Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1881-07-30
DOWN TIE CREEK.

w no tnhNionAi oNiJ ~, ASNA'
To the MINING JOURNAL:
The past week seems to have fur
nished this neighborhood with pref
ty complete chapter of accidents by
rail, the most serious of which was
the killing of the lad, Willie Thomas,
by TIE cars on Tuesday last. The
accident happened about 6 o'clock in
the morning on the railr DAD bridge of
the G. g. P. railroad which connects
Westernport with Piedmont. From
the most trustworthy reports of those
who happened to be near at hand it
seems that the lad, who was about IL
years of age, had started to Piedmont
where he was employed at some light
work, and, when about midway OF
the bridge, noticed that train of
empty coal-hoppers, which was icing
moved to and fro, while getting
coupled together, would not allow
him TO pass all the way across; so he
stepped aside on stone pier to wait
bis opportunity. After waiting few
moments, and believing that he could
then follow The train along, he
stepped out on the bridge, and was
aeen walking on the ties with his
hands on the rear hopper. Whether
or not be attempted to get up on the
train, or whether his footing slipped
is not positively known, for he was
next seen under the wheels of the
cars, some FIVE or six Of which passed
over him. His body and arms were
completely crushed, and he only lived
long enc ugh for the train hands to
pick him up and carry him to the
Piedmont side of the bridge. The
lads mother reached his side Just as
he expired. For several years past
the lad was a pupil in the pubic
school at this place and was a kind
hearted and well-disposed boy. Su-
perintendent Burwell. of the G.. & P.
railroad, was to see the family the
day of the acct lent and in be-
half of the company kindly attended
to the burial of the lad.
Saturday night last, between s and
9 o'clock, as the excursion train was
assing through the town on its way
back to Mt. Savage, Mr.. Martin
Cowan, of this place, better known as
Martin Nugent, miner in the en-
pIoy of the Hampshire company, and
about "a years cid, was run over and
had his leg broken by the cars. Tie
accident happened in the vicinity of
the Hampshire dump, and proved to
be so serious that it was found neces-
sary to amputate the limb before car
ryiug the sufferer home. The opera.
ton was performed by DR.. James
Miller, Of this place, assisted by Drs.
Shuey and Gerstelle, Of Piedmont.
The gentleman at last accounts was
doing very favorably.
On the same road an accident hap
pened to a cow belonging to Mr.. Geo.
Smith on Saturday last. The ami
NAL was struck by the passenger
train and had two legs broken. 1t is
still lying in the neighborhood, and
some very thoughtful persons have
built shed over it to protect it from
the heat. The owner valued the COW
at thirty dollars.
Mr.. Joshua Right, Of Right Bros,
lost by brain fever very interesting
and bright little girl of come IL
months of age, one day this week.
The chill was buried Wednesday
morning, Rev. Mr.. Hobbs, of the NJ.
E. Church, conducting the services.
Mr.. Henry Rehs, who was soma-
time ago burnt out, has about con-
pleted a substantial residence and
pop" factory, which adds much to
the app, arance Of that part Of West
ernpcrt.
AS noticed in your paper some time
since, the residents Of Westernport
purchased two secondhand fire.
engines. One Of them has been com.
pietely oveihauled III the shops Of
Mr.. G. A. Pagenhardt, and now
presents a handsome appearance,
and looks as If considerable service
conld he rendered by it In case of
fire. Some 4UO ieet OF hose, both sue
ton and pipe, have been ordered and
are expected daily. When it arrives
it is The intention Of those having the
matter in charge to make a thorough
trial of the apparatus.
A petition has been put in circula-
ton among the residents Of Piedmont
and Westsrnpoit asking Superinten-
dent Bdrwell to place boalds across
he ties of the railroad bridge which
Joins the two towns. The bridge is
no doubt used by great number OF
persons, both as matter OF conve-
nience and in order to save time.
What is really wanted though is
foot bridge in connection with the
track bridge, such as was in place
prior to the fa.l Of 1876, when the
Hood washed out complete span,
and when that was rebuilt the foot
way for some reason was not replaced.