Killed During Friendly Bout
April 30, 1917
Josiah Hiles, a machinist at the Plumber Coke company's works near McClellantown, met a tragic death Saturday during a friendly wrestling bout with E.W. Eberly, superintendent of the plant. Mr. Eberly, Mr. Hiles and several other employees, had gone to the mine to repair a motor. During the interval while a "trip" was being made, Mr. Hiles and Mr. Eberly engaged in a friendly wrestling bout as they had done dozens of times before. Mr. Eberly finally threw Mr. Hiles, both men falling at the same time. Mr. Hile's head, however, struck on the edge of a bench which had been nearby but thought out of danger. Death resulted from a broken neck. Physicians were hurriedly summoned but were of no avail.
Mr. Hiles is survived by his widow and four children. He was one of the most popular men at the plant. Mr. Eberly is greatly affected by the tragedy.
Josiah Hiles Jr.
Morning Herald 6-19-1930
Josiah Hiles, 24, was instantly killed Wednesday afternoon about 1:30 o'clock when caught beneath of mine cars in the Provance Mine of the Powell Coal company, near Masontown. His body was badly mangled. He is survived by his wife Josephine Hiles and an infant child.
Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. in the Fairview Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
The infant child is Franklin Hiles