Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-15
KILLED ON HIS TRAIN.
SAD DEATH OF CONDUCTOR
CLENIENCE AT TYBEE.

While Leaning from Car to Signal His
Engineer He is Struck by a Tree and
Almost Instantly Kilied-HIs Body
Hurled from the Train and Terribly
MsngIed.
James 5. Clemence, conductor on the
Tybee Island Railway, was almost IN
stantly killed last evening The scci-
dent occurred about O'Clock. The train
had made one trip from the Ocean House
to the wharf of the steamer st. Nicholas,
on the west side Of the island, aud had re-
turned TO the south end for the rest Of the
visitors. The train ran past the Ocean
House and several hundred yards farther
10 the south end OF the track.
A number Of cottages are built between
the railroad and the beach. II is usual
10 stop IN front OF these D. take on passen-
gers when signaled. The en4ine was
backing the coaches, and Conductor
Clemence was standing on the rear plat
form OF the last car He saw a little
ways ahead, and about 400 yards
south of the Ocean House, some
little girls from one Of the cottages sitting
by the edge OF the track. Ii is said that
while the train was yet some distance
from them, but backing rapidly. he mo.
ti0ned 10 them to get out OF the way.
Turning around he sgnaled the engineer,
Edward WeuZ.
Standing on the lower steps Of the plat
form and looking toward the engine he
DID NOT NOTICE TREE
that stood close beside the track and only
a few rods distant. Away down the
track a large crowd was impatiently
waiting for the cars. The most Of them
had their eyes fixed upon the coaches, in
which were few passengers.
Every one supposed that the conductor
was aware Of his danger, and theyseXpect-
ed to see him step up on the platform. As
the car rushed on he leaned farther out in
order 10 attract the attention Of the
engineer. The next instant bis
bead struck the tree with great violence.
He was hurled TO the ground and rolled
almost under the wheels. The train ran
hF, but was stopped as soon as possible.
The crowd hurried up the track only 10
md the unfortunate man mangied about
the head almost beyond recognition. The
face and neck We're covered with blood.
and presented a sickening sight, from
which strong men turned away in horror.
The scalp was torn and the temple cut.
DEATH ALMOST INSTANTANEOUS.
He still breathed but did not
speak after he was struck. His
aged father, James Clemence, and a
brother. were on the island, and were soon
at the scene. The shock completely I'M
nerved the former and be wept pitifully.
The son only breathed 10 minutes after
being struck. The body was placed on
stretcher, and left over TO await the ac-
ton OF the Coroner. The accident cast
gloom over the resort. Soon AFTER the
81. Nicholas left for Savannah, where she
arrived at $3.50.
The news Of the accident preceded the
steamer, and Coroner Dixon was at the
wharf, when she steamed slowly up. AS
sOOn as the passengers were of, the COrO-
ner stepped aboard and the steamer re-
turned 20 Tybee.
The deceased was about 30 years OF age
and a widOwer. He leaves no children.
For some time past he has been an engi-
neer on the Central Railroad, and was in
the fatal disaster in which Fireman
Young was killed year ago at Tennille.
AT the opening Of the summer season
he accepted the position of conductor at
Tybee. His father is a well-known citi-
zen Of Savannah. where for many years
he carried on blacksmithing.
The remains were brought 10 the city
early this morning.