The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1892-04-08
Unheardof bargains at Mllltsack's.
The Big Storm,


The reports continue to come in Of the
disastrous effects Of the storm Of March 81
and April /. In this locality on Thursday,
p. m, there were nimbus clouds that indi-
catedrain. About 8, p. M, rain began to fall
and the wind raised blowing 1t ftful gusts.
Later on there was thunder and lightning,
while the rain falling showed tendency to
turn to hail and snow. About -, p. m, the
wind was blowing gale, and at 2, p. M,
April /, the velocity of the wind was fearful
and u thick, wet snow plaStered every
exposed surface. The gale abated toward
morning, and daylight revealed heaps of
snow piled along the sidewalks, and to the
leeward Of all objects that stood in the path
Of the storm.
Considerable damage was done, both in
town and country. Outhouses were over.
turned and chimneys blown down. The
railroad machine shops and engine room
being damaged, states being blown off and
the skylights broken.
On Saturday the farmers began to come
in inquiring for windmlls 1t is estimated
that one-half Of the windmills in the county
were down, and some report damage to
stock, sheds and barns.
The wires were down along the railroad
and traffic and travel was for time delayed.
An accident (three miles east of Colby on
the Rock Island) resulted in the ditching Of
the east-bound vestible-the demoishing of
three freight cars and an engine, Engineer
Lee Ames, with engine 523; Fireman Miller,
was pulling No IA, the east bound vestibule.
1t was behind time leaving here and was
making fast run east. 1t seems that three
empty freight cars on the siding at Colby
had got loose and were blown out on the
main track. No. IA overlook them three
miles east Of Colby, snow having slightly
Stacked their motion. The train was max
ing fifty miles per hour when the crash
came. The cars were demolished and the
engine ditched. Brakemen Tom Welliver
and Fitzgerald happened to be on the train
and were awake in the smoking car when
the crash came. They seized lantern and
axes and made their way up to the wreck.
The fireman had jumped after the first
shock, but Engineer Ames was found
pinned between the tender and the engine.
The coal was chucked forward and the
water was running out which caused the
engine to settle and pinch against the ten
der. Ames could not speak, but by vigorous
chOpping he was delivered from his perllous
situation not fatally injured. Inten minutes
more he could have been dead man, as the
settling continued causing the further pinch,
ing Of tender and engine. The fireman was
found in dazed condition. but not very
seriously hurt, among some trucks of the
demolished freight cars. 1t was fortunate
that some of these experienced railroad men
were on board, They did not belong to the
train crew, but were returning from Col
orado Springs and the storm being 80 bad,
did not stop off at Goodland but went on to
Phillipsburg to return the next day. Wei
liver was recovering from an injured hand
and had not yet gone back to work. These
two men saved Engineer Lee Ame's life;
being awake and knowing what to do, and
doing 1t quick. They had to chop an oak
timber Axe inches in order to release the
engineer. Bravo for the boys! They deserve
recognition and are sure to get 1t.