Ella LEONARD

June 2, 1873 - April 27, 1909

*Obituary
Gravette News-Herald
Friday, April 30, 1909

LEONARD, Ella -A terrible, shocking accident darkened the brightness and put to mourning our little city Tuesday noon, April 27 when Miss Ella Leonard, a most prominent and highly respected young lady of Gravette, was run down by a backing freight train, receiving fatal injuries resulting in death 45 minutes later. Miss Leonard, who was manager of the Corner Grocery in which she, her brother James and their father were equal partners, had started home to prepare dinner, going by way of the depot. At a point about halfway from Main street to the depot a siding leads abruptly off from the main track, crossing the travel platform and it was at this point that Miss Leonard met her fate. She thought the train was on the main line and it came, as often it does, so quietly one can scarcely hear it, backing down upon her, knocking her down. She made two vain attempts to get up but was struck again and evidently caught by one carwheel and was dragged perhaps 60 feet, the flesh being terrible cut and lacerated about the thighs and lower limbs. A crowd of citizens soon hurried to offer assistance and Miss Leonard was extracted from beneath the car trucks and carried to her home and physicians summoned. She regained consciousness and was able to converse with her father and friends about her almost up to the time of her death and stated to them that she thought the train was on the main track. A sad blow indeed, not only to her father, brother and sister and other relatives, but to scores of friends who weep with them over the shocking, untimely death of one loved, honored and respected by all who knew her - and Miss Leonard's acquaintance extended all over the state, having been at the head of the Order of Eastern Star and at the time of death bore the title of Past Grand Worthy Matron. To the father it is heartbreaking, for Miss Ella has always been with him, cared for him, since the death of her mother some years ago and much will her cheery words, kindly greeting and sweet disposition be missed from among the many friends and associates, both in a business and social way. Very few ladies have been as successful in managing business affairs as had been Miss Leonard. She was one of the successful ones in the Oklahoma "Strip" opening. She had prospered, was a stock holder in the First National Bank, owned splendid town and farm properties, as well as third interest in the grocery which became so popular within a period of five months. Besides father deceased leaves one brother, James, of Gravette, one sister, Mrs. Warren Tucker of Bentonville and other relatives in this and other parts of the country. The funeral was held yesterday, Thursday, at 12:30 p.m. at the M.E. church of which Miss Leonard was a member, Rev. O.H. Tucker conducting the services which was no doubt the most largely attended ever held in Gravette. After services at the church, in which the O.E.S. participated, the funeral cortege proceeded to Bethel cemetery where the body was laid to rest beside that of her mother; thus closing the last rites of perhaps the saddest ordeal of our community. The entire community joins with the News-Herald in speaking consolation and extending deep sympathy to the bereaved relatives.

Contributed on 1/15/13 by judyfrog
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Record #: 813818

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