National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-03-08
HARRY FREEBURN,
Death Of Courageous and Faithful Eli
Efneer.

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Harry Freeburn, the engineer on board
| the South bound engine which oollided with the
train bearing the presidential party on Saturday
died at the residence of his sister, on Four anda
half street southwest, yesterday morning, about
four o'clock. Probably there was no locomotive
engineer running into Washington SO well and
favorably known as Harry Freeburn, and GER
tainy there was none in the country who had SO
long list of unhappy accidents upon record
Freeburn had been raiiroading mp TO the time OF
his death about twenty-five years, and
has always been considered one of the
most careful and competent of employees
The word fear was not known in the lexicon OF
his life and in his long experience and many fatal
episodes not once was he ever known to leave his
posi- or swcrve one moment from his duty. 1t was
him who stuck firmly 10 his engine on the oc-
casion of the accident caused by misplaced
switch at Bcnnings Station about two years
ago. when the postal car was burned and
young Fay lost his life. He was the hero
of the hour when the collision occurred in
the tunnel at the eastern limit of the
city some years since, and on many other
occasions he has shown nerve of steel nikman-
hood worthy Of example. 1.-THE trying episodes OF
his life were collected and written out they would
I'll volume but the last act in his career fully
illustrates the heroic course which he uniformly
pursued.
Coming swiftly round the curve at Severn,
seeing the other engine almost full upon him,
realizing VIVA: must inevitably come, he reversed
his engine, turned TO his fireman, George Frere,
and said:
We've got it this time, George! Jump"
What will you do 3" came the quick query in
reply; and he answered:
Never mind me; you have family. Jump
! The fireman did jump, Is Harry might have
done, and saved his life. Freeburn, poor fellow,
was found rnangled, crushed, and burned, his
hand still upon the throttle of his engine For three
DAYS and nights he had, in common with the
other employees OF the road, been worked almost
continuously IN bringing in the great number OF
visitors civil and military. coming to attend the
inaugural ceremonies. Even under such circum-
stances there might have been some excuse for
forgetfulness, but Freeburn's friends, and those
who should know. say that he had no such orders
as the railroad company claims he had. The orders
were they say go ahead for Washington, use all
possible haste and await orders en- route. His last
conscious words Were 1T was not my fault"
Harry Freeburn was well and popularity known in
Washington. Those who knew him best will
mourn him most. At the St. James Hotel, where
he has made his headquarters for the past six or
seven years, he has many warm friends, who will
feel deep and sincere regret at the loss from their
MIDST OF q true rlenu. genial companion, ana
thorough gentleman. He was unmarried and a
member of Harmony Lodge No. IL, F. and A. NJ;
Lafayette Chapter, No. o. r. a. NJ. and Columbia
ComTnandery, No. ,, X. T.
He viii be followed 10 his last resting place in
Congressional Cemetery on Thursday next by the
bodies above named and host Of regretful friends
May he rest in peace.
Coroner Patterson will hold an inquest at the
South Washington station house this afternoon at
one o'clock, to ascertain, if possible, who was re-
sponsible for the deplorable tragedy