John Spillman

Webster Street Liquor Dealer Died in Train Accident  

John Spillman, a well-known and prominent North Tonawanda businessman had an untimely death on May 17, 1905. Spillman, who owned a home at 312 Sweeney Street and operated a liquor store at 50-60 Webster Street in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, was run down by New York Central train #478 at the Tremont Street railroad crossing.

His remains were so mutilated that it was assumed at the time that the wheels of almost every car on the train had passed over his body. Spillman was deaf, and his deafness was believed to have contributed to his death. Because of the condition of his body, identification was delayed until his keys and watch charm were found. An Evening News front page article on May 18, 1905, reported that no one had seen the accident. The train did not stop after leaving the station at 9:50 p.m., leading to the conclusion that the engineer had not realized the train had struck anyone.

John Spillman had been born in Frankfort, Germany. He had come to Buffalo from Germany in 1845 and served as an engineer on lake boats and tug boats for several years. He became an engineer at Hazard Elevator Co. in Buffalo in 1856. When Tonawanda Iron & Steel was established, he was the first engineer at the “iron works.”

Spillman moved to North Tonawanda in 1883 and established his wholesale and retail liquor business. At the time of his death, he was 72 and was one of the oldest businessmen on Webster Street. He had also been actively involved with Herschell-Spillman Co. and several other local businesses.

Spillman was the father-in-law of Allan Herschell. Herschell and his wife lived at 65 Christiana Street. Spillman’s other children were Mrs. George Milliman and Dr. Josephine Spillman, Albert Spillman, and Edward Spillman. Ed Spillman was managing engineer at Herschell-Spillman Co.

John Spillman’s funeral was held in his home at 312 Sweeney Street.