Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1886-10-22
CRUSHED BY TUE CARS.

FATAL RAILROAD ACCIDENT AT SOUTH VERNON
REV. JOHN l.. SMITH THE v1or1M-A DAN.
aERoUs CROSSING,
Rev. John l.. Smith Of Marlboro. Mass
50 years old, while going to the station last
Friday morning to take the 1890 train south.
was run over by switching freight engine.
receiving injuries from which he died about
noon. Mr.. Smith was well-known Metbo.
dist preacher in this county 40 years ago. He
preached in Vernon for some years. also in
Dover, Nottingham, Marlboro, Wilmington.
Newfano and Wardsboro, and was considered
"A forcible and able preacher, lie had retired
from the ministry, and at the time of the &C.
cident was returning to Marlboro, where he
lived with a daughter, after visit among his
old friends and Pensioners. He was lame.
but for which he might have escaped the en-
CINE, which ran over one foot and leg lie
leaves four children, two sons living in Ac-
worth, N. H., and one in Boston.
A correspondent adds the following partio-
ulars
rhe station lies beyond the track from the village
aud the crossing is so dangerous for teams that ac
curding to general CUSTOM Mr. Smith left at the
bridge to walk over to the station. One must pass
over four tracks in crossing aud the first several
cars had been left standing, completely obstructing
the northern view of the second track The uptrain
stood In front OF the station and although II was Just
the time for passengers up down to be crossing an
engine was switching about, maAing up the freight
which leaves between - aud O'Clock. This engine
came down on the second track Just as Mr.. smith
stepped by the cars ON the first track aud striking tn
leg below the knee laid the bone bare for some WAYS
aud crushed the rest Of the foot and leg almost to
Jelly. OF course the cars on the first track were as
much Of an obstruction to the view of the engineer
to Mr.. Smiths so that neither saw the other until
the moment of collision. There seems to have been
mo- Carelessness on Mr.. Smiths part, and no blame
anywhere except ia the construction or management
Of the railroad company's property. This crossing
has long been considered dangerous place, both for
teams aud pedestrians, and now the dissatisfaction OF
tue townspeople is merged into Indignation. The
ta Of railroad company obhgug It's patrons to pass
directly across the tracks where all its trains
up without the least precauton being exercised foi
their saietyl 1t ought certainly, in all humanity, ei.
Their to suspend lite switching operations during the
times when passenger trains are arriving and leaving
else provide gate to prevent crossing when en-.
gnes moving II is earnestly hoped that this as
terrible fatality may be the means Of causing some
change IN the way the railroad business Is managed a
this station. when lives are lost in the way Mr.
smiths was there is no question as to where the
spousibility lies.
Mr. Smith was carried to the south Vernon hote
aud attended by Dr.. GOodwillie. Dr.Waker of Green
field was summoned to aid in amputating the leg bu
the patient died about the time Of his arrival from thu
shock OF the injury.
''Atr Smith was preacher Of considerable capahil
ity He used to be called shouting John on accoun
Of his immense volume of voice. lie had long been
member of the Vermont conference, though for year
superannuatcd. Some 30 years ago he preached for
year in the Unversast church here funds being rails
ed 10y the combined subscriptions Of the tOwnspeop
of various creeds He was universally liked and mad
many friends, many Of whom are now however, sleep
ing the sleep that knows no waking He was yer
worthy man, but exceedingly eccenric great story
teller with memory that reached far back into hi
long life aud humorous style of ating incident
and experiences which lent charm TO his converse
ton Every year. except possibly one, since hts pas
torate in Vernon, he has visited his frie nds here
upon each visit except this last he has preached
sermon to them. He was long familiar figure I
many, and will not be forgotten for his Cheerful
and kindly Christian Character