Distressing Occurrence.--On Tuesday night last, between 8 and 9 o'clock, a fatal accident happened on the turnpike leading to Schuylkill Haven, near the toll-gate, about a mile below this Borough. It appears that as Wynkoop Hanly, with his brother Henry and two others, reached the toll-gate, in a wagon, to which were attached two horses, one totally and the other partially blind, Henry who had been driving, sprang out for some purpose, at the same time throwing the reins to Wynkoop. The horses started slowly down the road, but in the excitement of the moment, Wynkoop pulled the wrong rein. The result was, that the horses, wagon and the occupants were precipitated down the bank, which separates the road from the Schuylkill River, a distance almost perpendicular, of some twelve feet. In the fall Wynkoop struck his head just back of the left ear, on the end of a pale, and was so seriously injured, that he expired in a few minutes. The unfortunate young man was 13(?) years of age, and a son of Constable John Hanly of this Borough. His remains were interred from his father's residence on Thursday afternoon. This accident is the third that has happened at that point recently. It is time, now that so serious an occurrence as that noticed above has taken place that the turnpike in its most dangerous places should be fenced, or otherwise protected.
    This accident should attract the attention of the County authorities to the necessity of immediately guarding those places in the County, where life, limb and property alike are jeopardized. There are points on many of the roads of the County, that are really unsafe during daylight; what are they at night? Traps. The safety of those who habitually drive them should be consulted, and we hope that the condition of the roads will attract the attention that the importance of the matter demands.

Source:

Unknown, "Local Affairs, Distressing Occurrence," The Miners' Journal and Pottsville General Advertiser, Pottsville, Pa., Saturday, 24 October 1857, page 2, cols. 2-3.

    Wynkoop Hanly, the son of Constable John Hanly, is a bit of a mystery to me. I don't know for sure whether he's a family member or not. It turns out that three Hanly/Hanley's served in the Mexican War, under Colonel Francis M. Wynkoop, and one of their brothers, Constable John Hanly, may have named one of his children after their commanding officer.

    For the record, (From Randy Hackenburg's, Pennsylvania in the War with Mexico,) the Hanly/Hanley's were:

    2nd Lt. Jeremiah Hanly, of the Montgomery Guards; 2nd Lt. David Hanley, of the Jackson Artillery and Private Henry Hanley of Company C., 1st Pennsylvania Regiment.

    If you have more information about Wynkoop Hanly's family that you'd like to share, please contact me at [email protected].

    I'd love to hear from you.

    All my best,

    Chris