YOUNG MARINE INJURED FATALLY AT RR CROSSING
John Henry Sewell leaped from bus which he believed would be struck by train. Died on operating table.

As a result of injuries received when he was struck by north bound No. 2, L&N, train Monday morning at Allatoona,  Mr. John Henry Sewell, a marine, died in Cartersville late that afternoon.          

Mr. Sewell was a passenger on the southbound bus, which makes regular trips between this city and Marietta. Just as the bus started to cross the track at Allatoona, those aboard saw the train approach, and Mr. Sewell leaped from the machine, believing it would be struck, and thinking he could save himself only in this way.          

The bus safely cleared the track, but he leaped into the middle of it, and before he could make another move, the train struck him, severing his right leg just below the knee. He was rushed to Cartersville, and Drs. Wilson and Lowry met the train.          

The injured man was rushed to Dr. Wilson’s office, and Dr. A. B. Greene, the railroad physician, soon reached the office; the three physicians worked hard to save his life, and completed the operation, but the shock together with the operation was too much, and Sewell passed away during the afternoon.

Had Served in France          

Sewell had served as a marine in the American Expiditionary forces, and spent twenty-two months in France. During that time he saw much active service and participated in a number of historic conflicts including the memorable engagement at Chateau-Therry. Miraculously, he came through a contest he entered on the shell-torn battlefield, and only two weeks ago landed back in the States. He came immediately home, and spent several days last week with his sister, Mrs. Clarence Lockridge, who lives in Sugar Valley. He was in high spirits, and eagerly anticipated the passing of the next nine months, when he would receive his discharge after serving a four-year enlistment.          

Leaving the Lockridge home Monday morning, he was accompanied to town by his brother-in-law, Mr. Clarence Lockridge, and soon after reaching Cartersville, boarded  the bus, expecting to spend the remainder of his furlough with his father, Mr. R.E. Sewell, who lives near Kennesaw now, but who is a former resident of Bartow county. This was his last ride as a well man, for upon reaching Allatoona, the accident which cost him his life occurred.

Buried at Zion Hill          

The funeral took place Tuesday at Zion Hill, near Mr. Sewell’s boyhood home in this county, and Rev. H.C. Banister officiated. Friends who knew and loved the young man for his many good qualities gathered at the little church, and with the family mourned his tragic passing away.          

Besides his father, Mr. Sewell is survived by three sisters and four brothers. They are Mrs. Clarence Lockridge, Misses Rosa Lee and Christine Sewell, and Messers. Frank, Taylor, Herman and Lester Sewell.

[Additional details: Mrs. Clarence Lockridge’s given name was Mamie F. Sewell, later buried in Zion Hill. RE Sewell was Robert Emmett Sewell, who was at that time married to Mary Etta Shinall Sewell. It is believed he is buried in the Shinall Cemetery in Bartow Co. Rosa Lee Sewell later married George W Johnson, then Johnny Clayton, and she is now buried in Atlanta’s Westside Cemetery. GW Johnson is buried in Kennesaw Cemetery. Christine Sewell’s full name was Remonia Christine Sewell, never married, also buried in Kennesaw Cemetery. John’s mother was previously deceased. Her name was Lou Vestre A. Moore—other spelling for Vestre may be Veatre. After her death, Robert Emmett married Sallie E. Erwin Kitchens, then Mary Etta Shinall. After Robert’s death in 1925, she remarried a man named Bell.

Rosa Lee was my husband’s grandmother. Rosa Lee and GW Johnson had a son John W (JW) Johnson. JW married Mary Nell Thrasher. Both are buried in Augusta, GA. Their son, Stephen Walter Johnson is my husband, born in Atlanta, raised in Augusta, currently living in Carol Stream, IL. I’m working through Stephen’s family genealogy, and would appreciate any details anyone might have.