, Tuesday Evening

Eli Mackey, a young man aged about 20 years, hailing from Walla Walla and en route to relatives living near Comstock, Douglas county, was run over and killed about 8:30 o’clock, Tuesday evening, near the Southern Pacific passenger depot by the southbound California overland.

The sad accident occurred within ten feet of the identical point on the trestle where the unknown tramp lost his life on the night of the 15th ult. The body was even more fearfully mutilated, the left leg being badly bruised its entire length. There is also a bad gash across the breast and his face is quite badly bruised, but not so much so that his identity may not be ascertained.

The overland arrived in Salem on schedule time ad pulled out from the depot at the customary rate of speed. As usual Conductor P. H. Tynan and Brakemen Lee, and Bruce, boarded the blind baggage in order to prevent tramps from stealing a ride. When near the 300 foot trestle just south of the depot, two men were seen to run from behind empty box cars which were standing on the side track, and mount the tracks of the coaches. The signal was given the engineer and the train was immediately stopped when the body of young Mackey was found lying across the rail, being almost entirely severed just above the hip.

The head officers of the road were notified and Coroner A. M. Clough was summoned. Arriving upon the scene the remains were gathered up and placed in a receiving casket and take to the morgue where they were viewed by hundreds of Salemites today.

Upon Mackey’s person was $1.02 in money besides numerous  trinkets, etc.  From a small roll of manila paper found on the dead man’s body that served as a diary for him, it was learned that he left Walla Walla, on the 3rd inst. On Monday evening he was put off the train at Chemawa and walked into Salem. Mackey was bound for Comstock, Douglas county, where he hoped to find work. Being without funds he was obliged to beat his way on the trains.

O. S. Darling, baggage master for the S. P. company, accompanied by Mrs. Darling, had been out walking, and as the train pulled out from the depot, was standing on the south end of the trestle. Mr. Darling was seen this morning and made the following statements regarding the sad accident, “The train pulled out from the depot at usual rate of speed, between 4 and 6 miles per hour. When about 200 feet south of the depot, I noticed two men run towards the blind baggage from the east side of the track and I supposed they has succeeded on getting aboard. Presently the train came to a standstill by my side, and as Conductor Tynon alighted from the blind baggage he said “Darling, we have killed a man.” We went back a few cars and found it only too true. Just  before the train came to a standstill however, my attention was attracted to the second party who jumped from the train and ran rapidly away from the scene, evidently wishing to avoid the train crew.”

About 9 o’clock last evening a boy about 11 year s of age called at Hotel  Willamette and registered as Willie Mackey. He was called shortly after retiring and after the identity of the dead man was learned. At the morgue he identified the dead man as his cousin and companion. It is thought the boy attempted to board the train with his cousin and when the train showed up, immediately jumped from there and came down town.

CORONER’S INQUEST

At 2 o’clock this afternoon Coroner A. M. Clough proceeded to conduct an inquest over the remains before the following jury: Jos. Cavanaugh, H. Cadwell, W. T. Latourette, R. W. Miller, G. G. Cans and H. D. Patton.

NOT HEARD FROM

Late last night Coroner A. M. Clough sent a telegram to John Mackey, father of the unfortunate an, who resides near Walla Walla, asking instructions as to the disposition young Mackey’s remains but up to a late hour this afternoon, had received no answer.

Daily Capital Journal  12 May 1897, pg 1

 

CORONER'S INQUEST

Held Over Mackey's Body - Jury's Verdict

At the inquest over the remians of Eli Mackey, the young man who lost his life by the overland Tuesday night, the testimony of Conductor P. H. Tyman, James W. Jory, Willie F. Mackey, O. L. Darling, Alfred Gobalet, Frank Sizedove and Dr. J. N. Smith, was received.

In a short time they jury rendered following verdict: “We find that Eli Mackey, was a native of Missouri, 20 years old, and he came to his death on the 11th day of May, 1897, by attempting to board the southbound overland while in motion; in doing so missed his footing, fell under the wheels and was crushed to death. And we further find that death was occasioned by his own deliberate act and no blame can be attached to railroad employees of the Souther Pacific company.”

Signed – H. D. Patton, foreman, J. H. Cavanaugh, Isaac Miller, G. G. Gaus, H. Caldwell, E. B. Smith.

REMAINS INTERRED

Late Wednesday evening Coroner A. M. Clough, receive a dispatch from John Mackay [Mackey?], of Walla Walla, father of the deceased, instructing him to have the remains interred at Salem. They were taken to the Rural cemetery.

Daily Capital Journal 13 May 1897, pg 4

INSCRIPTION: 

No marker found as of Sept 2002

SOURCES: 

LR

DCJ 12 May 1897, pg 1

DCJ 13 May 1897, pg 4

CONTACTS: 
LOT: 288 SPACE: NW LONGITUDE:  LATITUDE: 
 
 

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