Date : 27 May 1926
Location : Wheaton Cemetery, Wheaton, IL
John Wesley Barton, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Barton, living at 827 College Avenue, was killed about 7:30 Monday evening, while climbing the steel tower of the Western United Gas and Electric Co. about half a mile east of the College Ave. station, on College Avenue.
John, aged hearly 17 years, and his brother Francis, aged 12, started out on their bikes for Glen Ellyn. One of the machines became crippled, so both started walking back home.
As the boys came alongside the 65 foot tower which carries the high tension wires of the W. U. G. and E. Co. across the Northwestern and electric tracks, they were seized with the idea of climbing the structure, although both knew of the danger relative to such a stunt. They had seen other boys do it, and being likely youngsters, were sure they could do whatever and other boy could.
John progressed rapidly in his venture, and was soon up among the 2200 volt wires. Francis was more leisurely in his attempt - infact he only got as high as the first cross-brace, and then climbed down again. He stood on the cement base at the foot of the tower, looking eastward, when without warning his brother crashed in a heap beside him.
A passing automobile pulled up and conveyed the crumpled form to his home.
Dr. Oelke was summoned, but the lad had passed away before he arrived, without regaining consciousness.
Tuesday night Coroner Isherwood summoned a jury, and after looking over the scene of the accident, repaired to the home where an inquest was held.
In viewing the body, a considerable burn was found on the left shoulder and left wrist, indicating that he had come in contact with the wires at the 30 foot elevation, and became so shocked that he let go, striking on his head on the cement below. The burn was not sufficient to cause death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the facts.
Mr. and Mrs. Barton have the sympathy of Wheaton citizens in the time of trial. Two daughters, beside the young son, Francis, remain of their family.
Funeral services were held at the home Thursday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Pennewell officiating, and burial was at Wheaton cemetery. The pall bearers were six high school class mates of the young man.
Wheaton Illinoian - May 28, 1926
