Contributed by Max Haines - unknown newspaper

(Handwritten date: Oct. 27, 1941)

WELL KNOWN BERNE MAN MEETS DEATH WHEN STRUCK BY CAR

One of Founders of Berne and Donor of Lehman Park Killed When Struck by Delivery Car Driven by Earl Bennett; Victim Walking on Street When Hit

FUNERAL HERE ON WEDNESDAY

Isaac Lehman, 85, one of the pioneers of this community, and donor of Lehman Park to Berne is dead! Mr. Lehman was killed instantly at 4:45 o'clock this morning when struck by a car driven by Earl Bennett, of Grabill route 1, delivery truck driver for the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. The tragedy occurred on South Harrison street, a short distance south of the Lester Lehman home which was formerly the Chris Gilliom property.

Lehman suffered a broken neck, a fractured skull, a broken collar bone, a crushed chest, a bad fracture of the right leg and internal injuries.

Mr. Bennett, driver of the car, was grief-stricken after the accident. He was not held and will probably be absolved of all blame. The tragedy was investigated by Coroner Jerome Yager, Sheriff Ed Miller and local authorities. Lehman probably never realized what happened, authorities said, as it is certain that he was killed outright.

Mr. Lehman, as was his custom, arose early this morning and was pushing a two-wheeled cart with milk cans from his home, at the corner of Van Buren and Indiana streets to the barn where he kept his cows in the south end of town just west of Lehman Park. Mr. Bennett, the driver of the car had been as far south as Portland and was on his homeward way, delivering papers, when the mishap occurred. He stated that he noticed Lehman pushing the cart down the road and as he attempted to swerve his truck to the right, Lehman turned to the left. The impact was terrific. Lehman was hurled across the road to the left side. His cart was damaged considerably.

Realizing that Lehman had been seriously hurt or killed, Bennett jumped out of his car, which had been completely turned around, and ran uptown where he contacted Night Marshal Alfred Zumbrum. Notifying Dr. M. L. Habegger, they rushed back to the scene, and Dr. Habegger arrived shortly afterwards. It was apparent that Lehman was dead and Coroner Yager was notified.

Lehman had been thrown about 65 feet it is estimated. He was lying on his back on the west side of Harrison street, with his head neart the side ditch. The left headlight, the left front fender and the left side of the hood on the Bennett car were smashed or dented. It is believed, according to indications, that Lehman's head dented the hood, where it apparently came in contact.

The tragic death of Lehman was the first violent death of this kind in Berne since Dec. 2, 1938, when Barbara Solder Lehman was struck and killed by a car. Arthur Amstutz was killed on Nov. 9, 1928 and Mrs. Ben Sprunger on Oct. 5, 1928, in similar accidents.

Mr. Bennett, while probably driving at a fair rate of speed, is said to have had his car under control and stopped at a very short distance after hitting Lehman.

DONATED PARK

Mr. Lehman was one of the best known men in this community. He was born just south of Berne on August 31, 1856, a son of Abraham and Barbara Zuercher Lehman, both natives of Switzerland. He grew to manhood and was a prominent farmer for sixty years, and for many years operated a dairy, furnishing milk to many local consumers. This occupation he and Mrs. Lehman continued to the day of his death. He was also engaged as a carpenter for some time, being employed with the Philip Sprunger crew. He was janitor of the Mennonite church from 1879 to 1892, one of first ushers of the church and sexton of the M.R.E. Cemetery. About 55 years ago, Mr. Lehman and J. P. Habegger operated a cider mill where the Economy Printing Concern now stands.

Mr. Lehman also helped clear the way for the Pennsylvania railroad in 1871. He helped to build many of the roads in this community and plowed many acres of ground where fine dwellings now stand.

Mr. Lehman in 1927 donated to the town of Berne a tract of wooded land just south of town, which was later named Lehman park. But many years before this he permitted people to hold picnics and reunions in his grove.

Lehman park has become known far and wide in the last few years, and had it not been for Mr. Lehman the town of Berne might still be without a park today. L. L. Yager, Amos Snyder and A. N. Sprunger were on the town board when he donated the grove to the town.

Mr. Lehman was also the first person born in Berne territory. He was the last survivor of the men who assisted in laying out the first plat of town lots here. He spent his entire life in this community except for two years when he lived in Wayne county as a young man.

Despite his age, Mr. Lehman was still active and retained his interest in his farm to the last. He arose early every day to milk his cows and took pride in his farm and stock. About ten years ago Mr. Lehman was injured when he fell off a wagon and never completely recovered, but despite his handicaps he was unusually active for a man of his age.

ACITVE IN CHURCH WORK

Mr. Lehman was active in church work. He was a member of the Mennonite church and a Sunday School teacher for many years. He was a faithful church goer and attended services yesterday. He was also financially interested in several industries, being a director of the former People State Bank, also a stockholder and director of the Berne Manufacturing Company.

Mr. Lehman's beautiful home here is regarded as one of the finest residences in Berne. Mr. and Mrs. Leslie B. Lehman and children occupy part of the house.

Mr. Lehman was married to Caroline Lehman on March 20, 1892, at the Mennonite church. She survives to mourn his departure, also a son Menno Lehman of Kansas City, Mo., where he is engaged in Y.M.C.A. work; two brothers, Joel Lehman and A. A. Lehman, and two sisters, Mrs. A. J. Moser and Mrs. Louis Reiff, all of Berne and community. Two grandchildren survive. A daughter, Metta, two sisters, Anna and Elizabeth, and a brother, Ulrich, preceded.

The funeral will be held at the Mennonite church at 2:00 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, preceded by a short service at the home at 1:45 o'clock. Dr. C. H. Suckau will officiate. Burial will be in the M.R.E. cemetery. The body was taken to the Yager funeral home and will be returned to the Lehman residence Tuesday noon.