Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1899-02-09
Killed by a Train.

A very shocking and SAD acCldenG
occurred on the yards of the Baltimore
and Ohio railway here Friday when
about p m. Mr.. Andrew Smith, the
yard master, was crushed and man
g.ed TO de ath by freight car. The
facts, as we gather them, are about as
follows:
Mr. Smith was down near the cat
tie pens, where bis duties had called
him in assisting in getting out freight
cars and putting others on to ether
tracks. A Baltimore and Ohio car,
No. 59063, had been cut loose by
Freight Conductor T. H. Phalen and
was gently going down the incline to-
ward the depot.
The conductor was on the north end
of the car in charge of the brake. Mr..
Smith it is Supposed started to cross
the track with his back to the Chesa-
peake and Ohio. 1t is the presump-
tion, for no one knows, that he mo-
mentarily forgot the car that was
moving, and was struck by it and
knocked down and caught by the
wheels.
At any rate Capt. Phalen says he
felt the car wheels bump as if the car
was off the track, but in moment
more they righted and he knew they
were not off, but he had put the brake
on. He, however, loosened the brake
as soon as be felt the car was on the
track.
But when the wheels of the next
truck reached the spot he felt the
same sensation and put the brake
down again, and then he saw Mr..
Smith lying there crushed.
Only one wheel of the second truck
had passed over him.
Mr.. Phalen called assistance and the
remains were taken to the freight de-
pot, where the coroner, DIR. George 8.
Walker, viewed them, but thought no
inquest necessary.
There were only a few spasmodic
movements of the body after Captain
Phalen saw it, and death came in
short time to relieve his suffering.
The body was mangled to frightful
degree, but the face was uninjuI ed and
was calm and peaceful, displaying no
signs of agony.
The car had passed over the body
about the waist, cutting it nearly in
two. cutting off the right arm below
the elbow, and crushing the left leg
badly.
Mr.. Smith was aged about ga years,
and was born near Hudson, New York.
He was member of Co. K, 14th New
Y Ork, and was wounded at Malvern
Hill. and was a member of the G. A.
R. He has been in the employ Of the
B. & o. for 35 years, and during that
time be has not lost single day.
He has been living in Staunton
about "a years, and was faithful,
Efficient, and one of the most accom-
modating men in the employ of that or
any other road. He was member of
The Methodist church, and also of
Staunton Lodge No. 40, l. o. o. F.
His fathers name was Alfred Smith.
Surviving him are bis wife and two
daughters, Effle and Annie, who reside |
lere, and two sons, Havie and Ollie,
Who also reside here, and two sisters,
Mrs. Van Dyke, wife of DIR. w. H.
Van Dyke, who resides in Hudson,
New York, and Mrs. George W. Bald
vim, of SchaghticOke, New Y ork, and
brother, Alfred Smith, of Canadaigua,
Iew York, who haye been telegraphed
or.
The body was taken to the under
aking establishment of j. T. Kice,
where it was prepared for burial, aud
taken to the late residence
If the deceased.
The funeral services, which was
by the Rev. F. J.Prettyman,
,ook place Saturday afternoon at
clock from the Methodist church.
The pall-bearers were: K. N. Great
head. H M. Painter, P. w. Wood ward,
W. M. Simpson, J. N. Mcfarland and
6. w. Hewitt.
- <------
@"~-