Ray Oakley is Killed, Sheriff Lewis injured in Accident Near Auburn
Chenango Telegraph, April 21, 1939
J. Raymond Oakley of 25 Guernsey street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], local clothing merchant, was killed outright and sheriff Neil D. Lewis, with whom he was riding, lies in Auburn City Hospital, critically injured, the result of an automobile accident six miles west of Auburn at 9:10 Wednesday morning [April 19, 1939].
A prisoner, Ward A. Teachout, who was being taken to Attica State Prison, suffered from shock and slight bruises, and was the first to give the alarm of the accident. Realizing that Mr. Oakley had met instant death and that Sheriff Lewis was in a serious condition, Teachout raced to the nearest gas station, more than a quarter of a mile away to notify the state police. when he returned to the scene of the accident troopers had just arrived. Although Teachout had plenty of opportunity to escape he offered every assistance possible in aiding the injured sheriff, and his efforts drew favorable comments from the state police who investigated the accident.
Sheriff Lewis, accompanied by Mr. Oakley, occupied the front seat of the machine driven by the sheriff, while Teachout was riding in the rear when the party left the Chenango county jail at 7 o'clock Wednesday morning for the trip to Attica. Traveling on routes five and 20, the party had reached a point about six miles west of the city of auburn. A truck was approaching from the opposite direction and behind it was a car. The driver of the car turned out and started to pass the truck. As he did so Sheriff Lewis pulled to the right and the machine struck the soft shoulder of the road, made slippery by a heavy rain. the sheriff's automobile suddenly went into a skid and traveled to the left side of the highway. It was at this point that Mr. Oakley was hurled from the machine, while the car continued on down the road for 50 feet or more turning over two or three times on its journey. The machine was practically demolished.
Sheriff Lewis and Teachout were both in the car when it finally came to rest. Teachout was still in the rear seat, but Sheriff Lewis had been thrown from the driver's seat to the rear of the car, his head protruding out the left rear window of the machine. The body of Mr. Oakley was removed to Mosher's undertaking parlors at Auburn, and Mr. Lewis was rushed to the Auburn City Hospital, where it was found he had sustained deep cuts on the left side of his neck and throat. He also suffered from heavy loss of blood, and it was stated at the hospital shortly after 1 o'clock Wednesday afternoon that his condition is regarded as most serious. After the accident, Teachout was taken into custody by state police and taken to the Auburn substation at the Cayuga county jail.
The accident was investigated by Undersheriff Willard Wilcox and Deputy Seward Whitcomb, Sergt. William Stevenson and Trooper Ward Donovan of the state police. Names of the drivers of the truck and the other car were not immediately learned by officers who are continuing their investigation. It was stated there was no contact between those vehicles and the car of Sheriff Lewis.
News of the horrible accident spread like wildfire in the city, where both Mr. Oakley and Mr. Lewis are well and favorably known. The telephones at The Sun-Telegraph were kept busy most of the day answering inquiries and deep regret and sympathy are extended to the bereaved family of Mr. Oakley and the hope that Mr. Lewis, who has lost much blood, will recover.
Ray Oakley's death is a shock to his countless friends in Norwich and vicinity. He has been a resident of Norwich for more than 50 years, and during that period of time no one ever heard him speak an unkind word of anyone. He was held in the highest esteem by his wide circle of intimate friends and associates, all of whom will sincerely mourn the passing of a true and upright friend. Mr. Oakley was born in Wassaic, Dutchess county, Sept. 15, 1880, the son of Mr and Mrs. C.A. Oakley. The family moved to Norwich when Ray was a lad of six years and this city had been his home since. Educated in the Norwich public schools, early in life he was employed for a brief time at the O.&W. railroad. He also was employed in his father's grocery establishment for some years, but when yet a young man he was engaged as clerk for Burrell Brothers, North Broad street clothing merchants and whose store is now the location of Fred Johnson's business. He was also employed in other Norwich clothing stores and later formed a partnership with the late J.D. Burrell, his first employer. They conducted a store on East Main street a few years and then moved to the present North Broad street store of Mr. Oakley and which he has conducted alone for several years. Honest, upright and dependable, Ray Oakley enjoyed a comfortable business, for customers of his establishment were aware that he was always honorable in his dealings. Mr. Oakley was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal church, Norwich lodge of Elks and Norwich lodge, 302, F.&A.M. He was not especially active in any of these organizations but was ever willing to help when called upon to do so. He was popular with all for his jovial and sympathetic nature endeared him to everyone fortunate in making his acquaintance. There survive his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Oakley; a son, Truman Oakley of Binghamton, and a brother, P. Benson Oakley of Geneva, a former Norwich resident.
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Oakley Funeral Services
Norwich: The funeral of J. Raymond Oakley, Norwich merchant, who was killed in an automobile accident near Auburn last Wednesday morning, was held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church yesterday. Following a brief prayer service held at the residence with the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, NY]. The church was filled with friends, relatives and neighbors with a profusion of floral tributes. The bearers were Walter E. Bellinger, Addison E. Benedict, Linn L. Burdick, Remy V. Kane, Herbert W. Rosing and Eugene P. Collier, all of Norwich, Earl Holmes of Auburn and Robert Clark of New York City.
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