Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-12-02
CRUSHED TO DEATH.
Frank Seaman, Conductor Of No. 9, Regu-
lar Freight, o, S. R. R., While Crossing
from One Gar to Another, Catches
His Foot and Falls.
His Left Foot, Leg and Arm Crushed to n
JelIy-A Popular Railroad Man Meets
the same Fate That Has Come to
Many An Unfortunate While At
tempting to Run Across a
Long Freight Without
Sufficient Care.

Another shocking railroad accident hap
pened. last night. on the Ohio Southern
railroad. near Greenfield. about fifty miles
from this city. which resulted fatally TO a
Springfield man. Number nine freight
train. which was due at Greenfield about
$50 p. H.. was three hours late. and Con
ductor Frank Seaman. in hurry 10 get
his train orders 10 make up for lost time,
started to 20 from the caboose over Ia the
engine. running across the top of the cars.
while passing New Salem siding. which
| is about two miles from Greenfield. While
crossing from one car 10 the other. large
lump of coal, projecting over the edge of
| the ear he was about 10 leap from. caught
under his foot. and unable TO sustain his
weight, gave way, precipitating the poor
man headforemost between the cars. He
| fell on his back lengthwise along the track,
the entire train passing over his left leg and
arm. When the train reached the depot
Seaman was called To receive his train or
drrS. hut there was no reply. The men.
thinking that perhaps he was in some of
the empty cars and would soon show up,
did not call any more for several moments.
After waiting in vain for him. one of the
brakesmen, named Strider. started back to
hunt him up. but he was not To be found
any place on the train. The thought then
came to Strider that perhaps he had fallen
off of the train while running up 10 the en-
gine. Signaling 10 the engineer 10 hold the
train till he came back. the brakesman
started back towards New Salem. When
reaching the spot where Seaman fell, the
brakeSman found the poor man rolling
IN pool of blood, which was flowing
from the crushed arm and leg.
The wounded conductor. who had rolled
himself to the side of the track. seemed Ia
he suffering great agony. and was with
great difficulty. in broken words able Ia
tell his story to the brakeman. Strider
started back to get the train Ia back up. but
on the way met il coming around the bend.
Seaman was placed ON board the caboose
and carried back Ia Greenfield. where a
comfortable bed WAS made for HIM i'll the
warm depot. DrS. W. and l.. Wilson. ply
SiCian> of the city. We're called'in To render
all surgical assistance necessary, and a
dozen railroad comrades We're around Ia do
anything for their fellow laborer that could
he done. Messages were then sent Ia per
SONS in this city and special train gotten
up To carry Mrs. Seaman and children Ia
the dying husband and father. But in some
WY the residence could not be found, as
the family used 10 live on Center street. bu,
have moved to No. 81 West North street.
The special was then abandoned at 1924
this morning The unfortunate man died
three hours and twenty-five minutes
, after his fatal fall. The remains
were kept in the depot TIL the arrival OF
! Accommodation No. al about o'clock,
arriving here at about ten o'clock this morn
ing They We're received at the station by
, friends of the family and taken to the resi-
dence of the deceased on North street.
Frank Seaman is a man of about 81 years
of age and has wife and three children,
the eldest being about eight years old. He
was one Of the most popular men in the rail
roading business. and was warm friend OF
everybody's. Il don't think Frank has al
enemy on the whole road" said one of the
men who works under him. this morning
He was always kind and generous 10 thost
under him, and 10 his superiors was evel
respectful aud obedient. He was. about
three years ago. in the carpentering trade il
this city, being member Of the firm OF
Beaghly and Seaman, in the rear of the Sec
ond Presbyterian church. But firing Of this
! he wanted TO go back on the road again. ST
sold out To his partner and returned 10 tht
then Springfield Southern.
Two weeks ago his brother Charles who is
, yardmaSter in the Nickel Plate yards al
Fort Wayne. Ind, had his left hand and
arm 50 severely smashed that he is of no
more service in the yard.
Supt Van Tassel has been very kind Il
the stricken family. rendering all aid and
assistance in his power. even abandoning al
regular freight trains Thanks are also due
to all his fellow railroad men who 50 kindly
offered their services for his comfort during
his suffering.
The funeral of Nj Seaman will take place
at his residence. at 81 West North street,
tomorrow afternoon at o'clock.