Former Olney Couple Killed in Car Crash

A former Olney couple were killed and six others were injured in a two-car crash on U.S. 50 just northwest of Lawrenceville at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 1963. Dead are Alan H. Emerson, 53 and his wife, Nancy, 51 both of Evansville, Ind. In Lawrence County Hospital, in satisfactory condition, are the Emerson’s 15 year old daughter and Ora Calvert 62,  his wife, and three other Calvert family members.

According to police, the westbound Calvert car had just passed another car, when it met the eastbound Emerson car, which swerved to the right but was hit on the left side. The Emerson party were on their way back to Evansville after visiting Mrs. Emerson’s  mother, Mrs. Idascott Gibson in Olney.

Mrs. Emerson was killed instantly and Mr. Emerson died shortly after the crash. Mary Emerson received fractured ribs and bruises and is being treated for shock.

Mr. Emerson came to Olney in 1937 as an employee of the Sun Oil Company. He was a graduate of Ohio State University where he had been a member of the football team. He also played on the Professional Portsmouth, Ohio Spartans Football League. Mrs. Emerson was a graduate of Olney High School. They moved to Evansville 17 years ago.

Mrs. Nancy (Gibson) Emerson, 51 was born January 11, 1910 daughter of Roy F. and Idascott (White) Gibson. She married Alan Hollister Emerson November 13, 1937 in Richland County.

Mrs. Emerson leaves her mother, Mrs. Idascott Gibson; daughters Mary, at home; Nancy, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Mrs. Ellen Brikowski, Manitowish Waters, Wis.; her brother, John H. Gibson, Glen Head, N.Y.; foster brother, Pearl White, Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Roy F. Gibson.

Graveside services were held in Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney.

Published in The Decatur Herald (IL) – Tuesday, January 15, 1963