Constantine C. "Constance" "C.C." Pattee (1841-1917)
This article from The Lowell Tribune, Jan. 18, 1917, page 1, column 3-4, can also be found in the Local History Files at the Lowell Public Library (LH--Vital Statistics, vol. 2, page 33):
Killed By Train
C.C. Pattee Caught on Washington Street Crossing and Instantly Killed.
- When the news that C.C. Pattee, one of our most highly respected citizens, had been killed last Thursday by train No. 33, due here at 1:27 p.m., it was a terrible shock to our people. Mr. Pattee was on his way down town after dinner and Ben Palmer, who is the flagman at the crossing, saw him coming. He motioned for him to look out that a train was coming, and as soon as the engineer on the train saw him he blew one sharp blast of the whistle after another, but Mr. Pattee heard none of the danger signals and the train struck him just as he was nearly across the track. He was instantly killed. The train, which was a little behind time, was running at a fast rate of speed, and there was no other way but to hit him, with the result as stated above. The train was brought to a stop and remained here until the undertaker took charge of the remains.
- Mr. Pattee probably crossed the Washington street crossing more times in a day than any other man and was always careful to look out for trains, and the only solution that can be given to the terrible tragedy is that he being a little hard of hearing and had his cap pulled down over his ears, did not hear the signals of danger and he was also probably in a deep study and did not realize that he was so close to the track.
- No blame is attached to anyone for the accident, but it was made evident that two crossings is too much for one man to attend to. The tragedy of last Thursday has cast a gloom over the community, from which it will take many weeks to recover.
- OBITUARY
- Constance C. Pattee was born near Michigan City, LaPorte county, Ind., July 7, 1841, and was accidently killed at Washington street railroad crossing Lowell, Ind., January 11, 1917, aged 75 years, 6 months and 5 days.
- C.C. Pattee, as he was always known in business and to the public, came with his parents to West Creek township, Lake county, Ind., when about ten years of age, where he grew to staunch, healthful young manhood. At the age of 19 years he enlisted in Co. B 20th Ind. Vol. Inf. He was wounded in the seven days fight before Richmond, and was at Mount Pleasant hospital, Wahington, D.C., where after a partial recovery from his injuries, he was detailed to do nurse duty at the hospital. He requested to be returned to his regiment, but not being considered able-bodied, he was given an honorable discharge and returned home. He was married to Melvinie L. Pattee at Door Village, LaPorte county, Ind., January 8, 1866. Returning to Lake county, they resided for three years near the Illinois state line in West Creek township. In 1869 he and his young wife purchased the farm at North Hayden, where all of their children were born, Otis C., Arthur C. and Nora L. Otis C., the oldest of the three, died in infancy and was buried at the Lake Prairie cemetery west of Lowell.
- Mr. Pattee was a self-made man. He had but little chance for an education when a boy, but through hard personal effort he acquired a literary and business education not possessed by many who had far greater advantages. While on military and nurse duty at Washington, he frequently visited the halls of Congress, talked and shook hands with President Lincoln. He became quite familiar with parlimentary rules and practices, which he retained and used all his life as president and chairman of many public meetings. Mr. Pattee was a great reader and bible student, having read the bible through several times. He was well posted on ancient and modern history, civil government and current events of the world.
- There is something uncommon with reference to the farm at North Hayden. The patent from the U.S. government was issued to James Henry Sanger, Sr., who decreed it to Constance C. Pattee October 30, 1869. The deed bears a large two cent war revenue stamp, on which is the portrait of George Washington. The two deeds above mentioned are the only papers that have ever been filed with reference to the land. It has never been mortgaged or sold for taxes or any lien or claim of any kind has ever appeared to mar the clean unincumbered record, and such has been the life and character of its owner all these years of gladness and sorrow. Mr. Pattee was a kind, good man, a great lover of his home and family, where he spent all his time when not engaged in labors that took him elsewhere. He was a kind, generous husband and father, an honest, upright business man, a kind and accomodating neighbor.
- On account of the poor health of his wife in 1876, they moved to Lowell, where he has ever since resided. He was engaged in a store and meat market in Lowell for a time, and then did teaming from Crown Point until the Monon railroad was built to Lowell; he then doing railroad grading, farming and teaming. He served as a member of the board to trustees and as marshal of Lowell several terms. He was chosen Commander of Burnham Post G.A.R. many times and was Commander at the time of his death. He served as Truant officer of the southern district of Lake county for eight years, retiring from that office only two years ago.
- The funeral services, which were largely attended, were held from his late residence on Washington street Sunday, January 14, 1917. Rev. V.B. Servies preached the funeral discourse. Mrs. S.C. Dwyer furnished the instrumental music. The services just six weeks before for his wife, which were given at his request, were used for him. The members of the G.A.R. performed their beautiful and impressive services at the house. Many flowers were brought by loving hands of friends, who would have gladly saved his life if it had been possible. Undertaker John Castle had charge of the burial services. The following nephews acted as pall bearers: Benjamin and Elmore Pattee, of Laporte, Munger Saylor, of Hebron, Bert C. Hayden, Roy and Gilbert Pattee, of Lowell. Those attending from out of town were: George W. and James C. Pattee, of LaPorte; Mrs. Solon Hayden, of Chicago Heights, Ill.; Nick and Marie Fagen and H.C. Batterman, of Dyer; Mrs. James Pinkerton and Mrs. Claude Rumsey, of Shelby; Mrs. C. Rose and Frank B. Pattee, of Crown Point; Thomas Cushman, of Woodstock, Ill.
- Interment was made in the Lake Prairie cemetery, one-half mile from his farm. He leaves one son, Arthur C. Pattee, of Denver, Colo.; one daughter, Nora L. Pattee, of Lowell; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah A. Moore, of Whitier, Cal.; Mrs. Alice Cruse, of Marshfied, Oregon, and Mrs. Ella Rogers, of Brandon, Oregon; several cousins, nephews and nieces, comrades of the G.A.R., a host of friends to mourn his loss, who will ever remember the plain, common, honest and industrious life and example that he has left for all who knew him.
Go to Constantine C. Pattee, "Pioneer History Index," for further information.
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