Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1883-10-15
FATAL AccmHr.


Saturday afternoon at 2 is O'Clock Moses
Wells, an aged citizen, while walking in the
Maine Central yard. this city, was struck by a
freight car and almost instantly killed. At the
time of the accident Mr.. Wells was walking
towards Bridge street, close to and west
OF the Maine Central. freight office.
just as he arrived at a point few
feet north Of the entrance to the Office he
stepped to the left and upon the railroad track
nearest the freight station. At the same time
two freight cars which had been given a push
by the shifting engine, came slowly down the
track ON which the old gentleman was standing
and from the direction of passenger station.
Being extremely deaf and facing in an oppo-
site direction from the oncoming cars he did
not notice them. Several of the yardmt n
shouted at him to get off the track but
he did not hear and was struck
in the back by the first car and
thrown down between the rails. One of
the employees of the road rushed TO rescue
him, but too late. The cars passed on and
over him. He was rolled rapidly over and
over beneath the cars and the brake rods
striking his body bruised and crushed it in a
cruel manner. The cars passed COM
pletely over him and when he appeared at the
rear end he was two car lengths from the spot
where he fell
People rushed to the scene of the accident
from all sides and strong arms lifted the
mangled form and carried it tenderly
into the freight office. Then everything
in human power was done to relieve his suffer
ings and save his life if possible. Drs. Hill
and Bricket were summoned, but to 10 pur-
pose. The sands Of life were fast running
out. team and mattresses were procured
and the dying man was driven towards his
home on Church street. But hardly had he
reached his home when the lingering life
fled, and he dropped back into the arms of
those supporting him, dead. Out of difference
of the injuries received.
Moses Wells was born in West Hartford,
Conn, Sept Sth, 1900. In his early boy
hood his father moved to Hallowell, Me-,
and there he learned the cabinet trade. In
1920 the young man came to this city and
worked at the chair and cabinet trade three
years with Eiihu Robinson. In 1924 he en-
tered into a partnt rship with Charles Town,
which continued for four years when they
dissolved. Mr.. Wells then erected brick
block at the foot of Winthrop street, which he
occupied for short time. Leaving this
block, he built the store near the railroad
bridge now occupied by MIR Barber. Here
he remained until 1910, building him house
in 1888 near his store. In 1910 he moved
again and for the last time. into the brick
store at No. Bridges Block. Here he car
ried on the furniture and cabinet business
until about ten years ago. Then his sons
took the business, remaining at the old stand
where they now are. Mr.. Wells mar
ried twice In 1926 he welded Miss Nancy
Page of Hallowell. She died in 1885. Their
union was blessed with four sons. In 1887
he was again married, wedding Miss Maria
l.. Crowell. She lived until about two years
ago. They had eight children. The deceased
leaves but four children, two daughters and
two sons, Charles Il. and Horace L. Wells,
the remainder having all died.
Mr. w ellis was man of strict honesty and
integrity and these traits in his character
were prominent throughout his long and busy
life. Although commencing comparatively
poor boy he won competency by years of
patient industry and perseverance. During
his three score wears of residence here he has
been one of our best citizens, ever having the
interests of the city in view and regard tor
its welfare. This being the case he took
quite deep interest in the politics of the
city and voted for 60 successive years. He
was a true American citizen in every sense
of the word, and As such he died He Joined
the M.thodist church in 1920 and was con-
slant communicate until within period of
twenty five years he had not attended divine
worship on account of impaired hearing.
The remaining members of the family have
the sympathy of the entire community IN the
loss of their aged parent and all are saddened
to think that this venerable citizen should
thus meet his death.