Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1896-12-04
ENGINEER DYER'S FATE.
How He Heroicsilv Met Death In tire Rock
islands Wreci.

How He Heroicsilv Met Death In TIE Rock
Islands Wreci.
The wreck on the Chicago. Rock
Island & Pacific road near Brooklyn
early yesterday morning and its at
tending fatality has been the one
sui sct eff discussion among railroad
men, many Of whom have yet to wit
ness such disaster following a COL
lision in this vicinity, and all of
whom bow their heads in sorrow
over the death OF one of their oldest
associates and loving friends-Engi-
neer James W. Dyer.
Engineer Dyer came to his death
in q more tragic manner than at
frst contemplated. When he was
found in death he was seated in the
cab at poise similar to that when
he was guarding the destiny Of the
painting locomotive. His body was
terribly msngled, both legs being
almost severed Just above the knee,
and there we're cruel wounds on has
body, head and face. II was appar-
ent that Mr.. Dyer did not stir when
warned of his approaching fate, bat
remained faithfully at his post. He
did not for moment seem to con-
slider his own safety. He died he o,
and as he had lived. with thoughts
only of duty.
w. H. Stocks, master mechanic of
the east Iowa division. visited the
scene of the wreck. He says ne can
not remember when he saw two en-
gines so badly smashed in a wreck
The locomotives were travelling at a
rate of about thirty-fve miles an
hour when they met. The CO.,, at
whose throttle Engineer Dyer was
stationed, cut into the $50 Q to the
tender, as result of which both o.
comotives were twisted into all
kinds of shapes. 1t is gener-
ally believed that the cause of the
accident lies with the train dis
patcher's Office st Grinnell. Here
Conductor Black and Engineer
Dyer should have received orders to
sidetrack at Malcolm aud await the
passage of the west-bound freight. Ia
the absence of orders. Engineer Dyer,
taking 1t for granted that he had u
clear track to Brooklyn. opened wild
the throttle of the 662 and let her
get in her best licks. the orders being
to always make all possible speed
with a meat train. At the same
time Engineer Gilmore, with the
552. was speeding along with orders
to meet the eastbound train at NAL
com. He had likewise opened wide
the throttle of his engine, his desire
being to reach Maicom as soon as
possible. that the meat train might
not be delayed on the side track.
About a mile west of Brooklyn
there is. as stated yesterday, Sigh,
curve and an incline. Here the en-.
gines met. Brakeman Ale ,luder was
in the cab with Engineer Dyer and
Fireman Negus. He realized, as he
suddenly saw the fash ahead, that il
would only be moment until the
engines would meet in disastrous
combat.
'.Boys!" he shouted. you'll have
jump for your lives!'
With that Brakeman Alexander
and Fireman Negus bounded into
space. Engineer Dyer did not even
answer when warned of the impend
ing danger. He leaned over aad
reversed the lever. and put on
the ..airbraEe, then sitting back
in the seat, he faced the fast ap.
Preaching monster. Engineer Gill;
more jump ed, as did his fireman,
Thomas Stapleton. who sustained a
vrenched back. Mr.. Gilmore was
quite severely bruised. Fireman Ne.
gus escaped with a sprained right
wrist. while Brakeman Alexs- der
was badly scratched in the face.
Conductors Black and Settle and
Brakemen Clarence Hibbard, J. W.
Porter and w. V. Lawrence, also
jumped. but escaped injuries. The
engines came together. with a terri.
nc crash, the truck of the $50 being
hurled into the cab OF the 662 and
striking Engineer Dyer with such
force as to almost sever his both legs.
Funeral services will be held at the
darkened home at S25 Thirty-ffth
street at 2 O'Clock tomorrow afte..
noon.