St. Ignatius Post

Child Killed When Auto Turns Over Last Thu. Morning

Carl Francis Orton, 5-year old son of William Orton, who is employed at Seeley Lake, was killed about 4 a. m. last Thursday when the family car skidded and turned over on an icy country road about eight miles northeast of St. Ignatius. The child was found dead under the car after a wrecker from the Marshall Chevrolet Co., St. Ignatius, arrived on the scene about 5 a. m. and the car was lifted.

Mr. Orton, according to Joseph Fearon who arrived on the scene with his ambulance along with the wrecker, drove out into the country to take some people home. With him was his wife, the stepmother of the three children who also were in the car. The two besides Carl Francis were a brother, Richard, and a sister, Rita. All were thrown out or rolled out of the car when it careened over except Carl Francis. The parents could not make out for sure whether the child was under the car or whether in fright he had run off. Mr. Orton walked to the Allard place in the vicinity of the accident and phoned for assistance. Deputy Sheriff—Marshall Albert LaPorte answered, but still he and the others could not right the auto, so the officer called for the wrecker and the ambulance.

Mr. Fearon brought the family to the local hospital, where it was found that none were seriously injured. After treatment for shock and minor injuries, they were released not long afterwards.

There was a Mass of the Angels Monday morning at the St. Ignatius Catholic church, with the Rev. Father Cornelius Byrne celebrant. Interment followed in the Catholic cemetery. The Fearon Chapel and mortuary was in charge.

No inquest was held, but a dispatch from Polson Wednesday to the Daily Missoulian said that a charge of driving while under the influence of liquor was preferred against the father and that he was fined $150. This, it is reported, was paid and the man is back to work at Seeley Lake. A report is current that officers are considering the possibility of further legal action.