Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1888-10-19

measure subslded, the unlnJured
began to do what could be done for
their unfortunate companions.
A few light tools on the train
we're called into requlsltion, but
proved feeble instruments. The
ST. Francis Pioneer corps, who
we're on the train, piled with zeal
broad axes which were meant for
holiday occasions. They were,
however, but little adapted to work
and were soon rendered useless. In
the meantime the windows of the
cars we're smashed in, the brave
men entered and released those the
least hurt or the least entangled.
In one car they found John Lynch,
of WiIkesbarre, hanging from the
roof by ore leg. His cries brought
friends, who to relieve his suffering,
stood upon the wreckage aud held
his weight upon their backs until
he was relieved from his terrible
position.
4 yonng lady was found caught
| by the lower limbs. One of her
limbs was quickly released, but
the other could not be freed, and
an unfortunately misdrected blow
of an axe severed it from the body.
She heroically bore her torture,
and taking out her gold watch she
handed it to ali acquaintance as a
Gift TO a friend at home. She was
nut on board of one Of the trains
and given all the possible care, but
she did not survive her terrible
injuries, and died in the arms of a
friend on board the car.
70 free the bodies in the rear
the trainmen attached a locomotive
to the wrecked engine and started
to pull it from the wreck. The first
movement of the shat tered wreck
brought from the wounded such
awful cries OF distress that sur.
rounding friends ordered the engi-
neer to desist on the pain of his
life. They did not wish to see the
mangled forms still further mutt
lated. The few houses about the
spot were thrown open to the suf-
fering and bon.ires were lighted to
aid in the work of relief. 1t is not
probable that the work will be
completed before noon.
Passengers on the train state
that they saw the train ahead when
far down the road. They sprang
from their seats and stared IN
wonder and surprise that the train
did not slacken its speed. SGdden'
ly their engineer and fireman were
seen to Jump. Then came the
shock. Engineer Harry Cook and
Fireman Hugh Gallagher sustained
slight injuries. The fireman sub
sequently stated he saw the red
light, informed the engineer and
then Jumped.
The passengers gave many dill
ferent accounts of the probable
cause of the accident, some attrlbu'
ting it to the negligence of the flag
man in not gong back with the
red light, and others say the fourth
section which ran into the third
had ar no brakes. After the news
was received at the hospital con
frmlne the worst fears, the scenes
at the depot were heartrending
Indeed. Several hundred persons
assembled as the report spread
that the train was approaching,
then a rush was made for the
platform. A line Of policemen and
railroad employees was drawn up
TO keep back the crowd.
1t was then reported that the
wounded we're on board and we're
to be taken on to Mill Greek, near
the hospital, and there to be trans
ferred. One desperate man hearing
this sprang forward and with an
awful imprecation declared that
his family we're on the train and
that any attempt to keep him from
them would cost a life. 1t was
learned little later that no
wounded were Oh board.
As the train drew upit was foGad
to contain many from Pleasant and
Minck Valleys who had left dead
friends behind. As they alighted
and met acquaintances their shrieks
and walls were pitiful to hear. One
Young woman mOaned that her
father and sister were dead
another, brother, and so it went
The crowd became wild with e1'
citement. Gradually the facts
narrated aboye were CLEANED from
the more composed. a sad Incl
dent was the presence on the plat
form of Michael Whalen, Of
Pleasant Valley. Up and down
he wandered questioning each one
as to two boys aged respectively
l. and Il years.
Finally one of the passengers
+ remembered that one OF his boys
was hurt. The strong man groaned.
The informer hurried away and
, told the reporter that he thought
+ both bows we're dead. The report
getting abroad in Scranton, mum
ber Of persons who had friends on
the train hired special train, on
which they came down to this
city. They were desirious OF going
? on to the scene OF the wreck. 0n'
, were refused permission by the
company. They we're highly in
dignant at the treatment they re