Walter Neish

From Pittsburgh Gazette Times -- August 27, 1911

Canonsburg, Pa., Aug. 27. – One cheery little face is missed about the streets today by the newsies. One of their number, brightest and popular with schoolmates and customers, was Walter Neish, aged 14 years, who perished under the feet of the Opera House audience Saturday night. Just how the little newsie met his fate is not known. His parents, Mr. And Mrs. William M. Neish, of 167 East Pike street, find it hard to realize that they will never see the sunny-faced boy who brought so much sunshine into their lives. On the street the newsies tell of what a good-hearted little chap Walter was, and tears dim the eyes of the playmates who talk about him.

From The Daily Notes -- August 30, 1911 17 FUNERALS HELD ON DARKEST OF DAYS

Walter Neish, the well-known newsboy, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Neish, of East Pike street, was buried about 6 o'clock Tuesday evening in Oak Spring cemetery, the service being conducted in the First Baptist church by the pastor, the Rev H.F. Loomis. Rev. Loomis said that good to Canonsburg might come from the disaster and that since God had given God could take away. Mrs. Loomis sang by request of Mrs. Neish.

From The Daily Notes – August 29, 1911 PRINCIPALS PRAISE THE DEAD CHILDREN

Eight pupils of the Canonsburg public schools perished in Saturday night’s disaster. Six of these had attended the schools of the First and Second wards, and two of the South Side schools. One of these pupils -- Murray Hill -- was a student in the high school; Frances Byrd, George Kay and Walter Neish were pupils of the eighth grade, just below the high school; Margaret Gibbs, fifth grade, and Elizabeth Gleditsch, first grade. The little Gleditsch girl entered school only a month or two before the close of the last term.

Principal F. W. McVay said today; “I can truthfully say that the children who lost their lives in the horror were model pupils, and possessed of more than ordinary intelligence. Not one of them, so far as I can recall, ever required correction.”

From The Daily Notes -- August 28, 1911 DIED TRYING TO SAVE OTHERS

One of the victims was little Walter Neish, a newsboy. He was known to many people along the streets in the business section and was well liked by all.

From The Daily Notes -- August 29, 1911 FUNERAL OF MOST OF THE VICTIMS TUESDAY

Walter Neish, 14-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Neish, will be buried from the First Baptist Church Tuesday afternoon at 4 o’clock. The Rev. H. F. Loomis will conduct the services and the burial will be made in Oak Spring cemetery.

The Washington Observer -- August 28, 1911 LOWERING CLOUDS HOVER NEAR STRICKEN TOWN

The funeral of Water Neish, the fourteen-year-old son of Mr. And Mrs. William Neish was the last held today. The services were in the First Baptist church conducted by the Rev. H. F. Loomis. This service was largely attended and very impressive. Walter as he was known to every person was perhaps the best known young boy in Canonsburg. He sold papers and was always at hand to meet all trains with the Washington Observer and the Pittsburg papers. He always had a kind bright good morning for every one and in this way made many friends. The church was filled to its capacity long before the time of the services by people who came to pay their last respects to the polite and accommodating newsboy.