Dodge City times. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1876-1892, 1878-12-21
Death on Horseback.-.A Terrible Ride.

Prof. Meeks left his home yesterday
afternoon to take his customary ride in
the Park. He rode large. spirited
black horse, and it was noticed when he
passed into the Green Street entrance,
at 8 80 O'Clock, that it was with diff
Guilty that he controlled the animal.
Going up the River Road the horse be-
came almost unmanageable and went at
such high rate of speed as to call for
repeated warnings from several of the
Park guards. 1t appears that the
Professor continued on his way until he
arrived within short distance of Straw
berry Mansion, and then. perceiving
that the animal was becoming too fret
full and impatient for safety, concluded
to return to the city. He started back
by the same road, and held his horse
under control until he had passed Gil
rard Avenue bridge, about midway to
Turtle Rock. At this point the animal
reared and plunged and started off on a
dead run. Mr.. Meeks tugged at the
reins, and managed to guide the steed
safely through the passing throng of
vehicles. Nearing and passing the Lin
coin monument, the riders strength
apparently gave out, and, Stacking up
the reins, he let them fall, merely hold
ing them with the left hand and leaning
over the horses neck, powerless to stop
the animals now terrific gait. 1t was
coincident almost remarkable that
Profs. Daniel w. Howard and j. F.
Holt, NJ. d., brother professors of Mr..
Meek's High School, and DR.. Stein hap
pened to he playing croquet on the
grounds adjacent to the monument at
the time of the passing of the runaway.
They noticed the riders helpless con-
dition. and though not recognizing him
they hurried after, and upon reaching
the spot Of the elimination of the acci-
dent found that it was their much-be-
loved brother professor.
At racing speed the wild, uncontrolla-
BILE beast fairly flew towards the Green
Street entrance. The horse swerved as
it encountered an approaching carriage,
and the hapless Professors left foot
came out of the stirrup and dangled
against the horses side, and this SEEM
ing to add to the fury of the brute, it
dashed on to the Belgian blocks of
Green Street. Mr.. Meeks, pale as death,
was by this time thoroughly exhausted,
and although the horse slackened up
considerably, with but one foot in the
stirrups, he was swaying from side to
side, and the lockers on feared he would
fall. The horse still rushed on, and Mr..
Meeks became weaker and weaker, and
when he reared the lamp-post at the
northeast corner of Green Street and the
Reading Railroad he threw out both
hands, as if in despair, to clutch it.
From some cause the animal quickened
his speed at this juncture, and the
riders head and body came with full
force against the iron post, breaking it
off short al the pavement. With his
arms wrapped around the post he fell to
the gutter, and the upper portion of the
post came crashing down upon his face.
A crowd quickly gathered, and the I'M
fortunate gentleman was removed to
the office OF neighboring coal-yard.
By this time DR.. Holt, Prof. Howard
and DR.. Stein had arrived and found the
Professor senseless. His leg was broken
in SO many places that it hung like the
links of chain. The arm and ribs
were broken and the flesh was beaten
into pulp. One side of the skull was
crushed in, and DIR. Holt began to shave
the hair and attempt to raise the bone
in hopes of restoring consciousness. 1t
was of no avail, and an undertaker'S
wagon passing at the time il was deter
mined to remove him To his residence.
He was breathing when placed in the