, 1890-10-10
OLAF JOHNSON KILLED.
The Well Known Citizen Crushed to
Death Between Cars.
He Had Been in Union Pacific Ser
vice but Two Months.
An Investigation Being Made by a
coroner's Jury.

hCOa JC1NSA4aIH -S N@@ @Al y
company service as a car rcpairer. and it
was while engaged at the dangerous occu-
patton that he was stricken down. John
son was crushed to death between two
cars. He had not the least warning OF
impending danger. and so deep was his
hurt that it is extremely doubtful if he
ever realized that he was dying.
The crew was working on a caboose, re-
pairing a damaged drawbar. Johnson's
face was to the work when a train was
sent upon him. Hewas lifted off his feet
ana lie forced from his body, but the
fatal injury dis6gured the remains only a
little. The body was released by the
providentiAl derailment OF a car. john
son was taken to the oil house aud was
pronounced dead less than a quarter OF au
hour alter being crushed. Beyond gasp
ing a few times johnson showed no signs
of life alter he was struck.
Olaf johnson came to Cheyenne in
1871. Up to a little more than a year ago
he ran the street bread wagon for ii. Fl.
Ellis and on his rounds made the acquaint-
ance of nearly every man. woman and
child in Cheyenne. All were his friends.
He was cheerful always aud his honest
smile and pleasant laugh dispelled gloom
from his presence. He was a model hus-
band parent to his wife and two children,
a girl and boy, aged 10 and 8 respectively.
Honorable and upright in all his dealings,
kindly and charitable. he won the esteem
of all.
Deceased was an Odd Fellow and a
prominent member of a local lodge. His
life was insured for $4,000.
johnson left the service of Mr.. Ellis to
become city water, Commissioner and was
In the place eight weeks ago. While a
town officer be discharged his duties with
marked fidelity and excellent judgment.
PLACING THE BLAME.
Coroner Chafin summoned Warren
Richardson, ST., A. r. johnson and
Charles Phillips as jurors and an %investi-
cation began at once, the session being
held at the court house.
HAD A NARROW EsCAP
William w. Abrams, a shop carpenter
and well known citizen, had a narrow es.
cape himself. He was instructed by John
L. Davis, master car repairer, to assist
others in replacing the broken draw head
of a caboose. The crew comprised seven
men and neither Mr.. Davis, nor Tom
McInerny, the foreman attended. The
damaged car was moved several lengths
from others in the string. The work was
well under way when the crash came.
Abrams made one of the biggest and
quickest jumps of bis life, saving himself
hv the lean. He looked hack and saw
the Others in various positions hastily
taken for safety. Poor johnson had his
back to the train. he was held between
the cars until the derailment Of a coal car
by striking a jack freed him. He was car
ried probably iour car lengths. Abrams
ran for a surgeonsand returned with DR..
Grimes. but johnson was past all aid.
He breatned his last as the messenger and
doctor entered the oil room, not more than
fifteen minutes afterthe accident. Abrams
says the train came upon them noiselessly.
with no warning and the crew worked
without the usual protection OF a blue flag.
THEY WERE WARNED.
According to w. G. Bierd, the Union
Pacific general yardmaster at this point.
johnson and the rest of the men hal am
pie warning. He directed the movement
of the train which caused the death. De-
string to reach the caboose, Mr.. Bierd in
formed the men repairing that he was
about to change its position. He asked
them to place their tools on the caboose
platform, saving he would shove it back
himself picked up a wrench and chisel.
The men followed his instructions and he
went away. About fifteen minutes elapsed
before Mr.. Bierd moved the train back.
In the meantime the men had spotted"
the caboose with bars and wero working
under 1t. 1t was an hour before the yard
master learned that johnson had been
killed and then he supposed a road crew
"a ocht upOu Nv ASpohSAS- LIZ
fore signalling Engineer Shannon to move
the train back on the caboose he noticed
hat the men had moved the car. but of
course had no idea they were working un-
der it. On company rules, the yardmas-
ter said, a car might be repaired at any
place, but the men are supposed to dis
play the blue flag by day aud a light at
night conspicuously. This caboose was
not so guarded.
1t is obvious that Abrams did not
reach the scene till after the visit Of
Bierd.
THE GENERAL FOREMAN.
John E. Davis says that in cases Of
emergency the rules relax and frequently
repairs are made without placing flag or
lamp, but the printed rules require this.
He gave no thought of danger in this
instance. as the track was clear.
Mr.. Stoll finally lodged this pointed
query: in your opinion who is to
blame for the death of Johnson" The
witness replied hat he thought it due to
carelessness on the part of the yard men,
who should have had a lookout at the
rear Of the train. On the ether hand it
would be in line of duty for one of the