JAMES THORNTON KILLED
JAMES HAMILTON HURT
Harrisville People in Fatal Auto Accident Near Alpena.
James Thornton was killed instantly and Ex-Sheriff James Hamilton was seriously injured Wednesday morning about 10:30 o'clock, when the latter's automobile turned turtle in a ditch opposite the Manion farm near Alpena. Miss Blanch Hamilton and Merrill Thornton, who were riding in the rear seat of the car, were not hurt.
The party were on their way from Harrisville to spend the day, and the two men wree riding in the front seat, Mr. Hamilton driving. The accident occurred on a straight road running past the Manion farm near the Alpena water works. They attempted to pass a buggy in the road, but finding there was not room to the left, turned to pass to the right. In doing this the car turned turtle, rolling over twice and landed right side up. Mr. Thornton was caught under the car and killed instantly, his skull being broken besides other terrible injuries. Mr. Hamilton was unconscious when picked up, but the other two passengers were practically uninjured. The injured man was taken to the office of Drs. Secrist & Secrist, where temporary relief was administered. His right arm was broken and it is feared there are internal injuries. He is now in Donald McRae Hospital.
Mr. Hamilton has scarecly recovered from a severe illness which kept him in bed many weeks, and his family and friends have grave fears as to the outcome of this additional misfortune.
By a strange coincidence the accident occurred in front of the farm where Mr. Thornton's sister, Mrs. Morrow, lives and she was one of the first to reach the scene. The remians were taken to Alpena and an inquest was held there Wednesday afternoon. A verdict was returned in acordance with the facts as here stated.
It is expected the body will be brought home today, but funeral arrangements had not been made when the Review went to press.
Mr. Thornton had been a resident of Harrisville township fo many years and his farm adjoins the Hamilton farm, the two men being brothers-in-law. He is survived by a widow, three daughters and five sons. The children are Mrs. John Patton of Alpena, Mrs. Elmer Dedrick of Detroit, Flora and Merrill living at home, Scott and Silas of Superior, Wis., Theodore and Floyd of Detroit.
Thursday morning--The family received word that Mr. Hamilton is doing well and expects to be home in a few days.